2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was repeatedly recommended to individuals and families looking for a practical and spacious vehicle due to its user-friendly design and versatility. The sliding side doors were a major selling point, providing easier access to the rear seats compared to conventional SUV doors. These doors were particularly appreciated in tight parking spaces, allowing for a hassle-free experience when loading children into rear-facing car seats.

Moreover, the Odyssey offered a genuinely comfortable third-row seat, providing ample space for additional family members or friends. The rear seats could accommodate adults comfortably, eliminating the need to compromise comfort during family outings or carpools. Additionally, the deep cargo well behind the third-row seat was perfect for storing gear without the risk of it falling out when the liftgate was opened.

In terms of aesthetics, the 2022 Odyssey, despite following the traditional minivan design, sported unique elements like the kinked sliding doors that resulted in a dramatic hockey-stick character on the otherwise clean sides. The Elite trim boasted stylish dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels, giving it a refined look. The interior design featured quality materials, with leather upholstery starting from the EX-L trim. The center stack’s design, while initially appearing haphazard, proved to be user-friendly with frequently used controls placed within easy reach.

The 2023 Kia Telluride made a strong impression with its refreshed look and enhanced aesthetic appeal. The X-Line and X-Pro models introduced unique design elements such as raised suspensions, exclusive grille designs, and roof rails, which gave the SUV a more rugged appearance. The new paint options like Midnight Lake Blue and Jungle Green, along with interior color choices such as Terracotta and Navy, added a touch of sophistication to the vehicle.

The exterior updates included redesigned bumpers, new headlights and taillights, and striking wheel designs, giving the Telluride a modern and aggressive stance. The X-Pro model's all-terrain tires and dedicated off-road capabilities emphasized its adventurous personality.

Inside, the Telluride impressed with its futuristic digital instrumentation panel and a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system positioned under a curved 24-inch piece of glass. The clean and functional center console design, new steering wheel, and innovative storage solutions added to the vehicle’s overall appeal. Both the X-Line and X-Pro trims featured embossed trim names on the front seatbacks, adding an extra touch of elegance.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission with pushbutton controls on the dashboard. Despite the lack of all-wheel drive or electrified powertrain options—features offered by competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota Sienna—the Odyssey managed a decent fuel economy of 22 mpg in combined driving.

Driving the Odyssey revealed its pleasant and engaging character. It performed admirably during various driving conditions, including freeway cruises, rural roads, and twisty mountain routes, averaging 22.6 mpg on a typical drive. The Odyssey excelled in acceleration and handling, making daily commutes more enjoyable. However, the brakes showed some limitations during extended downhill driving, exhibiting pedal vibration and noise under heavy use.

The 2023 Kia Telluride carried over its solid mechanical foundation with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Kia offered a range of driving modes including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, along with a low-speed Lock setting for the all-wheel-drive system.

During testing, the Telluride demonstrated strong performance, showcasing impressive fuel efficiency with an average of 24.1 mpg in the X-Line trim during mixed driving conditions. The X-Pro model, with its off-road capabilities, returned 20.4 mpg, reflecting its more rugged use. The AWD system’s enhancements, including increased ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, and a Downhill Brake Control system, enhanced the Telluride’s off-road performance.

On the road, the Telluride offered a smooth and quiet ride, maintaining good stability and comfort even on rough terrains. The off-road capabilities of the X-Pro were effectively highlighted during a Texas hill country adventure, where it handled various challenges with confidence.

Stepping into the 2022 Honda Odyssey was an effortless process, thanks to its wide doors and lower ground clearance, providing an ideal entry point. Inside, the Odyssey Elite trim featured quality leather seats that were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated. The tri-zone automatic climate control system ensured a comfortable environment for all passengers.

Storage was a standout feature, with clever solutions like door panel shelving and a floor tray between the dashboard and center console. The second-row Magic Slide seats offered great flexibility, allowing easy reconfiguration to suit different needs. These seats could slide forward or be removed to create a pass-through to the third-row seating area.

Speaking of cargo space, the Odyssey excelled in this area. It provided 32.8 cubic feet of space behind the third row, capable of holding larger items without the risk of them falling out. Folding the third-row seats created 88.8 cubic feet of storage, and removing the second-row seats expanded the capacity to an impressive 144.9 cubic feet.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a versatile seating configuration for either seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seat layout. Our test models featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable and ventilated front and second-row seats, ensuring a luxurious travel experience. The SX Prestige trim level also included a heated steering wheel and advanced lumbar support systems for added comfort on long journeys.

Cargo space in the Telluride was generous but slightly less than the Odyssey’s. It offered 21 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats and 46 cubic feet with the third row folded down. The maximum cargo volume with both rear rows folded amounted to 87 cubic feet.

Storage options in the front and second rows were abundant, and the available "smart" power tailgate made loading cargo more convenient. The Telluride’s proximity-sensing tailgate could sometimes open unintentionally, but it added a level of practicality for users frequently loading and unloading their vehicle.

The technology in the 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite, while comprehensive, lacked the modern touch seen in newer rivals. The EX trim and above featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Higher trims, such as Touring and Elite, offered additional features like navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk.

However, the Odyssey’s infotainment screen felt small compared to contemporary standards, and the navigation system required specific voice commands, limiting ease of use. The rear-seat entertainment system, with a fold-down 10.2-inch display, was outdated, relying on physical media rather than streaming options.

Kia made impressive strides in the technology department with the 2023 Telluride. All models featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services with a new Wi-Fi hotspot. Voice recognition worked well for various commands but did not control climate settings, which had to be managed manually.

The Telluride’s technology suite included the capability to pair two devices simultaneously via Bluetooth and provided six USB charging ports throughout the vehicle. Driver Talk and Quiet Mode facilitated easier communication and rear-seat entertainment management. The digital-key technology and Full Display Mirror added convenience and advanced safety features, making the Telluride’s tech package highly user-friendly and modern.

Honda equipped the 2022 Odyssey with comprehensive safety features under the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, the system sometimes showed a lack of refinement, responding too sharply or issuing false alerts.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the EX trim upwards. Notably, the Odyssey earned high safety ratings, with an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2023 Kia Telluride came loaded with an extensive list of standard safety features. These included forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, and a new Intelligent Speed Limit Assist feature.

Higher trims added even more advanced systems like Highway Drive Assist 2.0, front parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Rear Occupant Alert system and Safe Exit Assist offered added peace of mind for families. While crash-test ratings were not available at the time of review, the Telluride’s extensive safety features were designed to offer maximum protection and assistance on the road.