2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Pricing ranged from $32,190 to $42,490, excluding destination charges. The Telluride SX trim, especially with the Prestige package, transformed it into a luxury SUV at a mainstream price, featuring premium Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and heated second-row seats. The Nightfall Edition added a blacked-out look with unique wheels and grille. The Telluride's design was praised for its contemporary style and quality, with only minor criticisms regarding interior color options and some plastic materials.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the UX and RX models, featured sharp edges and a streamlined profile. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX used an older platform shared with the previous-generation Toyota RAV4. The F Sport Black Line edition added a larger grille, dark-finish wheels, and a striking Grecian Water paint. The interior design, once radical, had become familiar, with a high dashboard and door sides for a sporty feel. However, material quality was more akin to mainstream brands, with plastic switchgear and trim.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes and optional AWD with a Lock function for better traction. The Telluride excelled in challenging conditions, demonstrating impressive ride and handling with minimal head-toss. Its suspension tuning provided a firm yet compliant ride, and the SUV managed curves well with its Torque Vectoring Cornering Control. Fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a tested average of 20.5 mpg.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 194 horsepower. It came standard with AWD but was not a performance vehicle, taking 9.1 seconds to reach 60 mph. The hybrid focused on fuel efficiency, though the drivetrain struggled with transitions between electric and gasoline power. The F Sport package improved handling with sport-tuned suspension, but steering remained numb. Drive modes offered little difference, with Eco mode further reducing acceleration.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a 14-way adjustable driver’s seat and heated, ventilated front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs offered heating and ventilation, and the third-row was accessible and usable for adults. Storage solutions were abundant, with smart features like a hands-free power liftgate. Cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited headroom and rear legroom, making the rear seats feel cramped. Front seats offered good support with 10-way power adjustment, and heated and ventilated options were available. The sloping roofline and thick pillars hindered visibility, though large mirrors helped. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. A power liftgate and folding second row were available but not standard.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen depending on the trim. UVO Link services offered various features, though a WiFi hotspot was unavailable. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls. The SX trim featured a Harman Kardon sound system and additional features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system felt dated. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. Highway Drive Assist offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though headlights were rated poorly.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-tracing assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, though a 360-degree camera system was missing.