2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX showcased a modern and sporty design, with the aggressive styling aimed at standing out among competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5. It came in base 350, F Sport, and L trim levels, including a hybrid model labeled RX 450h. F Sport versions offered performance enhancements and sporty aesthetics. The base and L trims featured 18-inch wheels and various LED lights, while the F Sport upgrades included 20-inch wheels and other sporty visual cues. Inside, the cabin design mixed luxury appeal with an athletic touch, especially in the F Sport models which had model-specific badging, aluminum trims, and sporty seats. Despite an overall high-quality feel, the center stack appeared somewhat dated due to an abundance of buttons.

The 2023 Kia Telluride debuted with refreshed front and rear styling, new wheel designs, and updated interior colors like Terracotta and Navy. The exterior included variants like the X-Line with unique grilles and raised roof rails, and the X-Pro with specialized off-road features. The Telluride's interior updates were subtle but impactful, incorporating a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, creating a modern feel. Both X-Line and X-Pro came with embossed trim names on the front seatbacks, enhancing their unique appeal. Over time, Kia ensured the Telluride's cabin was spacious, with premium materials and practical features like power-adjustable seats and heated second-row captain's chairs available in higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The RX 450h hybrid model added electric motors to output a combined 308 horsepower. An 8-speed automatic transmission paired with both engines, with FWD standard on the RX 350 and AWD optional, while the hybrid was AWD only. Despite its sporty exterior, the RX's performance didn’t deliver a dynamic driving experience. Modes like Sport and Sport+ offered minimal differences in handling and throttle response, leading to a more comfortable than spirited drive. Fuel efficiency was decent, with the RX 350 achieving up to 23 mpg combined, and the hybrid 450h 30 mpg combined, which was a clear advantage over the gas-only variants.

Mechanically unchanged, the 2023 Kia Telluride utilized a 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Telluride provided several driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Snow. The X-Line variant averaged an impressive 24.1 mpg, while the more rugged X-Pro managed 20.4 mpg due to its off-road capabilities. The Telluride excelled on various terrains, with features like a 0.4-inch higher ground clearance and improved approach and departure angles. The SUV handled off-roading in Texas hill country well, showcasing its AWD Lock mode and Downhill Brake Control system. On highways, the Telluride’s ride quality remained soft yet connected, making long trips comfortable and quiet.

The 2022 Lexus RX two-row model offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, accommodating up to five passengers fairly comfortably. The front seats had generous headroom at 39.4 inches and legroom at 44.1 inches, whereas the rear seats offered 38.0 inches of legroom. Three-row L models, however, provided limited space with only 7.45 cubic feet of cargo area with all seats up, extending to 58.48 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. While the RX featured convenient built-in features like an adjustable-height cup holder and dedicated smartphone slot, the high load-in height made cargo access less practical.

The 2023 Kia Telluride had a configurable passenger setup, accommodating either seven or eight passengers. Premium trims offered Nappa leather, ventilated front and second-row seats, and ample space for all occupants. The Telluride's second-row captain’s chairs provided an easy path to the more spacious third-row seats, more comfortable than many competitors. With up to 87 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded, the Telluride offered more practical cargo space than the RX. Features like a "smart" power tailgate made loading easier, adding to the Telluride's family-friendly appeal.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen standard, with a 12.3-inch option. Despite the screen's ergonomic imperfections due to positioning and an obstructive design of the center stack, the interface was responsive. However, frustrating control alternatives like voice commands and a hypersensitive touchpad marred the experience. The RX included various connectivity options such as six USB ports, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration, catering to tech-savvy drivers and passengers.

For the 2023 Kia Telluride, a 12.3-inch touchscreen was standard across all models, incorporating features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a navigation system, maintaining consistently positive reviews for its responsive interface. Kia added enhancements like a Wi-Fi hotspot, and updates via over-the-air technology. Features including Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, multiple USB charging ports, and digital-key technology made the Telluride technologically superior. Upgraded audio systems and a Full Display Mirror added to the suite of advanced amenities.

For 2022, the Lexus RX incorporated the Lexus Safety System 2.0+ as standard, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system with cyclist and pedestrian detection. Additional safety measures included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Although the RX garnered a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS with optional headlights, it fell short of the highest accolades due to average headlight performance. The vehicle earned four stars from NHTSA in overall safety but scored highest in side crash testing.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured an exhaustive list of standard and advanced safety systems. New for the year, it included junction turning detection and expanded its automatic emergency braking capabilities. Standard across trims were blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping, and centering assist, along with adaptive cruise control. Higher trims featured additional collision avoidance features and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride's Rear Occupant Alert system used ultrasonic sensors to ensure no child or pet was left inside accidentally. Though final crash-test ratings were pending at the time, the Telluride’s extensive safety suite promised robust occupant protection.