2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The 2022 Ford Expedition came with numerous updates, both in terms of exterior style and interior tech. Up front, it showcased a new grille, headlights, and bumper, giving it a refreshed look. The rear was also revamped with updated taillights, new tailgate trim, and a redesigned bumper. The new wheels introduced across its model lineup furthered its modernized appeal.

Available in XL STX, XLT, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum trims, the Expedition catered to a wide range of preferences and included an extended-length version called the Expedition Max. Prices ranged from just over $55,000 to nearly $84,000, inclusive of destination charges. Additionally, off-road enthusiasts had the option to choose the Timberline trim, which featured all-terrain essentials and was priced at approximately $72,500.

A standout in the Limited trim was the Stealth Edition package, featuring black 22-inch wheels and a sophisticated combination of black and body-color exterior trims. The Stealth Performance Package added red-painted brake calipers for added flair. The test vehicle, a Stone Blue Metallic Limited Stealth Edition, often received positive remarks for its aesthetic appeal.

Inside, the Expedition received a redesigned dashboard, housing the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The higher Sync 4A model featured a prominent 15.5-inch touchscreen in portrait orientation. A 12.4-inch digital instrumentation display was also available, adding to the tech-savvy interior, enhanced further by leather-lined finishes as seen in the Limited Stealth Edition.

In comparison, the 2023 Kia Telluride, particularly the X-Line and X-Pro models, also received notable stylistic updates. The new front and rear designs, along with updated headlights and taillights, gave the SUV a modern look. New paint options such as Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, as well as fresh interior colors like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green, added to its aesthetic charm.

Replacing the Nightfall Edition, the Telluride X-Line featured a raised suspension, a unique grille, improved roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro took this further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, perfecting its mildly aggressive off-road look.

On the inside, the Telluride’s updates were subtle but impactful. The primary change was the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment, paired with a digital instrumentation panel under a curved 24-inch glass piece, cementing its futuristic appeal. Additional interior updates included new colors, a revamped steering-wheel design, and upgraded functionality for the center console. The X-Line and X-Pro trims featured their names embossed on the front seatbacks for an exclusive touch.

The 2022 Ford Expedition harnessed power from a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. The standard iteration delivered 380 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 lb-ft of torque at 2,250 rpm, which could rise to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft with 93-octane fuel. For even more power, the high-output version available with the Stealth Edition Performance Package could produce up to 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, although our test vehicle was not equipped with it.

Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the V6 engine typically powered the rear wheels, with an optional 4WD. Fuel economy ratings ranged from 17 to 19 mpg combined, with observed efficiency during our testing at 16.2 mpg. Towing capacity varied between 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, depending on the configuration.

Though we did not engage in towing, the Expedition's powerful engine and enticing exhaust note provided an exhilarating driving experience. The sport-tuned suspension of the Stealth Edition, however, could benefit from adaptive damping to balance ride quality with handling prowess, especially given the 22-inch wheels and 285/45 tires.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, mechanically consistent with prior models, featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with multiple driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, plus an AWD system with a low-speed Lock setting.

The Telluride’s V6 delivered a commendable 24.1 mpg fuel efficiency in X-Line trim, but the X-Pro's off-roading reduced this figure to 20.4 mpg. Official EPA ratings suggested 21 mpg combined for AWD Tellurides.

Enhancements for off-road capability included a raised suspension by 10mm, increased ground clearance to 8.4 inches, improved approach and departure angles, and a revised traction control system. The Downhill Brake Control system proved useful, despite a brief moment of unexpected speed descent.

The Telluride X-Pro also included all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels and an upgraded cooling system that increased towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. Its off-road performance, tested in the Texas hill country, showcased its AWD capabilities and stability but was more suited to light off-roading compared to more rugged models like a Jeep or Land Rover.

On highways, the Telluride provided a smooth and connected ride, slightly noisier due to wind but quieter inside overall. Sport mode firmed up the steering excessively, leaving room for an Individual mode for tailored driving preferences.

