2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Lexus NX

When the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX went on sale in December 2021, it showcased not just one but four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. These models came with various trim levels, including base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury. Prices ranged from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding the $1,075 destination charge.

The NX 350 F Sport and Luxury trims, which were the focus of many reviews, distinguished themselves with striking design elements. The NX 350 F Sport, in particular, featured a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. The interior boasted sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, and an F Sport steering wheel. Conversely, the NX Luxury stood out with real leather and open-pore wood trim.

Meanwhile, Kia's 2023 Telluride received significant style updates across all trims, particularly the X-Line and X-Pro models. These models featured refreshed front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. Three new paint colors—Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green—along with fresh interior colors—Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green—added to its visual appeal.

The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition with a unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro elevated its ruggedness with exclusive 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and enhanced off-road capabilities.

Electrification played a significant role for the 2022 Lexus NX. The NX 350h hybrid offered 239 horsepower and an impressive 39 mpg in combined driving. The more powerful NX 450h+, a plug-in hybrid, boasted 302 horsepower and could travel 36 miles on pure electric power. The turbocharged NX 350 had a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine generating 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive. It featured multiple driving modes, including Normal, Sport, and Eco, with additional Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes for the F Sport trim. Lexus claimed the NX 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its robust 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, and the available AWD system included a low-speed Lock setting for enhanced off-road capability. Fuel economy averaged 24.1 mpg for the X-Line and 20.4 mpg for the X-Pro. The Telluride’s ground clearance increased to 8.4 inches, and it featured improved approach and departure angles, making it more capable off-road. The X-Pro trim added 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and a better cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 5,500 pounds.

The 2022 Lexus NX promised increased interior space but gave off a more intimate and cozy feel from the driver’s seat, especially with the redesigned dashboard. Front-seat comfort was excellent, especially with heated and ventilated seats. The rear seats were roomy and featured additional amenities like rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB charging ports. The panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. The NX offered 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride provided ample room for seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The SX Prestige trim featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and heated and ventilated front and second-row captain’s chairs. The second row was spacious and comfortable, with manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and overhead climate controls. Access to the third row was relatively easy, and the seats were more comfortable than many rivals. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Lexus NX took a significant leap forward in the technology department with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. Standard features included a 9.8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for several connected service subscription plans. The 14-inch touchscreen, available as an upgrade, offered cloud-based navigation and music streaming. The user-friendly infotainment system did away with the old Remote Touch Interface, and the 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system provided an impressive audio experience.

On the 2023 Kia Telluride, a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system became standard, incorporating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and Kia Connect services. The Telluride also offered voice recognition, six USB charging ports, Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. New digital key technology allowed smartphones or smartwatches to act as the vehicle key, and a Full Display Mirror provided a video view of what was behind the SUV. The optional head-up display (HUD) had a larger viewing area, offering valuable information to the driver.

Lexus equipped the 2022 NX with an extensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), packaged in the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. Key features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had an Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, Safe Exit Assist, and semi-autonomous parking assist.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came with an equally comprehensive list of safety features. Standard equipment included forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, a junction turning system, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Telluride also featured Safe Exit Assist, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Drive Assist systems. For 2023, new features included Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Highway Drive Assist 2.0, and a Rear Occupant Alert system with ultrasonic sensors.