2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Kia Telluride showcased a muscular design with balanced proportions, complemented by trendy blacked-out wheels and trim. For the year, Kia made minimal changes, updating only the grille pattern and the badges. The Telluride was available in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, ranging from $32,790 to $44,590, excluding a $1,225 destination charge. Each trim came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), while all-wheel drive (AWD) was an optional upgrade for an additional cost.

The interior of the Telluride maintained a logical arrangement of controls and featured an upscale look. However, the lower half of the cabin had glossy plastic that diminished the otherwise premium feel, especially when contrasted against the attractive Nappa leather upholstery in the SX Prestige trim. Despite this, Kia compensated with the inclusion of numerous standard features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, automatic climate control, and an array of driving aids.

Conversely, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was described by the manufacturer as “modernist” and “reductive," implying a simple and clean design, which may not have been flashy enough for some luxury SUV buyers. The Range Rover Sport was available in subdued colors like Eiger Gray and came with sleek 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack. Inside, the model boasted a Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim, exuding understated luxury.

The Range Rover Sport lineup included SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e trims, with prices starting at $98,420. Highlights included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and a slick design that enhanced aerodynamics. Inside, the cabin was appointed with a high-tech appearance and luxurious materials such as Windsor leather upholstery.

The 2022 Kia Telluride, despite its size and higher center of gravity, was surprisingly satisfying to drive. Powered by a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine with 262 pound-feet of torque, it offered good acceleration though this was the lone engine option available. The eight-speed automatic transmission channeled power to the wheels, and with AWD, drivers could use Lock mode to evenly split power between the front and rear axles. The Telluride was equipped with Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, and its 20-inch wheels provided reliable grip. Despite allowing some body roll in corners, the Telluride offered a smooth ride and cruised effortlessly on highways, achieving an average of 21.1 mpg.

In comparison, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a variety of powertrains including a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The SE Dynamic model delivered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, enabling the SUV to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The PHEV drivetrain offered 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with a 51-mile electric range. An eight-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent AWD system drove the wheels, allowing for a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. Despite advanced suspension and technology like Dynamic Response Pro, the Range Rover Sport struggled in certain high-speed and city driving conditions, though it excelled in off-road scenarios with a ground clearance of 11.1 inches and impressive wading capabilities.

The interior of the 2022 Kia Telluride struck a balance between form and function. It provided numerous thoughtful details, such as overhead air vents, manual rear side window shades, and multiple USB ports. The higher trims featured luxurious touches like Nappa leather upholstery. All three rows were relatively comfortable for adults, with an innovative one-touch sliding and folding second-row seat mechanism. In terms of cargo space, the Telluride offered 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet.

In the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, the cabin emphasized the Range Rover Command Driving Position, providing an expansive view. The interior featured Windsor leather and 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. However, the rear seats were less accommodating, with limited legroom and an overly reclined seatback angle. Cargo capacity stood at 31.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 53 cubic feet with the seats folded, though additional storage was constrained by the full-size spare tire.

For the 2022 Kia Telluride, Kia made the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation standard across all trims, though it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Telluride also featured Kia Connect, which included remote services, alerts, and a Find My Car feature. Additional tech included a Harman Kardon sound system, head-up display, and surround-view monitoring system.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was equipped with a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that provided haptic feedback. The Pivi Pro platform included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, though it was often frustrating to use. The Range Rover Sport also came with a wireless smartphone charging pad and advanced Meridian audio systems, but the usability of its digital assistant and other features left much to be desired.

The 2022 Kia Telluride was packed with safety features suitable for families, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction. It also had Highway Driving Assist and Safe Exit Assist for added security. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was designated a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport also offered a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. However, its adaptive cruise control and steering assist were found lacking, particularly on tricky freeway curves. The vehicle also featured Wade Sensing for off-road adventures.