2021 Kia Telluride vs. Its Competition

2021 Kia Telluride
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

With the Telluride, Kia becomes the final mainstream automaker to offer a big three-row crossover SUV.

It joins Hyundai, which fields the Palisade, a cousin to the Telluride that comes draped in more avant garde looks but bears the same running gear.

Telluride buyers will have to be lured out of the aging but still excellent Honda Pilot or away from the appealing new 2020 Ford Explorer.

The Subaru Ascent has been a smash hit in its first year on the market for its appealing blend of value, safety, and interior space.

The Toyota Highlander remains a strong choice for its spacious interior and thrifty hybrid option.

2021 Kia Telluride2021 Kia Telluride
2021 Honda Pilot2021 Honda Pilot
2021 Hyundai Palisade2021 Hyundai Palisade
2021 Subaru Ascent2021 Subaru Ascent
2021 Toyota Highlander XSE2021 Toyota Highlander
2020 Ford Explorer ST - First Drive - Portland OR, June 20192020 Ford Explorer
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Quick Specs
7.5
The 2021 Kia Telluride earns our Best Car To Buy nod with its excellent features, warranty, space, and style.
6.3
The 2021 Honda Pilot does a solid impression of a minivan, minus the cultural baggage.
7.3
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade builds a bridge to luxury with three rows of seats, big touchscreens, and quilted leather.
6.7
The 2021 Subaru Ascent scales the mountain of family needs for a three-row crossover.
7.2
The 2021 Toyota Highlander learned new tricks to keep us entertained on the road, when we’re not asleep in the back anyway.
7.0
The 2020 Ford Explorer rediscovers its capable, outdoorsy side without becoming trucklike in any other respect.
MSRP From     
$32,190$32,550$32,675$32,295$35,085$32,765
Gas Mileage     
19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Regular Unleaded V-6Regular Unleaded V-6Regular Unleaded V-6Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded H-4Regular Unleaded V-6Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
EPA Class     
Small SUV 2WDSmall SUV 2WDStandard SUV 2WDStandard SUV 4WDSmall SUV 2WDStandard SUV 2WD
Style Name     
LX FWDLX 2WDSE FWD8-PassengerL FWD (GS)Base RWD
Drivetrain     
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveAll Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
888887
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
Sport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport Utility
Transmission     
Automatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODCVT w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2021 Kia Telluride vs. 2021 Honda Pilot2021 Kia Telluride vs. 2021 Hyundai Palisade2021 Kia Telluride vs. 2021 Subaru Ascent2021 Kia Telluride vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander2021 Kia Telluride vs. 2020 Ford Explorer