2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 INFINITI QX60

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 received a comprehensive makeover, transforming its exterior and interior to align with modern expectations and technological advancements. The redesigned QX60 featured a dramatic front end highlighted by a prominent grille, sleek LED headlights, and oversized air intakes. The visually striking chrome elements added a flare of class, resembling a concept car. The long hood and steeply-raked windshield offered an elegant profile. A floating roof illusion, achieved through blacked-out pillars and a contrasting roof on the top Autograph trim, further enhanced its sophisticated appearance. Large wheels, 18-inch on the base model and 20-inch on others, filled out the wheel wells, giving the SUV a robust stance. However, the top Autograph trim's chrome panels at the rear were divisive, appearing as faux exhaust outlets, which some buyers found unnecessary.

Inside, the QX60’s cabin felt expansive, with horizontal lines on the dash emphasizing its width. High-quality materials like quilted leather on the dash and seats added a touch of luxury, especially in the Autograph trim. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display was positioned for optimal driver visibility, and the TFT instrument panel delivered crisp graphics, ensuring all controls were intuitive and easy to master. The craftsmanship, as seen in models manufactured at Nissan's Tennessee plant, reflected Infiniti's well-earned reputation for high-quality builds.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, in comparison, also received notable updates. All models now showcased fresh front and rear styling, revamped headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. New bold color choices like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green made the Telluride stand out even more on the road. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced the Nightfall Edition, introducing unique grille designs, raised roof rails, body-colored door handles, and respectively different wheel sizes—black 20-inch for the X-Line and exclusive 18-inch all-terrain for the X-Pro, signaling a mild off-road readiness.

Inside, the Telluride experienced subtle but notable changes. The standout feature was the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, housed in a sleek 24-inch piece of glass alongside the digital instrument panel, pushing the Telluride into a more modern aesthetic. Additional updates included new interior colors, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional center console, embossed trim names on the front seatbacks in the X-Line and X-Pro, all contributing to a premium feel.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 abandoned the continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a more traditional nine-speed automatic, resulting in a vastly improved driving experience. The transmission shifted cleanly and crisply, enhancing acceleration and deceleration, although it needed a bit of fine-tuning for optimal response during passing situations. The familiar 3.5-liter V6 engine powered the QX60, delivering 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, providing ample force for the SUV. Fuel economy was approximately 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models, marginally less for all-wheel-drive variations. The reworked suspension, featuring MacPherson struts in the front and an independent multilink setup at the rear, along with standard four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, contributed to a smooth ride, albeit one that reminded drivers of the QX60's considerable size. The QX60 excelled on smooth highways and city streets, providing a serene and comfortable ride for passengers.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride boasted multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system offering a low-speed Lock setting for improved power distribution and off-road capability. In practice, it delivered an average of 24.1 mpg under mixed driving conditions, though off-roading in the X-Pro version brought this down to 20.4 mpg. Official EPA ratings for the AWD model were 21 mpg combined. The Telluride’s ground clearance improved to 8.4 inches, with enhanced approach and departure angles, and traction control modifications aimed at superior off-road performance. Additionally, the X-Pro model, with its 18-inch all-terrain tires and upgraded cooling system, increased towing capacity from 5,000 to 5,500 pounds.

On highways between San Antonio and Austin, the Telluride provided a soft yet connected ride quality. While Sport mode occasionally made the steering feel overly firm, the overall experience remained outstanding.

The interior of the 2022 INFINITI QX60 was designed with passenger comfort and utility in mind. The absence of sliding doors didn't hinder its practical layout, although this would have inclined the vehicle towards a minivan utility perception. The center console was roomy and featured a cubby for smartphones, large cupholders, and ample storage beneath the armrest. The second-row seats, riding on rails, could slide to balance space with the third row. The second-row bench seat split 60/40 in lower trims, while the Autograph trim featured captain’s chairs with a removable center console. Access to the third row was simplified with one-touch seat flipping, making it user-friendly even for adults. Cargo space was generous: 14.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.6 cubic feet with the third-row folded, and a maximum of 75.4 cubic feet with both rows down. The QX60's towing capacity ranged from 3,500 to 6,000 pounds with the towing package.

Kia’s 2023 Telluride excelled in accommodation. Depending on the configuration, it could seat seven or eight passengers. The sample models featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, with a heated steering wheel on the SX Prestige trim. The interior was roomy, offering ample storage and conveniences such as a Wi-Fi hotspot and USB ports in every row. Overhead controls allowed passengers to adjust climate settings, and the second-row seats could slide to provide easier access to the third row. Cargo capacity in the Telluride was also generous: 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down, making it one of the more spacious options in its class.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 continued Infiniti’s tradition of high-tech features. The exterior was equipped with full LED lights and an available adaptive front lighting system. The power liftgate, motion-activated in higher trims, provided convenience. A 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto bridged connectivity, alongside a capable AT&T WiFi hotspot. Six to seven USB ports and a wireless charging pad were strategically placed. The navigation, standard on most trims, and a simplified Alexa made tasks seamless. The head-up display and smart rearview mirror enhanced driver awareness and convenience. The audio systems ranged from a nine-speaker setup in base models to a 17-speaker Bose system in higher trims, catering to varying audio expectations.

The 2023 Kia Telluride raised the bar with its 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard across all variants. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. Voice recognition commanded for smooth operation, though it didn’t cover climate control changes. Kia’s Access app allowed remote control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and over-the-air updates ensured the system stayed current. Six USB ports ensured every passenger stayed connected, and features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode facilitated in-car communication. Additional options included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, digital-key technology, a Full Display Mirror, and an enhanced head-up display with more comprehensive information. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert was a helpful addition for distracted drivers.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 was expected to match its predecessor’s safety ratings, though official ratings were pending. It came with comprehensive airbag coverage, including knee and side-impact airbags, and a host of advanced driver assistance systems. ProPilot Assist driver-assistance was standard except on the base trim, with optional features like blind-spot intervention, lane-departure warning and prevention, and an around-view monitor enhancing safety further.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a robust suite of safety technologies, further expanded in 2023. Standard features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. The Telluride was equipped with blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane-keeping and lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, Highway Drive Assist 1.5, and an Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. The higher trims benefited from Highway Drive Assist 2.0, additional collision avoidance technologies, and a surround-view camera. Notably, the Rear Occupant Alert system ensured no passenger was accidentally left behind. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of testing, but the plethora of safety features spoke to its commitment to passenger security.