2021 Kia Telluride

Pros: Generous passenger and cargo room; ride quality; steering feel

Cons: Large dimensions can make parking difficult; only one powertrain available

CG Says: The 2021 Kia Telluride gains a Nightfall Edition with unique black trim. Otherwise Telluride is essentially unchanged. Kia launched an all-new “plus-size” 3-row midsize crossover SUV for 2020. The Telluride seats up to eight passengers and is 7.9 inches longer than Kia’s other 3-row midsize crossover, the Sorento—and most of that extra length benefits third-row legroom. The Telluride’s sole powertrain is a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. All models have a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Standard safety features include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, lane-following assist, rear cross-traffic alert, rear-blind-spot-collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and a driver drowsiness monitor. Other available features include Safe Exit Assist (which can detect a vehicle approaching from the rear and keep the child safety locks activated until the vehicle passes), head-up instrument display, automatic high beams, and Highway Driving Assist (an adaptive cruise control system that can steer, accelerate and brake the vehicle within a selected highway lane, but requires the driver to keep hands on the steering wheel). The Kia Telluride competes against several established class rivals such as the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander, but it stacks up well. It has excellent passenger and cargo room, nicely balanced driving manners, a long list of available convenience and safety features, and an upscale look inside and out.