2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was a testament to sophistication and grace, with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, measuring over 16 feet in length, exuded a stately presence. The standard 19-inch wheels were impressive, but the Prestige trim took it up a notch with 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear design echoed the quad-lamp look with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust. Despite the boxy hands-free liftgate, the SUV maintained an elegant appearance, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the center console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Despite this minor quibble, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a pleasant environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Telluride offered a range of five core trim levels, with the option to add the rugged X-Line and X-Pro packages. The X-Line package enhanced the Telluride with standard all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, and unique grille and wheel designs. The X-Pro package further added 18-inch matte-black wheels with all-terrain tires and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing the towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. The SX Prestige with the X-Line package, priced at $54,270, featured a striking Wolf Gray paint and blacked-out styling. Inside, the black interior with premium Nappa leather seats was complemented by a dual sunroof panel. The Telluride's cabin offered various color options, including Mahogany brown and Sage Green, which paired well with the simulated open-pore wood trim. Despite some shiny plastic in the lower interior, the Telluride nearly met luxury SUV standards with its soft leather, artificial suede headliner, and 24-inch dual-screen digital display panel.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was available exclusively with all-wheel drive, offering a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbo 3.5-liter V6. The smaller engine delivered 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the larger V6, featured in our test model, produced 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly athletic or nimble, it excelled in highway driving, providing smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, ensured a quiet and comfortable ride. However, its acceleration to sixty in about five and a half seconds was slower compared to some competitors, and it felt less precise in turns than its German rivals.

The 2024 Kia Telluride, powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, generated 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, with power transferred through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride's towing capacity was typically 5,000 pounds, but the X-Pro package increased it to 5,500 pounds. With all-wheel drive, the Telluride included a locking center differential and a Snow driving mode, alongside Comfort, Sport, and Smart modes. The SUV offered decent ground clearance, with the X-Line and X-Pro packages raising it to 8.4 inches. While the Telluride provided good passing power and acceleration, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 19 mpg in combined driving. Despite this, the Telluride's driving experience was refined, with responsive steering and brakes that resisted rumble and fade. The ride was firm at lower speeds but softened at higher velocities, absorbing road undulations effectively. Off-road, the Telluride proved more capable than expected, handling various terrains with ease.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a wealth of features and luxury touches. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with our test model featuring ventilated front and rear seats and the Ergo Motion driver's seat. The Nappa leather seats were sumptuous, and the proximity key and digital key added convenience. The tri-zone climate control system ensured comfort for all passengers, while the optional 21-speaker stereo system delighted audiophiles. The GV80 offered ample cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. Its towing capacity was a robust 6,000 pounds.

In the 2024 Kia Telluride, comfort was paramount, especially in higher trim levels. Our SX Prestige X-Line test vehicle featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a third-row seat suitable for adults. The dual sunroof panel brightened the interior, while the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system was user-friendly. However, the metallic finish buttons were hard to read in bright sunlight. The Telluride offered generous storage space, including a covered cubby and a smartphone tray. The hands-free power liftgate was convenient, though it could be turned off when not needed. The Telluride provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 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 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the 3D effects seemed gimmicky, the head-up display projected information into the driver's field of view. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered a "clicky" feel and handwriting detection. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a remote smart parking assist feature, allowing the car to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without the driver inside.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Kia Connect subscription offered various features, including voice recognition, remote engine starting, and over-the-air updates. The test vehicle included satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Thoughtful features like a blue-light filter, Quiet Mode, and a digital key function enhanced the Telluride's technology offerings. The camera-based rearview mirror and 10-inch head-up display provided clear visibility, while the 360-degree camera system and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert added convenience and safety.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver's aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. A standout feature was the video feed of the car's blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster. The GV80 also featured Highway Drive Assist, which used various systems to provide a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. While it struggled in bright sunlight, the system worked well in other conditions. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, though its headlights and LATCH system were rated Acceptable.

The 2024 Kia Telluride impressed with its standard Kia Drive Wise collection of driver assistance features, including collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist. Safety feature upgrades varied by trim level, with options like front parking sensors and a Blind-Spot View Monitor system. Highway Driving Assist 2.0 added automatic lane changing, though it performed best in specific conditions. The lane-keeping system was less enjoyable without Highway Driving Assist, leading to its deactivation. The Telluride earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.