2022 Lexus NX vs 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Kia Telluride was a striking midsize SUV, boasting a muscular design and balanced proportions. Its trendy blacked-out wheels and trim added to its handsome appeal. For 2022, Kia made only minor changes to the grille pattern and updated the badges. The Telluride came in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, with prices ranging from $32,790 to $44,590, plus a $1,225 destination charge. The interior was well-designed, with logical control arrangements, though the glossy plastic on the lower half of the cabin detracted from its otherwise upscale feel. The SX Prestige trim featured Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner, contrasting sharply with the shiny plastic panels.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series (NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+), offered a more refined and simplified design. The NX featured a distinctive spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. It was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. The NX 350 F Sport trim stood out with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, the F Sport had sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, and unique instrumentation. The minimalist interior design, however, sometimes made it challenging to locate and use certain features quickly.

The 2022 Kia Telluride was a pleasure to drive, thanks to its 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine and 262 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission powered the wheels, and the AWD version included a Lock mode for even power distribution. Despite its eight inches of ground clearance, the Telluride was best suited for well-traveled paths. It offered a smooth ride with a brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and selectable driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport). The Telluride SX featured 20-inch wheels and 245/50 tires, providing good grip. It excelled on long-distance drives, with Highway Driving Assist technology enhancing the experience. The Telluride achieved an EPA fuel economy estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving, with our test vehicle returning 21.1 mpg. Its towing capacity was 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, available with FWD or AWD. The NX 350 F Sport trim added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer ride. Lexus estimated 25 mpg in combined driving for the NX 350, with our test vehicles achieving 22.2 mpg (F Sport) and 25.5 mpg (Luxury). The NX was not suitable for off-road use, with limited ground clearance and approach/departure angles.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with an upscale, organized interior. Thoughtful details included overhead air vents, manual rear side window shades, rear smartphone storage pouches, USB ports in the front seatbacks, and accessible rear cupholders. Dual-zone automatic climate control served front-seat occupants, while a single-zone panel served the rear. The EX and SX trims featured real leather, with the SX Prestige package adding Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner. All three rows of seats were comfortable for adults, though the third row was less preferred. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room for passengers and cargo, though it felt cozier from the driver’s seat. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and padded surfaces enhanced comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX’s panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat. Luxury trim included a Thematic Ambient Illumination system with 14 themes. The NX offered 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

For 2022, the Kia Telluride featured a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, though it lost wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. USB charging ports were available in all three rows, with a wireless smartphone charging pad standard in all trims except the LX. Kia Connect provided connected services, including 911 Connect, safe teen driving alerts, remote engine start, and more. The Telluride also had standard Quiet Mode and Driver Talk functions. Our SX test vehicle included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a head-up display, and a surround-view monitoring system.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, music streaming, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen optional. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands. The NX also offered a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and User Profiles for storing preferences and settings.

The 2022 Kia Telluride included numerous standard driver assistance and collision avoidance technologies under Kia Drive Wise. Features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction. Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Telluride also had Safe Exit Assist and Blind-Spot View Monitor technology. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick” designation from the IIHS.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.