
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.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2021 Kia Telluride earns our Best Car To Buy nod with its excellent features, warranty, space, and style. |
The 2021 Honda Pilot does a solid impression of a minivan, minus the cultural baggage. |
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade builds a bridge to luxury with three rows of seats, big touchscreens, and quilted leather. |
The 2021 Subaru Ascent scales the mountain of family needs for a three-row crossover. |
The 2021 Toyota Highlander learned new tricks to keep us entertained on the road, when we’re not asleep in the back anyway. |
The 2020 Ford Explorer rediscovers its capable, outdoorsy side without becoming trucklike in any other respect. |
MSRP From | |||||
$32,190 | $32,550 | $32,525 | $32,295 | $34,910 | $32,765 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded H-4 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Standard SUV 2WD | Standard SUV 4WD | Small SUV 2WD | Standard SUV 2WD |
Style Name | |||||
LX FWD | LX 2WD | SE FWD | 8-Passenger | L FWD (GS) | Base RWD |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2021 Kia Telluride vs. 2021 Honda Pilot | 2021 Kia Telluride vs. 2021 Hyundai Palisade | 2021 Kia Telluride vs. 2021 Subaru Ascent | 2021 Kia Telluride vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander | 2021 Kia Telluride vs. 2020 Ford Explorer |