Full-size SUVs like the 2022 Ford Expedition offered unmatched comfort and space. Entry and exit were made easier with available power running boards. Passenger comfort was enhanced with power-adjustable, leather-wrapped front seats offering heating, ventilation, and optional massaging features. The center console was spacious and equipped with numerous storage solutions, including a wireless smartphone charging pad.

Second-row passengers, despite limited toe room, enjoyed heated captain's chairs with ample legroom and individual climate controls. Third-row access was facilitated by sliding second-row seats, and third-row passengers had adequate leg support, with power reclining options and USB ports.

In terms of cargo capacity, the standard Expedition offered 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 57.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down and 104.6 cubic feet with all seats down. The Expedition Max provided even more space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 121.5 cubic feet in total cargo space when both rear rows were folded.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, in comparison, could accommodate seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration. The SX Prestige trims featured premium Nappa leather, power-adjustable front seats, and ventilated front and second-row captain’s chairs, enhancing overall comfort.

Rear passengers benefited from a Wi-Fi hotspot, manual side-window sunshades, adjustable armrests, USB ports, and overhead climate controls. Entry to the third row was facilitated by one-touch buttons on the captain's chairs, with the third row offering better comfort than many midsize SUVs, although it still lagged behind the Volkswagen Atlas in leg support.

Cargo capacity in the Telluride was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down. A “smart” power tailgate with proximity sensing was handy but occasionally triggered unwanted openings.

For 2022, the Ford Expedition featured Sync 4 and Sync 4A systems. The Sync 4 included a 12-inch touchscreen, physical controls, and essential connectivity functions such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and navigation. The Sync 4A, with a larger 15.5-inch touchscreen, added an adaptive dashcard interface, conversational voice recognition, and personal profiles.

Higher trims offered SiriusXM, HD Radio, wireless charging, and Bang & Olufsen sound systems, including a 22-speaker B&O Unleashed option. However, quirks such as difficulties with Apple CarPlay and occasional touchscreen missteps were noted.

Sync 4A's voice recognition system sometimes required phone connectivity and had issues finding specific locations. The rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 made trailer navigation easier, although we did not test this feature.

In the 2023 Kia Telluride, Kia standardized a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, inclusive of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and Kia Connect with a Wi-Fi hotspot. Voice recognition performed well but lacked climate control commands.

Kia Access smartphone app enabled remote control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. OTA updates ensured current system software. Six USB charging ports served all passengers, alongside Driver Talk and Quiet Mode features.

Upgrades included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging, and digital-key technology. The Full Display Mirror provided a rear video view when the cargo area was full, and the updated head-up display offered comprehensive information visibility.

A notable feature was the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, which informed drivers when the car ahead moved, preventing hold-ups at traffic lights.

The 2022 Ford Expedition incorporated three distinct Ford Co-Pilot360 packages. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, driver monitoring, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Starting with Limited trim, Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-centering assist, and speed-limit recognition. New additions for 2022 included intersection assist and evasive steering assist. King Ranch and Platinum trims came with Co-Pilot Assist 2.0, which included a surround-view camera and rear automatic emergency braking.

Road Edge Detection was introduced in 2022 but its package inclusion was unclear. Ford’s BlueCruise allowed hands-free driving on approved highways. Adaptive cruise control performed smoothly, but lane-centering assist had issues with reliability and accuracy, creating stress rather than alleviating it.

In the 2023 Kia Telluride, a comprehensive suite of standard safety features was supplemented with advanced driving assistance systems. Standard equipment included forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning system, blind-spot monitoring, rear sensors, lane-keeping and centering assist, Safe Exit Assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Highway Drive Assist 1.5, combining adaptive cruise with lane-centering, was standard, with Highway Drive Assist 2.0 adding Lane Change Assist for higher trims. SX trims included new collision avoidance features, front parking sensors, surround-view camera, and Blind-Spot View Monitor.

Standardized safety systems also featured automatic high-beams, driver attention warnings, and an ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert system to prevent leaving children unattended in the car. During evaluations, Highway Drive Assist 2.0 performed admirably, enhancing trust and convenience in driving conditions.