2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with the rest of Volvo's lineup through features like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and unique alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Despite these distinctions, the Recharge maintained a low-key appearance, appealing to those who preferred a subtle electric vehicle.

Inside, the XC40 boasted a minimalist design with high-quality materials, including real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The interior design was cohesive, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents blending seamlessly. Unlike many competitors, Volvo did not compromise on interior design to meet a price point, offering a premium feel throughout.

The 2021 Kia Telluride, available in four trims with standard AWD, was praised for its luxurious feel at a mainstream price, especially in the SX Limited trim. This top-tier version featured premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, and heated and ventilated seats in both the front and second rows. The SX Limited Nightsky Edition introduced a blacked-out aesthetic with gloss black 20-inch wheels and a unique grille insert.

The Telluride's design was lauded for its impeccable styling, both inside and out, with only minor criticisms directed at some glossy hard plastics. The transmission shifter was strategically placed to preserve storage space, and its operation was smooth, enhancing the overall quality feel. While the interior colour options were limited, the Telluride's design and execution were considered exemplary.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 variant produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for AWD, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. It was powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with 75 kWh usable capacity, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. The T5 and T4 models achieved the same in 6.4 and 8.5 seconds, respectively. All versions were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The XC40 emphasized luxury, offering a quiet and comfortable ride, with the Recharge model capable of one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a single powertrain: a 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It offered various driving modes, including Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart, through Kia’s Drive Mode Select technology. The AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, complemented by 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance. The Telluride excelled in challenging conditions, demonstrating impressive ride and handling capabilities. Its suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a firm and connected sensation at lower speeds and a more compliant ride at higher velocities. The Telluride's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with test results averaging 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, despite having no difference in passenger or cargo space between the Recharge and gasoline models, was not particularly spacious. It offered less legroom and headroom compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, and its cargo area was smaller. The Recharge's frunk was also limited in size. However, Volvo compensated with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and a bag hook in the glovebox door. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were relocated to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. A wireless charging pad was optional, but second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver’s seat offering 12-way power adjustments and a power-adjustable thigh support extension. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with the front passenger seat offering 6-way power adjustment. The Telluride's interior featured distinctive leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass for a quieter ride. The second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, with side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was accessible via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat, or through a pass-through between the captain’s chairs. The Telluride offered ample storage solutions, including smartphone storage pouches and large cupholders. The smart hands-free power liftgate provided easy access to the cargo area, which offered 601 litres of space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 2,455 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. The system was equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Recharge models also offered OTA update capability, eliminating the need for a start button. The Polestar 2's Digital Key feature was anticipated for future updates.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and the ability to pair two smartphones via Bluetooth. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, and the infotainment system was user-friendly. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, with Limited grades adding a head-up display. The voice-recognition system was adequate, though not exceptional.

The gasoline 2021 Volvo XC40 received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aid advancements.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included eight standard safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, and forward-collision avoidance. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist. SX trim added front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.