2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille that contributed to a more muscular aesthetic. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained a degree of sophistication as the eye moved along the van's sides and rear. The rear was marked by an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its centre. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality with luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted comfort, soft-touch materials, and classy finishes. The flat dashboard, anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, was complemented by Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and real metal surrounds, making it one of the poshest minivans available. The Pacifica also excelled in sound deadening, ensuring a quiet ride.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trims, each with standard AWD, and was praised for its luxury feel at a mainstream price, especially in the SX Limited trim. The SX Limited offered premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, and heated and ventilated seats. The SX Limited Nightsky Edition added a blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels. The Telluride's styling was widely appreciated, with a contemporary design and quality execution. The interior featured a solid and smooth transmission shifter, preserving storage space. However, the interior colour options were limited, with light grey leather only available in the SX Limited trim. Despite some glossy hard plastic, the Telluride's interior was a model of modern design.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. AWD was an extra-cost option for the V6 models, while the hybrid was FWD only. The AWD system activated on-demand based on various conditions and deactivated for improved fuel efficiency when not needed. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with fuel consumption of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica had fuel consumption figures of 12.4 L/100 km in the city, 8.4 on the highway, and 10.6 combined, with AWD models slightly less efficient.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It offered Drive Mode Select technology with Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart modes. The AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, and the Telluride's 20.3 cm ground clearance helped it handle low-grip terrain. The Telluride excelled in ride and handling, nearly eliminating head-toss with its suspension tuning. The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, along with a self-leveling rear suspension, ensured a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds, while softening at higher speeds. The Telluride's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 L/100 km combined, with our testing loop averaging 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a padded centre console lid for a sense of togetherness. Storage space was ample, with an under-stack area for personal items. Standard features included rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and Stow ’n Go seating. The second-row under-console storage was a practical addition, and the Pacifica's seats provided ample legroom for passengers. The cargo area was spacious, with best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and ventilation, and the leather upholstery featured a distinctive pattern. The Telluride's 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, and robust grab handles aided exit. Storage solutions included smartphone bins, USB ports, and cupholders. The Telluride's smart hands-free power liftgate revealed 601 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,455 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with an optional second-row in-seat entertainment system. The sound system options ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system in the Pinnacle Hybrid. The Pinnacle model also included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The standard 10.25-inch touchscreen display integrated navigation and other upgrades. The infotainment system allowed pairing of two smartphones via Bluetooth and included wireless smartphone charging. The SX trim featured a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, and the Limited grades added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with most standard on the Touring-L grade. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with active braking. The Pinnacle grade added adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, front parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and lane departure warning with lane keep assist. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included eight standard safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist. The 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.