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Since the Kia Telluride made its debut, it hasn’t been able to catch its breath. Awards have been flying at it left and right, which is a good thing for a great SUV. However, another Kia SUV may have just stolen the crown from the 2021 Kia Telluride. 

Is the 2021 Kia Telluride a good SUV? 

2021 Kia Telluride driving
2021 Kia Telluride | Kia

Yes, the 2021 Kia Telluride is an excellent SUV option with a comfortable interior, tons of space for families, and tons of standard features. It serves as a reliable option that packs in plenty of value with its price. 

But according to U.S.News, the Kia Telluride just dropped from the number one spot to second place on their list and the top 13 Best Three-Row SUVs of 2021. But there is nothing wrong with second place, especially when considering why the Sorento took the top spot.

Why does the Kia Sorento outrank the Kia Telluride? 

U.S.News shared that it’s difficult to find any negatives about the 2021 Kia Telluride, but they mentioned that the third row can be cramped, the above-average cargo space is not class-leading, and the fuel economy could be better.

The Kia Telluride gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Where the 2021 Kia Sorento differs is an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. 

U.S.News also mentioned that the third-row seats in the Kia Sorento are snug, so the third row is reserved for kids in both SUVs. The Kia Telluride has 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat with 87 cubic feet total. 

Meanwhile, the Kia Sorento only provides 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row with 75.5 cubic feet total. So, if you want a little more cargo space, go with the slightly larger Telluride. 

The Kia Telluride vs. the Kia Sorento: How do these SUVs compare? 

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid driving in the city
2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid | Kia

You can get started in a 2021 Kia Telluride for about $32,190. The 2021 Kia Sorento begins at around $29,390. So, you can save about $2,800 with the Sorento. But these prices are listed before the destination fees, and dealership fees have been added. 

The Kia Telluride comes with a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 5,000 lbs. Also, Edmunds got it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. 

The Kia Sorento has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor provides 227 hp. You can tow up to 3,500 lbs with the Sorento, and Edmunds had it accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. 

Both SUVs offer a practical interior with a luxurious feel. However, Edmunds noted that the Telluride has a smoother ride quality and a quieter cabin than the Sorento. But the Sorento has a more powerful tri-zone automatic climate control system. 

Also, both SUVs have modern amenities such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sorento has more storage bins for smaller items, but the Telluride has an underfloor storage compartment.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.