2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication that was hard to match. Its design was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting elegant SUVs. The Velar's sleek, sporty silhouette, with its long wheelbase and short overhangs, was a scaled-down homage to the larger Range Rover's iconic profile. The vehicle's exterior was a blend of blocky and streamlined elements, highlighted by features like pop-out door handles and distinctive taillight lenses. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, maintained a high standard of quality with its polished black center stack and high-grade materials, even in the base trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride offered a fresh take on SUV design with its updated front and rear styling, new wheel designs, and a range of new paint and interior colors. The X-Line and X-Pro models added a touch of ruggedness with raised suspensions and unique design elements. Inside, the Telluride was spacious and comfortable, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and a host of features like power-adjustable seats and a heated steering wheel. The interior updates, including a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, pushed the Telluride into a more modern era, offering a blend of comfort and technology.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a handling and steering experience that was a departure from previous Land Rover models. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to improved cornering and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. While the base engine offered average response, the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, provided a more exhilarating drive with up to 395 horsepower. The Velar's Terrain Response system and optional air suspension enhanced its on-road performance, though its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an available AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The Telluride's performance was commendable, with an average of 24.1 mpg in the X-Line and 20.4 mpg in the X-Pro during testing. The X-Pro model, with its all-terrain tires and improved cooling system, was particularly suited for off-road adventures, offering a towing capacity of up to 5,500 pounds. The Telluride's ride quality was smooth and comfortable, making it a pleasure to drive on highways and byways.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was more compact than midsize SUVs, offering slightly more space than compact SUVs. Its stylish exterior design came at the cost of reduced headroom and limited visibility, with cargo space measuring 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating, though the new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a cleaner interface and faster response times.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, provided ample space for passengers and cargo. Depending on the configuration, it could accommodate seven or eight passengers, with comfortable seating and features like heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The SUV's smart power tailgate and plentiful storage options added to its practicality, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangement of functions. It featured voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield, among other innovations. The system's navigation capabilities were advanced, with features like traffic detours and off-road measurements. However, the adaptive cruise control and driving assist display were not as detailed as some competitors.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect services. The system's voice recognition performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual input. The Telluride's technology suite included features like Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, and a Full Display Mirror, enhancing convenience and safety. The optional head-up display and digital-key technology added to the Telluride's modern appeal, making it a tech-savvy choice for drivers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. safety agencies, but it performed well in the European NCAP tests, scoring five stars. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, with optional 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Kia Telluride boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The SUV also offered advanced driving assistance systems like Highway Drive Assist 2.0, which provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Telluride's safety suite was comprehensive, with features like Safe Exit Assist, adaptive cruise control, and a Rear Occupant Alert system, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers.