Starting at
Starting at
310 | Max Horsepower (hp) | 291 |
25 MPG | Fuel Economy (combined) | 23 MPG |
Yes | Twin Clutch AWD | No |
Whether you're shuttling the family around town to various after-school commitments, group projects, and sports practice, or you're embarking on a trip to a far-away destination, the SUV you choose will impact the way you travel. Transporting families isn't like a regular commute, and when you want the comfort, reliability, and connectivity that you deserve, it makes sense to compare the 2021 GMC Acadia vs 2021 Kia Telluride. If you're looking for your next family transporter that offers functionality and style, these two options won't disappoint. However, one vehicle surpasses the other in terms of performance, design, advanced tech, and safety features. The battle between the three-row SUVs from GMC and Kia has begun.
While the Telluride is the new kid on the block, the GMC Acadia has been providing families with a sophisticated midsize SUV for well over a decade. With all these years to perfect its performance, the Acadia did just that. It gives the people what they want when it comes to interior space, dependability, and affordability, making it a top pick for families near and far. If you're looking for an SUV that is designed with family needs in mind, both of these charismatic commuters are ready to perform, but the 2021 GMC Acadia delivers a better experience.
A capable vehicle is what every family needs, and when you compare the 2021 GMC Acadia vs 2021 Kia Telluride, you'll find that both are ready to serve your family at every turn. From spirited engines to remarkable hauling capabilities, both midsize SUVs can deliver an excellent experience, but one is ready to take the top spot.
The 2021 GMC Acadia is available with three engines to choose from to help maximize your travels. Its base 2.5L four-cylinder provides you with 193 horsepower and is an economical option for those looking to save money at the pump, offering 23 MPG combined. However, if you're looking for more, the 3.6L V6 is ready to impress, providing you with no less than 310 horsepower. For those wanting the best of both worlds, there is also a turbocharged 2.0L option that produces 230 horsepower and gets 25 MPG combined, making for an exciting and efficient ride.
Unlike the Acadia, the 2021 Kia Telluride is only offered with a single engine option. The standard 3.8L V6 provides your ride with 291 horsepower, which is a bit less than the 310 horsepower available in the Acadia. The Telluride also gets slightly lower fuel efficiency ratings than are available with the GMC SUV. Opting for the all-wheel drive option will lose even more efficiency, making the Telluride's engine slightly disappointing. With less responsiveness at the wheel, combined with a rougher ride, drivers have reported the Telluride's comfort during their travels as lacking.
From its diverse selection of engines to its remarkable efficiency and handling, the 2021 GMC Acadia is a top pick over the Kia Telluride when it comes to performance. The Telluride's shortcomings can't be overlooked here, with its rigid ride and lack of choices when it comes to engines making this category a win for the Acadia. If you're searching for a family vehicle that can deliver a smooth, powerful ride with incredible capabilities, the GMC Acadia is our choice.
When you're looking for incredible luxury in a family vehicle, both the 2021 GMC Acadia and the 2021 Kia Telluride offer elevated interior and exterior design. From their chiseled lines to their cozy and refined cabins, the Acadia and the Telluride are seemingly what dreams are made of, but as usual, one offers more than the other. Experience a new level of sophistication when it comes to the overall design elements in each vehicle.
Available in a number of trim options, the GMC Acadia showcases a heightened level of grandeur unseen in many vehicles in its class. You can experience top-level luxury in its Denali trim, which features a power tilting and telescoping steering column, ash wood accents, and intricate French seam stitching throughout. Sleek black elements, GMC badging, and more can be found in the Elevation Edition, and if you're looking for convenience features, you'll find them all over this well-constructed vehicle. From fold-flat seating in the second and third rows to the hands-free programmable power liftgate, the Acadia makes loading up your family and everything they're bringing onboard effortless. Enjoy a lavish experience as you travel to your destination in absolute comfort when you choose to ride in the spacious and refined GMC Acadia.
The Kia Telluride is also available in a fine selection of trims to appeal to any driver, and with room for up to eight, it makes for a spacious and comfortable ride. Its luxurious SX trim level includes top features like a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, front and rear sunroofs, Nappa leather seating, and more enhanced accents throughout. And with its 20-inch alloy wheels, satin chrome exterior elements, and sculpted features, it's a nice-looking ride inside and out. If you're looking for an affordable midsize SUV with a sophisticated design and a spacious cabin, the Kia Telluride is a good choice for the money.
When it comes to ultimate luxury, there's nothing quite like the GMC Acadia Denali trim. Although the Telluride is a fine choice for the cost-conscious buyer, the high-end features found in the Denali are simply unmatched by the competition. If you're looking for undeniable luxury and comfort in your next family vehicle, the GMC Acadia is a winner with its more versatile and elevated trim selection over the Telluride.
Staying connected and protected on the road is a family's top priority. When you're comparing the 2021 GMC Acadia vs 2021 Kia Telluride, you'll find that both do a great job at offering upgraded tech and safety features that are designed to keep you safe and entertained on your journey. Explore the impressive offerings found in both of these rides and see which SUV takes it a step further with even more enhanced options.
A 6-inch or 8-inch touchscreen is available in the Acadia, which provides you with access to a number of connectivity options designed to keep you more focused behind the wheel and your passengers more engaged during your travels. With Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot standard, even the base model affords plenty of connectivity. However, available navigation and a premium Bose sound system will make your travels in the Acadia better, and with Amazon Alexa Built-In, you'll be able to take advantage of ultimate convenience behind the wheel.
You'll find that the Telluride offers many of the same connectivity features as the Acadia and even has a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen available. However, it is also missing a few features. For instance, neither a WiFi hotspot nor Alexa Built-In is offered in the Telluride, in the top trim, which will be a bit disappointing for anyone seeking modern connectivity in their family SUV.
Through GMC Pro Safety Plus, you'll be able to enjoy a safe ride with the Acadia's advanced features, like Front Pedestrian Braking and Automatic Emergency Braking to prevent accidents and Rear Park Assist to help you navigate tough parking situations with finesse. Available High Definition Surround Vision comes to the rescue to give you a birds eye view of the area around your vehicle, which is especially helpful when it comes to backing up, parking, and maneuvering through cramped streets. Earning five out of five stars in NHTSA crash tests, the GMC Acadia is a top pick when it comes to a safe and secure ride.
You'll also find a nice selection of safety and driver-assist features available in the Kia Telluride, like an available Blind Spot View Monitor, Auto Emergency Braking, and more. Also earning five stars in NHTSA crash tests, the Telluride is a solid option when it comes to safety. Modern vehicles are becoming safer with each passing year, and these days it is increasingly difficult for any model to come out noticeably ahead of any other.
When it comes to safety, both the GMC Acadia and the Kia Telluride offer exceptional features designed to keep you protected during your travels. However, when you're looking at the technology aspect, you just can't beat having advanced connectivity, which makes the GMC Acadia our pick out of the two. Being able to adjust the temperature of your home, unlock the front door, or simply browse the internet from a WiFi hotspot while enjoying the comfort of your Acadia is the ultimate convenience.