2023 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Kia Telluride was a striking midsize SUV, boasting a muscular design with balanced proportions. Its aesthetic appeal was enhanced by trendy blacked-out wheels and trim, while minor updates like a new grille pattern and Kia's updated badges kept the design fresh. The Telluride's interior was thoughtfully designed, with a logical arrangement of controls and a mix of materials that, despite some glossy plastic, offered a premium feel, especially in the SX Prestige trim with its Nappa leather and suede headliner.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango maintained its familiar yet attractive look, avoiding the oversized grille trend and opting for clean, car-like styling. The Durango's exterior was marked by slim styling and distinctive "racetrack" taillights. The SRT models featured subtle yet unique styling cues, such as a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. Inside, the Durango offered a comfortable environment with materials that matched its price point, and higher trims like the Citadel and SRT Hellcat added luxurious touches like Nappa leather and heated seats.

The 2022 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a satisfying driving experience, with AWD available for enhanced traction. The Telluride's ride quality was smooth, and it handled well on various terrains, though it lacked a hybrid option. It achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving and had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering up to 295 horsepower. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 provided 360 hp, while the SRT 392's 6.4-liter V8 offered 475 hp. The pinnacle was the SRT Hellcat's 6.2-liter supercharged V8, producing 710 hp and achieving 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Durango excelled in towing, with capacities up to 8,700 pounds, and its performance was complemented by features like adaptive-damping suspension and Brembo brakes.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with an upscale interior featuring thoughtful details like overhead air vents and USB ports in all rows. It offered comfortable seating for adults across three rows, with a maximum cargo capacity of 87 cubic feet. The Telluride's interior was enhanced by features like heated and ventilated seats and a Smart Power Liftgate.

The 2023 Dodge Durango provided flexible seating configurations, with options for second-row captain's chairs. It offered competitive interior space, though cargo capacity was slightly less than some rivals, with a maximum of 85.1 cubic feet. The Durango excelled in small-item storage and towing capacity, but lacked a power-folding third row, which was notable in higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Telluride came standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though it required a wire for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It featured Kia Connect, offering services like remote engine start and safe teen driving alerts. The Telluride also included a Quiet Mode and Driver Talk function, enhancing its family-friendly appeal.

The 2023 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with the larger screen offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Uconnect 5 system was responsive and user-friendly, with unique features for SRT models like performance data displays. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the SRT Hellcat.

The 2022 Kia Telluride was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features under Kia Drive Wise, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered limited standard driver-assist features, with more advanced systems available only on higher trims. The Durango's safety performance was less consistent compared to the Telluride.