2021 Kia Telluride vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, featuring chrome and brightwork that set it apart from its Ford Expedition roots. Designers gave it unique front and rear styling, along with the Lincoln Embrace lighting system that welcomed owners with sequential illumination. The Navigator's lattice-type grille, illuminated star logo, and full-width taillights were distinctive design elements. The Reserve Monochromatic Package added a custom look with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. Inside, the Navigator offered a Dark Slate leather interior with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a panoramic glass roof, and high-quality materials, creating a convincingly luxurious flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Telluride impressed with its contemporary design and quality execution. The Telluride SX trim, especially with the Prestige package, transformed it into a luxury SUV at a mainstream price. The Nightfall Edition added a popular blacked-out look with gloss black wheels and a unique grille insert. Inside, the Telluride featured premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The transmission shifter was strategically placed to preserve storage space, and the interior design was both stylish and functional. Despite some glossy hard plastic, the Telluride's interior was a model of modern design.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Ford Expedition's most powerful version. A 10-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the rear wheels, with an option for four-wheel drive. The Navigator offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite, tailoring the powertrain to various driving situations. It had a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 8,300 pounds with four-wheel drive. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist system simplified trailer maneuvering. The Navigator's acceleration was strong, but its fuel economy averaged 16.4 mpg. Despite its size, the Navigator's body motion control was excellent, providing a hint of athleticism.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Kia's Drive Mode Select offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. Optional all-wheel drive included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction. The Telluride excelled in challenging conditions, such as snow and mud, and its suspension tuning minimized head-toss. The SUV's ride and handling were firm and connected at slower speeds, becoming more compliant at higher velocities. The Telluride's fuel economy averaged 20.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, it offered ample space for passengers. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats were exceptionally comfortable, though finding the ideal settings took time. The second row could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs, and the third row provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were impressive, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet. The longer Navigator L offered even more space.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX's driver seat offered 14-way adjustments, and the Prestige package added heating and ventilation to the front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, with side-window sunshades for privacy. The third-row seat was accessible via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat. The Telluride provided ample storage, including smartphone bins and USB ports. The smart hands-free power liftgate revealed 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded and 87 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its least impressive technology, taking time to load content. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lincoln Connect services, along with "Phone As A Key" technology. The voice recognition system worked reasonably well, but wasn't as advanced as some competitors. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided a compelling audio experience. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, though the test vehicle lacked the optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX and SX trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. Kia's UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, offering features like Rear Occupant Alert and remote engine start. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. The 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system was standard with SX trim, though the sound quality was merely good. Driver Talk and Quiet Mode were available with EX and SX trims, enhancing communication and comfort.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot warning. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability was standard with Reserve trim. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control operated with refinement, and the lane-keeping assistance system was subtle yet effective. The SUV received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the rollover resistance rating was three stars with rear-wheel drive.

The 2021 Kia Telluride's Drive Wise collection included blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Highway Drive Assist, standard with EX and SX trims, combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. Additional safety features included Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Assist. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though its standard headlights received a Poor rating. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, with four-star frontal-impact results.