2022 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often noted for its conventional appearance, blending seamlessly with other compact crossovers in the market. Its design featured a few distinguishing elements, such as the grille and some chromed plastic accents, but overall, it did not stand out in terms of exterior styling. The color palette offered by Honda included eight options, though many were variations of gray, black, and white, with more vibrant colors like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic being limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V provided a modern look with angular seat designs and options for black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling, especially in mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Telluride was praised for its muscular design and balanced proportions, making it an attractive choice in the midsize SUV category. Kia made minimal changes to the exterior for 2022, maintaining its appealing look with minor updates to the grille pattern and new badges. The Telluride's interior was well-organized and upscale, with thoughtful details like overhead air vents and USB ports in the front seatbacks. The SX Prestige package added premium touches like Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner, enhancing the overall luxurious feel. The Telluride's design successfully combined form and function, offering a spacious and comfortable interior for all passengers.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all nine trims, excluding the hybrid versions. It delivered smooth and steady acceleration, reaching 60 mph in approximately 7.8 seconds. While not the fastest in its class, it was competitive with other crossover SUVs. The CR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provided a consistent driving experience but lacked the engagement of conventional transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup included a MacPherson strut in the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, offering decent handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, boasted a more powerful 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine, providing ample power and 262 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive with Lock mode enhanced its performance capabilities. The Telluride offered a smooth ride with a brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and selectable driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport. It performed well on various terrains, including snow and muddy roads, and delivered a comfortable ride on dry pavement. The Telluride's fuel economy was competitive, with an EPA estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving for the AWD version.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's cargo area was accessible through various tailgate options, depending on the trim level, with the Touring trim featuring a hands-free power tailgate. Roof rails were standard only on the top-tier Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was designed to comfortably accommodate five passengers and their gear, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Kia Telluride excelled in balancing form and function, with an upscale interior design and thoughtful features like grab handles and overhead air vents. The Telluride offered comfortable seating for adults in all three rows, with a one-touch sliding and folding second-row seat mechanism for easy access to the third row. The cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 87 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Telluride's Smart Power Liftgate and flat load floor made it convenient for transporting large items.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim featured a basic 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity, while higher trims offered a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim boasting a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were available throughout the cabin, with the Touring trim adding a wireless phone charger.

In 2022, Kia made its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard in the Telluride, including navigation and voice recognition. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wire, the system offered a range of features, including Kia Connect with a free trial subscription. The Telluride also included USB charging ports in all three rows and a wireless smartphone charging pad in most trims. Additional features like Quiet Mode and Driver Talk enhanced the Telluride's family-friendly appeal.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Honda's approach to safety included making its Honda Sensing system standard across all trims, offering features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Kia Telluride also prioritized safety, with a suite of standard driver assistance features under the Kia Drive Wise umbrella. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation. Additional features like Safe Exit Assist and Blind-Spot View Monitor enhanced the Telluride's safety credentials.