2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

Toyota initially launched the RAV4 in North America for the 1996 model year as a compact SUV alternative. Over time, the RAV4 grew in dimension and sophistication, evolving beyond its "cute-ute" origins. By the 2022 model year, the RAV4 had matured into a sales leader and a refined crossover SUV, riding high on the coattails of a 2019 redesign. This iteration often nestled itself at the top of the United States' SUV sales charts. Although its overall design blended into the sea of crossover vehicles, a closer look revealed its unique character. Angular flourishes around the wheel arches and crisp lines harmonized with the organic shapes in its body-side bends. The expressive headlights, snub-nosed grille, and lower fascia openings gave it a look reminiscent of a playful yet aggressive Kabuki mask. Toyota's signature fit-and-finish extended this quality feeling throughout the exterior.

Inside, the RAV4 showcased a layered dashboard with contrasting textures and colors, solidified by an uncomplicated center stack. A prominently placed touchscreen interface minimized driver distraction. Even the interior details, like the circuit-board-inspired geometric patterns, added to its distinctive style, resonating throughout the cabin, from cloth seat inserts to sill plates to the 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels on the Adventure-trim test vehicle.

The 2023 Kia Telluride had both X-Line and X-Pro models, noted for fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. Its color palette offered Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while interior colors included Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line, replacing the Nightfall Edition, presented a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro took it further with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. These tweaks made for a mildly aggressive off-roader look.

Inside, the updates were subtler but impactful. A new digital instrumentation panel accompanied the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, blending under a sleek 24-inch curved glass piece, pushing the Telluride's interior into the future. The center console underwent functional enhancements, and the new steering wheel design provided additional ergonomic benefits. The 2023 lineup ranged from the LX to the SX Prestige, with prices spanning from $35,690 for the LX FWD model to $52,785 for the SX Prestige X-Pro with AWD. Overall, the Telluride delivered a modern yet rugged look that appealed to families and adventure seekers alike.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a diverse range of powertrains. The gasoline-only version, which we reviewed, came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, though all-wheel drive (AWD) was an option. Fuel efficiency was strong, with FWD models achieving 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined. AWD versions clocked in at 25-27 mpg city/32-34 mpg highway/28-30 mpg combined.

The RAV4 Hybrid upped the ante with the same 2.5-liter engine working together with an electric motor, combining for a net output of 217 hp. This variant was notably efficient, delivering 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid topped the performance charts with 302 hp, a 2.5-liter engine, and an extended battery. It could run 42 miles purely on electric power and achieved a fuel economy of 94 MPGe combined. The AWD was standard for the Prime, making it both powerful and efficient.

Our test vehicle, the gasoline Adventure AWD model, provided more than adequate power for daily driving and maintained smooth, immediate acceleration without turbo lag. This powertrain paired well with the eight-speed automatic transmission, making it easy to navigate highways and lively streets alike. The RAV4's handling was car-like, benefiting from MacPherson struts in the front and multi-link suspension in the rear, complemented by stabilizer bars at both ends. AWD models featured Multi-Terrain Select tuning and dynamic torque vectoring, enhancing cornering and overall handling.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine that generated 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, linked with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Its driving modes included Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, along with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for balanced power distribution.

During our test drive, the Telluride demonstrated robust performance. We averaged 24.1 mpg in the X-Line under various driving conditions, primarily using Comfort mode. The X-Pro model was a bit less efficient at 20.4 mpg, partly due to off-roading activities that showcased its Lock mode. Officially, the AWD Telluride was rated at 21 mpg combined by EPA standards.

Kia made several performance enhancements for the 2023 model, including a raised suspension, better ground clearance, and improved approach and departure angles. The Telluride X-Pro specifically excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and increased towing capacity of 5,500 pounds. A self-leveling rear air suspension further enhanced its off-road and towing capabilities. On highways, the Telluride exhibited a soft, smooth ride quality, which was slightly compromised only by the squishier feel of its all-terrain tires during tighter turns. In Sport mode, the steering firmed up more than necessary, though this was a minor quibble in an otherwise delightful driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 had grown over its generations but remained classified as a small SUV by EPA standards. It offered significant cargo space—37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. Its payload ranged between 1,050 to 1,230 pounds, depending on the configuration. The RAV4's towing capacity varied by model: up to 1,500 pounds for LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited grades; 3,500 pounds for Adventure and TRD Off-Road grades; 1,750 pounds for Hybrid models; and 2,500 pounds for Prime models. These capabilities made the RAV4 an attractive option for buyers needing a balance of cargo space and towing capabilities without compromising fuel efficiency.

Inside, the RAV4 comfortably seated four, though it could accommodate five when needed. The front row was optimized for comfort, offering ample legroom, shoulder room, and headroom, supported by a roomy center console and various storage options. Cupholders and bottle holders were liberally placed throughout the cabin, adding to the RAV4's practical appeal.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, offering seven or eight-passenger configurations, excelled in interior space and comfort. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs, ensuring a luxurious experience for occupants. A power lumbar stabilization system added long-trip comfort for drivers.

Second-row amenities included manual side-window sunshades, adjustable armrests, USB ports on front seatbacks, and overhead controls for the triple-zone climate system. These features catered well to passenger comfort, making the Telluride’s cabin an inviting space.

Cargo capacity in the 2023 Telluride was generous yet typical for a three-row midsize SUV. It provided 21 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the third-row folded down. Maximum cargo capacity reached 87 cubic feet, easily accommodating larger loads.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a robust set of technology features from the base trims up. Standard equipment included a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and compatibility with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims featured a 9-inch touchscreen and could upgrade to an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. The RAV4 Prime took it further with additional USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, ambient lighting, and an available head-up display.

The 2023 Kia Telluride introduced a fresh 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, integrating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services, including a new Wi-Fi hotspot. Voice recognition was generally effective, although it did not perform climate control adjustments. Six USB ports across all seating rows kept devices charged, while Driver Talk and Quiet Mode improved cabin communication and minimized rear-seat disturbances.

Upgrades in the Telluride included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and new digital-key technology. These features underscored the Telluride's technological prowess, aiming to enhance the user experience significantly. The Full Display Mirror and larger 10-inch head-up display were noteworthy additions that improved situational awareness and convenience.

Safety remained a priority for the 2022 Toyota RAV4, featuring Toyota’s Star Safety System across all models. This included vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, and more. Eight airbags provided cabin protection, and Safety Connect offered emergency assistance and collision notification. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite brought advanced driver-assist systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and pedestrian detection. The 2022 RAV4 earned high safety ratings, making it an IIHS Top Safety Pick and receiving a five-star NHTSA rating.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came with an extensive array of standard and advanced safety features. Standard equipment included forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Notable additions for 2023 were the Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Drive Assist 2.0 systems, providing semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

Highway Drive Assist 2.0 combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, further eased by a new Lane Change Assist function. Front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera enhanced the Telluride's parking and maneuvering capabilities. A Rear Occupant Alert system with ultrasonic sensors helped prevent leaving children or pets unwittingly unattended in the vehicle. While crash-test ratings for the 2023 Telluride were not available at the time of our review, the vehicle's comprehensive safety suite suggested strong future performance in such evaluations.