2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Kia Telluride

In 2022, the Kia Telluride's styling captured consumer interest with its muscular design and balanced proportions. The Telluride's handsome appearance was enhanced by trendy blacked-out wheels and trims, conveying a rugged yet refined look. For that model year, Kia made only minor tweaks, including changes to the grille pattern and the introduction of new Kia badges.

The 2022 Telluride was available in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, with pricing ranging from $32,790 to $44,590 plus a destination charge of $1,225. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, and all-wheel drive (AWD) could be added for an extra $2,000 ($1,900 for the SX trim). The SX version tested came with AWD, the SX Prestige Package, and carpeted floor mats, totaling $48,325.

Inside, the 2022 Telluride boasted an aesthetically pleasing layout, with logically arranged controls. However, the glossy plastic covering the lower half of the cabin detracted from the otherwise high-quality interior, especially in the SX Prestige trim with its stitched Nappa leather upholstery and simulated suede headliner.

For 2022, Kia emphasized new standard features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, automatic climate control, Highway Driving Assist, and navigation-based Smart Cruise Control-Curve. The Telluride S trim also gained a wireless smartphone charger.

In contrast, the 2023 Telluride got significant updates, especially visible in the X-Line and X-Pro models. All models sported refreshed front and rear styling with updated headlights, taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint colors such as Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green provided a fresh aesthetic. Interior colors saw additions as well, including Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green.

The X-Line trim replaced the Nightfall Edition and included a unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro trim added exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, giving the Telluride a more rugged off-road look.

Interior updates in 2023 were subtle but notable, featuring a new digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. These were housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, giving the Telluride a modernized feel. Minor adjustments to the trim, a new steering wheel design, enhanced center console functionality, and trim-specific embossments on the front seatbacks rounded out the interior changes.

The 2023 Telluride lineup consisted of LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims. The destinations costs rose to $1,335 with base prices starting at $35,690 for the LX FWD and climbing to $52,785 for the SX Prestige X-Pro AWD. Test drives featured two SX Prestige models, one Wolf Gray with X-Line trim at $54,120 (including destination) and the other in Midnight Lake Blue with X-Pro trim at $55,120.

The 2022 Kia Telluride, despite being a sizable seven-seater with the typical higher center of gravity of SUVs, delivered a satisfying drive. The experience began with the 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine ensured the Telluride had ample power, although it was the only available option, leaving a gap for those seeking hybrid alternatives.

An eight-speed automatic transmission powered the Telluride's wheels. AWD models featured a Lock mode to evenly distribute power between front and rear axles. The Telluride offered eight inches of ground clearance but limited wheel articulation, making it suitable for light off-road conditions. Brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control enhanced driving dynamics, and the available driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport) allowed customization. With 20-inch wheels and 245/50 tires in the SX trim, the Telluride balanced ride comfort and handling well. It excelled on highways, especially with the Highway Driving Assist feature. During testing, the 2022 model achieved 21.1 mpg in combined driving, just above its EPA estimate of 21 mpg for AWD models and 23 mpg for FWD.

For 2023, Kia maintained the same 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing identical horsepower and torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission paired well with the powertrain, and drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes. AWD models retained the low-speed Lock setting for power distribution.

The V6 engine effectively powered the 2023 Telluride, achieving an average of 24.1 mpg for the X-Line over a mix of traffic and highway driving. The X-Pro returned 20.4 mpg, which included off-road testing in Lock mode. The official EPA rating for AWD models stood at 21 mpg in combined driving.

Kia enhanced the off-road capabilities for the 2023 Telluride's X-Line and X-Pro trims, raising the suspension by 10mm and increasing ground clearance to 8.4 inches. Improvements in approach and departure angles, traction control modifications, and a new Downhill Brake Control system bolstered off-road performance. The X-Pro trim further increased towing capacity to 5,500 pounds, supported by a self-leveling rear air suspension.

Off-road testing in Texas showcased the 2023 Telluride's capabilities, confirming its suitability for moderate off-road adventures. On highways, it offered a smooth and quiet ride, though the X-Pro's all-terrain tires contributed to a slightly softer feel in corners. The 2023 model's steering was responsive yet adjustable in Sport mode for a better driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with an upscale, organized interior while maintaining practicality. Notable features included functional grab handles on the center console and roof pillars, overhead air vents, manual rear side window shades, rear smartphone storage, USB ports in seatbacks, and accessible rear cupholders.

Dual-zone automatic climate control managed the front seats, with single-zone automatic control for the rear. The EX and SX trims featured real leather, with the SX Prestige offering premium Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner. Heated and ventilated seats in the front and second rows, dual sunroofs, and a Smart Power Liftgate added luxury.

Spacious seating accommodated adults in all three rows, though the third row offered relatively less comfort. The one-touch sliding and folding second-row seat mechanism eased access to the third-row. The Telluride provided ample storage with 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the seats folded and a maximum of 87 cubic feet. Real-world utility was tested with an Ikea run, showcasing the Telluride's capability to handle bulky items.

For 2023, the Telluride retained its flexible seating configurations, accommodating seven or eight passengers. Premium Nappa leather, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain's chairs were standard in the SX Prestige trim. Features like a heated steering wheel and power lumbar stabilization system added to the comfort.

The second-row provided manual side-window sunshades, adjustable armrests, USB ports, storage pockets, and separate slots for smartphones. A button allowed easy access to the third-row, which was more comfortable than many competitors' offerings. Storage was ample in both front and second rows, and a smart power tailgate with an automatic closing function facilitated cargo loading.

The cargo space was consistent with the previous year, offering 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

In 2022, Kia's 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system became standard, featuring navigation and voice recognition. However, it sacrificed wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, necessitating wired connections. The voice recognition system was not conversational, occasionally proving frustrating.

USB charging ports were available across all rows, with wireless charging for all trims except the LX. Kia's connected services platform, Kia Connect, included a range of features from emergency assistance to remote engine start and home-to-car integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Additional tech included a Quiet Mode for rear speakers, Driver Talk for clear communication with rear passengers, and, in the SX trim, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, head-up display, and surround-view monitoring system with a top-down camera view.

The 2023 Telluride upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard on all trims, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Voice recognition handled standard commands well, though climate control adjustments required manual intervention.

Kia Access app integrated remote control features via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, with OTA updates and simultaneous Bluetooth device pairing. Six USB ports ensured power access for all passengers.

The 2023 model continued to offer Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, along with upgrades like a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and a new digital-key technology that made your smartphone or smartwatch a key. A Full Display Mirror gave a clear rear view, even when packed with cargo. The head-up display got an upgrade to full-color, 10-inch size with enhanced functionality.

For 2022, the Telluride's standard driver assistance and collision avoidance features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, 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. The Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance for highway driving.

The Smart Cruise Control-Curve system used GPS data to predict and slow for upcoming curves, and the Safe Exit Assist warned occupants of approaching vehicles. The SX trim's Blind-Spot View Monitor added camera-based blind-spot visibility within the instrument display.

In NHTSA crash tests, the 2022 Telluride earned a five-star overall rating, though individual frontal-impact protection for the driver and front passenger rated four stars. The IIHS awarded the Telluride "Top Safety Pick" status, missing out on "Top Safety Pick+" due to headlight ratings.

For 2023, the safety feature lineup expanded, adding junction turning detection with automatic braking, rear parking sensors with automatic braking, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Highway Drive Assist 1.5 for semi-autonomous driving on highways. Highway Drive Assist 2.0 with Lane Change Assist became standard on SX trims.

Collision avoidance enhancements on SX included front parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking while parking, a surround-view camera, a forward view for off-road navigation, and Blind-Spot View Monitor. Automatic high-beam headlights, driver attention warning, and a Rear Occupant Alert system with ultrasonic sensors became standard. This comprehensive suite of features confirmed the Telluride's emphasis on safety, though crash-test ratings for the 2023 model were not available at the time of this review.