2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Volvo XC60

Volvo made subtle styling changes to the 2022 XC60, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look, a rear bumper that hides the tailpipes, and new wheel designs. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

During our time in Texas, we sampled the new 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models. All Tellurides received fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint colors included Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while interior colors featured Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, adding a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro went further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Interior updates included a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a curved 24-inch piece of glass.

For 2022, the Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also featured an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD and the B6 in AWD only. The B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid delivered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with AWD models featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The V6 provided ample power, averaging 24.1 mpg in the X-Line and 20.4 mpg in the X-Pro, which included off-roading. The Telluride's AWD system improved ground clearance to 8.4 inches and added a Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model, designed for off-roading, featured 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and a self-leveling rear air suspension, increasing towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. The Telluride excelled in both on-road comfort and off-road capability.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's interior space remained unchanged, offering competitive passenger space. Front-seat headroom was above average, but rear-seat headroom was tied with the Audi Q5 for the worst in its segment. Legroom was average in both rows. Mild-hybrid models provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them down. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 offered a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The second row included manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seat was more comfortable than most midsize SUVs, though not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas. The Telluride offered a "smart" power tailgate and an automatic closing function. Cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air (OTA) updates were also enabled. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distraction.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, though it did not control the climate system. The Kia Access app allowed remote control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Telluride included Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and digital-key technology. A Full Display Mirror and a larger, full-color 10-inch head-up display were also available. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system notified drivers when the car ahead moved.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2022, but the 2021 model received top ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist driver-assistance system was available as an option.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning system, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, Safe Exit Assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. New features included Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Drive Assist 1.5. The SX trim added collision avoidance features, front parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. A Rear Occupant Alert system with ultrasonic sensors was also standard.