2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2023 Ford Escape presented a departure from its earlier, more rugged design, embracing a European-inspired aesthetic. The refresh introduced a more traditional front end, replacing the previous grille with a Ford blue oval logo and a stylish LED light bar. The ST-Line Elite trim, which we tested, featured 19-inch wheels and body-color mirror caps, giving it an upscale appearance akin to a Mazda CX-5. Inside, the Escape boasted diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt somewhat hard and plasticky. Despite this, the seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat made long drives pleasant. However, the interior was dominated by plastic, which felt cost-cutting in some areas.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Telluride offered a more rugged and sophisticated look, especially with the X-Line package. This package included all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, and unique styling elements. Our SX Prestige X-Line test vehicle featured premium Nappa leather seats, a dual sunroof, and a range of thoughtful interior details. The Telluride's cabin was spacious, with a third-row seat suitable for adults and a generous cargo area. The interior design was complemented by a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though the metallic finish buttons were hard to read in bright light. Overall, the Telluride's interior nearly met luxury SUV standards, with a focus on comfort and functionality.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. This engine could be paired with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims featured a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, exclusively with all-wheel drive. Despite its impressive output, the Escape was not a performance crossover, with a soft suspension and no paddle shifters. The brakes provided predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness found in some competitors.

The 2024 Kia Telluride, powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, produced 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It offered a smooth driving experience with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a towing capacity of up to 5,500 pounds with the X-Pro package. The Telluride's all-wheel-drive system included a locking center differential and various driving modes, enhancing its capability. While not fuel-efficient, the Telluride excelled in performance, with responsive steering and brakes. Its ride was firm at lower speeds but softened at higher velocities, providing a comfortable experience on winding roads. The Telluride also demonstrated off-road capability, handling various terrains with ease.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided a comfortable driving experience with supportive seats and excellent ergonomics. The interior featured a head-up display and well-positioned armrests. However, the Escape fell short in cargo space, offering 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. Passenger space was adequate, though rear-seat legroom was slightly less than some competitors. The back seat offered good headroom, and the front-seat backs were designed to maximize space for taller passengers.

The 2024 Kia Telluride excelled in interior space and comfort, especially in higher trims like the SX Prestige X-Line. It featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a dual sunroof. The Telluride's controls were user-friendly, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and physical buttons. Storage space was generous, with a hands-free power liftgate and ample cargo capacity. Behind the third row, the Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 87 cubic feet with the seats folded. The X-Line and X-Pro packages added useful roof rails for additional storage.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 technology, featuring an optional 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The system was well-organized, with easy navigation between applications like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, the system was occasionally slow to respond, and the volume knob's placement was inconvenient. Despite these minor issues, Sync 4 offered a comprehensive feature set and user-friendly interface.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was easy to use, with Bluetooth connectivity and a range of Kia Connect plans for additional features. The Telluride included thoughtful tech features like a blue-light filter, Quiet Mode, and a digital key function. A camera-based rearview mirror and a 10-inch head-up display were also available, enhancing the driving experience. The Telluride's technology package was comprehensive, offering convenience and safety features.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in frontal and side-crash tests. However, it did not earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to a Marginal score in the side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, including features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera.

The 2024 Kia Telluride boasted a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured the Kia Drive Wise collection of driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered additional safety features like Highway Driving Assist 2.0 and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride's safety technology was comprehensive, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.