2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

Kia sold the 2021 Telluride in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, each available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Base pricing ranged from MSRPs of $32,190 to $42,490, excluding destination charges. The Telluride S provided significant value, but many opted for the top-of-the-line SX trim, which, with the Prestige option package, transformed it into a luxury SUV at a mainstream price. This package added premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The Nightfall Edition option package, new for 2021, was available with EX and SX trims, adding gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Nightfall Edition, AWD, Prestige package, Towing package, and other accessories, had a sticker price of $50,180, including a $1,170 destination charge.

The 2021 Kia Telluride's styling was a major selling point, with its exterior and interior design receiving high praise. The transmission shifter, placed to the left side of the center console, preserved storage space and felt solid and smooth in operation, enhancing the sense of quality. However, the interior color options were limited to black or gray unless you opted for the SX trim. Despite some inexpensive-looking plastic, the Telluride's overall look and feel were impressive.

Lincoln made subtle styling changes to the 2022 Navigator, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design now standard. The Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence was updated, and the SUV's front end was restyled. While the changes were generally well-received, the new Audi-esque grille was less elegant and lacked the presence of the previous design. Despite this, the rest of the Navigator's updates for 2022 were successful.

Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with quality materials and mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln's Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display was a significant upgrade, offering ample display acreage. The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles with Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trim levels, starting at $78,405, including a $1,695 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Navigator Black Label in the new Central Park theme, had a sticker price of $106,530, including the destination charge.

The 2021 Kia Telluride, technically a crossover, was offered with a single powertrain: a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. Kia's Drive Mode Select technology provided options between Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. AWD was optional, featuring a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, and the SUV's eight inches of ground clearance helped it cover challenging terrain. During testing in various conditions, including a wintry mix in Colorado and mountain routes near Malibu, the Telluride demonstrated impressive ride and handling, nearly eliminating the phenomenon known as "head-toss."

The Telluride's suspension tuning, featuring a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension design, included a self-leveling rear suspension in the EX and SX trims. This ensured proper ride and handling when loaded with people, cargo, or a trailer. The SUV's tuning produced a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds, softening up at higher velocities to glide over the road. The 20-inch wheels and tires provided commendable grip, and the brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology contributed to its calm, cool, and collected performance on twisty roads. The EPA estimated the AWD Telluride's fuel economy at 21 mpg in combined driving, with our testing averaging 20.5 mpg.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The twin-turbo V6 delivered 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, emitting a pleasing note under acceleration. Towing capacity ranged between 8,100 pounds and 8,700 pounds, depending on wheelbase and drivetrain selections, with improved Trailer Reverse Guidance technology for 2022. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview, identified and prepared for bumps and cracks ahead, ensuring a smooth ride even on imperfect pavement.

The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, addressing previous complaints about the Navigator's brakes. During testing in Arizona, the Navigator's twin-turbo effortlessly climbed past the snow line, unfazed by its nearly three tons of curb weight. The SUV's 9.7 inches of ground clearance and appropriate driving mode and traction settings handled snow and mud with ease. The adaptive suspension quelled unwanted ride motions, and the 22-inch wheels and tires provided plenty of grip. The EPA estimated the Navigator 4WD's fuel economy at 18 mpg in combined driving, with our testing averaging 18.6 mpg.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The Telluride SX's driver’s seat offered 14-way power adjustments, including power lumbar and thigh support, providing an optimal driving position. Both front seats were heated and ventilated, with the front passenger benefiting from 8-way power adjustment. The Prestige package's leather upholstery featured a distinctive pattern, and acoustic sound-absorbing glass helped quiet the cabin. The test SUV's second-row captain’s chairs, with heating and ventilation, provided comfort and convenience, including side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel.

The Telluride's third-row seat was usable by adults, though not as accommodating as some competitors. The SUV offered ample storage, including a smartphone bin, door trays, and second-row features like USB ports, grocery bag hooks, and cupholders. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate, activated by proximity, revealed 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 46 cubic feet with the seats folded and 87 cubic feet with the second-row seats down. The test vehicle's cargo area included buttons for easy seat folding.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's 30-way power-adjustable front seats, with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, provided exceptional comfort. The second-row captain’s chairs, also heated, ventilated, and massaging, featured the updated Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. The third-row seat offered roomy accommodations, benefiting from the Navigator's independent rear suspension design. The Navigator L's long-wheelbase configuration provided even more cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third-row seat (34.3 cubic feet for Navigator L), 57.5 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded (73.3 cubic feet for Navigator L), and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats collapsed (120.2 cubic feet in Navigator L).

Every 2021 Telluride came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The standard touchscreen display in LX and S trims measured 8 inches, while EX and SX trims featured a 10.25-inch screen with a navigation system and other upgrades. Kia’s UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, including a 911 Connect feature. Additional plans offered features like Rear Occupant Alert, remote engine start, and climate control operation, though a WiFi hotspot was not available. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons, stereo knobs, and intuitive touchscreen operation. The 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system in SX trim added a sense of luxury, though the sound quality was merely good.

The Telluride's Driver Talk feature, standard in EX and SX trims, amplified the driver’s voice through the stereo speakers, while Quiet Mode limited stereo volume to the front speakers. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's new Sync 4 infotainment system featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering two data panels for simultaneous viewing of navigation and music details. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions. Sync 4's voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect, and the system's over-the-air update capability allowed for further fine-tuning. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.

The test vehicle's 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system delivered sensational sound quality, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2021 Telluride's standard Drive Wise collection included eight advanced driving assistance systems, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Highway Drive Assist, standard in EX and SX trims, paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. Additional safety features included Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Assist, front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The 2021 Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star frontal-impact results for both the driver and front passenger.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. Intersection Assist could automatically brake during unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection steered the SUV away from unpaved surfaces. Active Park Assist 2.0 took complete control of the SUV for parking, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. The surround-view camera system became standard, enhancing overall safety. ActiveGlide performed well during testing, though the driver remained responsible for monitoring the road and reacting to potential threats.