2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a distinctive design that set it apart from its siblings in the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's signature quad LED headlights and taillights, along with a prominent shield-shaped grille. However, the GV70's sloping roofline and ribbed detailing added a unique touch, blending the ruggedness of an SUV with the sleekness of a sporty car. The Sport Prestige model further enhanced its character with unique styling elements, including 21-inch wheels with a web pattern and dark chrome trim. Inside, the GV70's interior was inspired by the cross-section of an airplane's wing, with an elliptical theme that extended to the controls and door handles. The minimalist design was complemented by a rotary gear selector and infotainment controller, creating a luxurious and futuristic ambiance.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride received fresh styling updates, including redesigned front and rear ends, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models added a touch of ruggedness with raised suspensions, unique grille designs, and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Telluride featured a spacious and comfortable cabin with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain's chairs. The interior updates included a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, providing a modern and tech-savvy feel. The Telluride's interior changes were subtle but effective, enhancing its overall appeal.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a more powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The GV70's performance leaned towards sportiness, with features like a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control. The Sport+ drive mode further enhanced its sporty character, holding high revs and sharpening throttle response. However, the GV70's chassis felt heavy, lacking the sharpness of some competitors, and the steering, while adequate, wasn't precise enough for spirited driving. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising but fell short of being the gold standard for luxurious driving.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an available AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for off-road adventures. The Telluride's performance was commendable, with the V6 providing ample power and a smooth ride. The X-Line and X-Pro models received suspension and traction control enhancements for improved off-road capabilities. The Telluride's fuel efficiency was respectable, with the X-Line averaging 24.1 mpg and the X-Pro returning 20.4 mpg. The Telluride excelled in both on-road comfort and off-road capability, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it provided adequate headroom in both the front and rear seats, comparable to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and BMW X3. The GV70's cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded, placing it in the middle ground among its peers. The interior design, while daring, compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering excellent support for spirited driving but potentially feeling confining for some. The GV70's interior featured a range of comfort features, including heated and ventilated seats, massage functions, and posture-assist technology.

The 2023 Kia Telluride excelled in interior space and versatility. Depending on the second-row seating configuration, it accommodated seven or eight passengers. The test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain's chairs. The Telluride's interior was spacious and comfortable, with a power lumbar stabilization system to keep drivers fresh on long trips. The second-row seats offered ample comfort, with manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seating area was more accessible and comfortable than many competitors, although it couldn't match the Volkswagen Atlas for leg support. The Telluride's cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The smart power tailgate and automatic closing function added convenience to loading and unloading.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its tech offerings, featuring a standard 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system's tile-based layout and crisp graphics made it user-friendly, while the glass rotary controller added a touch of luxury. Higher trim levels offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 also included a digital-key feature, allowing drivers to use a smartphone in place of a key fob, and a fingerprint scanner for starting the car. Genesis Connected Services provided additional features like remote camera activation and cloud-based driver profiles, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came equipped with a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. The voice recognition system performed well, although climate control adjustments required manual input. The Kia Access smartphone app allowed remote control of vehicle functions through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Over-the-air updates kept the infotainment system current, and Bluetooth supported pairing of two devices simultaneously. The Telluride featured six USB charging ports, Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, and an optional 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The digital-key technology transformed smartphones and smartwatches into vehicle keys, while the Full Display Mirror provided a video view of the rear. The Telluride's head-up display offered a larger viewing area with additional information, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system added convenience to driving.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-attention monitor. The Highway Driving Assist system added automated lane centering to adaptive cruise control, although it struggled with certain curves. The GV70 also featured eight standard airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional driver-assist features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of review.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. The automatic emergency braking system, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking were also standard. The Telluride's adaptive cruise control system with stop-and-go capability could reduce speed based on navigation data. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, while Highway Drive Assist 2.0 added Lane Change Assist. The Telluride SX trim and higher included additional collision avoidance features, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. The Rear Occupant Alert system with ultrasonic sensors ensured safety for passengers. Crash-test ratings for the 2023 Telluride were unavailable at the time of review.