Kia Telluride
Enthusiast

2021 SUV Face-Off: Can The Kia Telluride Compete Against Top Competition?

Kia has crafted a wonderful midsize SUV for 2021 and the all-new Telluride holds a stunning luxury package that adheres to your tasteful driving needs. For affordable SUV buyers ready to transform their driving capability and day-to-day lifestyle, the 2021 Kia Telluride holds its own when stacked up against other competing SUVs.

If you’re prepared to make a down payment on a new SUV, leasing or financing the new Kia Telluride will transform the way you commute. But how does it compare to other affordable luxury sport utility vehicles? We’ve compiled a list of popular SUVs that new car buyers are considering, and below is how the Kia Telluride comes out on top when facing off with popular 2021 sport utility vehicles.

2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Honda Pilot

Competitor midsize SUVs like the Telluride and Honda Pilot are similar in size and cargo space, but when it comes to an affordable MSRP on a luxury trim package, the Kia Telluride comes out on top. Between the Kia Telluride SX and the Honda Pilot Elite trim level, car buyers will pay around $4-5k less for the Telluride. With similar V6 engines, the Kia Telluride holds more horsepower, but receives 2MPG less on the highway compared to the 2021 Honda Pilot but they do however receive 19 MPG city which is ideal for family errand runs or the work commute. If you’re looking for a 2021 SUV that can tow your pontoon boat or trailer the family camper, the Honda Pilot does support a 3,500-lbs tow rating. However, the Kia Telluride comes out on top with a 5,000-lbs towing capacity. 

The heads-up display technology is also not an available option for the Honda Pilot Elite but is for the Kia Telluride which will help drivers keep their focus on the road with their speed and navigational direction displayed on the glass above the steering wheel.

The Kia Telluride also has the luxury of more passenger and cargo space than in the Honda Pilot. Both 2021 SUVs have the leather seating interior option as well as LED headlights. However, the 2021 Kia Telluride is bringing a new style to the front headlights and rear headlights. Instead of the L-shape LED strips, the Kia Telluride has an all-around LED headlight square, and the tail lights provide two LED bar strips that offer a bolder look with advanced visibility.

2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

Undecided between the all-new Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride? The Toyota Highlander has a new look and plenty of amenities, but the MSRP for the XLE trim option is above $41k making the new Telluride EX the better option for drivers looking to save some cash on their new car investment.

Both car models provide a V6 engine, and though the 2021 Highlander receives slightly better gas mileage, the Kia Telluride is capable of pulling just as much weight with the same towing capacity. If looks mean most to you when leasing or buying a new SUV, you may steer toward the Kia Telluride due to the fact that it caters to the traditional boldness of a midsize SUV. 

The Toyota Highlander body style resembles more of a crossover than a midsize SUV with more slender headlamps and less ground clearance. Drivers who decide on the Telluride will feel like they have more steel around them because the Telluride embodies the sport utility look. One perk for the 2021 Highlander is the dual-panel sunroof which allows more light into the cabin.

Also, the LED headlamps and rear combination LED tail lights for the Kia Telluride stand vertically, rather than the sedan-looking, horizontal headlights that the Highlander presents. If you’re interested in a bolder front fascia and a more capable look for your next SUV, you’ll likely be more satisfied choosing the new Kia Telluride.

2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai and Kia have always been competitors in the affordable car market and with their new SUV lineup, they bring plenty of similarities in the sport utility realm. The Telluride EX is more affordable when compared to the Palisade SEL and Limited trim options with both editions marked above $35k.

The LED projector beam headlights compared to the Hyundai Palisade’s thin and horizontal style LED headlamps offer more practicality and luxury-like appearance. Especially if you opt for the Nightfall edition LED projection lights that boast a sophisticated and dark look to the SUV’s front fascia.

Even though both SUVs embody the midsize SUV style with third-row seating variations, the =Telluride comes out on top with interior luxury as well with the lower Telluride trims offering a synthetic leather interior compared to the base trim cloth interior for the Hyundai SUV.  The new Kia also offers more cargo space, better fuel mileage, and it has been rated 5-stars by the National Highway Traffic Administration.

Consider the Kia Telluride for your 2021 SUV

The Kia Telluride is bringing a whole new SUV to the roads for 2021. Experience beneficial technology and a slick approach to headlight styling, as well as car safety and affordability. The headlight design of the Kia Telluride is what sets this vehicle apart from the rest, and if you’re in the market for a new midsize sport utility vehicle, you may meet the perfect match within the upper trim options for the all-new Telluride. 

Browse our blogs and see why your family needs a new SUV and learn more about what is available to you when switching from your sedan to a sport utility vehicle.

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Patrick Kirk
I am a full-time copywriter from Naples, FL and living in Austin, TX. I have written for the automotive industry for three years, and enjoy other hobbies such as camping and mountain biking. I received my Bachelors from Florida Gulf Coast University, and served in the U.S Coast Guard.

    8 Comments

    1. Great Article!

    2. Where are pictures of all these vehicles, what does the Kia Telluride look like!

    3. I honestly would consider switching to this car if I had the possibility. I love the fact that the interior is lather. Also the outside of the car its very stylish and serious. Now that I am getting older brighter headlamps would be even better. It sound like a great package overall.

    4. I used to work with Kia and worked with a lot of people when the Telluride released. It was a very high demand SUV that really stood on top of the competition. I personally loved the vehicle too, really wished I could’ve afforded it.

    5. For Kia to win over the customers from rival brands, it will have to better in all aspects. I think they are headed in the right direction!

    6. The Telluride is really nice in its class, I like it better than these other comparisons.

    7. Telluride is impressive, and I appreciate the details about the headlights 🙂

    8. I had to look up what each vehicle looks like. That is a big factor too me. A large SUV is not much of my style I noticed. But, the Telluride seems to have some nice features and perks.

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