We have a surprise among battling SUVs because the Toyota 4Runner outranks the Kia Telluride. The old 2022 Toyota 4Runner continues to be one of the best SUVs you can buy, but is it really better than the 2022 Kia Telluride? 

2022 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2022 Kia Telluride 

The numbers don’t lie; according to J.D. Power, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner ranks above the 2022 Kia Telluride. The 4runner landed on the top spot for this year’s Initial Quality Study. The Kia Telluride landed in second place, and the GMC Acadia came in third. 

This is a little shocking because the 4Runner is overdue for a redesign. It has only had minor updates since 2009! It’s over a decade old. Meanwhile, the Kia Telluride still feels brand new and typically wins every award. 

But the people have spoken. The J.D. Power Initial Quality study is based on a survey sent out to thousands of vehicle owners. It includes 226 questions for owners and lessees to answer about the ride quality, exterior design, fuel economy, tech, comfort, safety features, and more. 

Does the 4Runner or Telluride have a better performance? 

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner comes with a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.3 seconds. It can tow up to 5,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,700 lbs. 

With the 2022 Kia Telluride, you get a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 5,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,565 lbs. 

The 4Runner is noted for having a sportier performance with more responsive handling, but the brakes can be grabby. The Telluride could be a bit sportier, but the site has a good weight, and the brakes are smooth. 

Also, the Kia Telluride may have a quieter interior and a smoother ride. This is because the 4Runner has a more rugged build for off-roading, while the Telluride is better suited for the pavement. 

The Kia Telluride gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and up to 26 mpg on the highway. But the Toyota 4Runner only gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and up to 19 mpg on the highway. 

Does the Telluride or 4Runner have better features? 

You can get started in a 2022 Kia Telluride for about $33,390, while the 2022 Toyota 4Runner has an MSRP of $38,105. But the 4Runner should easily make it past 300,000 miles, and the Telluride is expected to make it between 200,000 to 250,000 miles.

Both SUVs feature a spacious and comfortable interior, but the Telluride has more space in the third row. Also, the Telluride has more upscale materials, but the 4Runner has more of a durable feel. 

The Telluride comes with a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the 4Runner has an 8.0-inch unit. Both SUVs come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, premium audio systems and built-in navigation are available. 

Also, both SUVs include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. 

The 4Runner ranks higher because it makes drivers happier. Perhaps owners are attracted to its reliability and off-roading capabilities, but the Telluride is an excellent family SUV with plenty of value.