2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2023 Kia Telluride had a distinctive freshness in its styling. Sporting redesigned front and rear sections, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs, it presented a refreshed appearance. New exterior colors like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green added vibrancy, while interior colors such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green provided distinct choices. The X-Line model, replacing the Nightfall Edition, featured a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro took it a notch further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its mildly aggressive off-road look. Although the interior updates were subtle, the digital instrumentation panel and the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system created a modern, tech-forward environment. The new interior colors, minor trim changes, and a redesigned steering wheel added to the overall fresh feel of the cabin.

Meanwhile, the 2023 BMW X7 went through a significant transformation. The most noticeable change was at the front, adopting the bold personality of the redesigned BMW 7 Series sedan. New LED accent lights replaced the previous headlights, which were now tucked underneath, maintaining an imposing presence, especially with the oversized kidney grille that remained a point of contention. The X7's side and rear largely retained their previous looks, which many found reassuring. Inside, the X7’s dashboard received a curvier sheet of glass housing the digital instrument panel and central infotainment touchscreen. The new elemental dash design and toggle switch-like gear selector added to the refined feel. High-quality materials like supple leather and Sensafin synthetic coverings on the dash and doors, along with a variety of wood trim choices, either glossy or matte, catered to different tastes. Despite the potential harsh reflections from the glossy wood, the interior build quality was diligently maintained, ensuring a modern and elegant experience even on bumpy roads, free of any creaking noises.

Under the hood, the 2023 Kia Telluride remained mostly unchanged but still impressive with its 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, addressed different driving needs, and the AWD system, with a low-speed Lock setting, provided evenly distributed power. During testing in Texas, the Telluride X-Line averaged 24.1 mpg on highways, handling traffic and twisty roads adeptly. The X-Pro, although less efficient at 20.4 mpg, proved capable off-road, handling an hour of rugged terrain without complaints. The raised suspension, improved ground clearance, and updated traction control system showcased the Telluride’s adaptability to various conditions, along with a new Downhill Brake Control system that effectively managed descents.

BMW’s 2023 X7 introduced a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system for the base xDrive40i model, offering 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain efficiently propelled the X7 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The M60i model, with its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and the same hybrid system, upped the ante to 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, reducing the 0-60 mph time to 4.5 seconds. Both engines combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission to send power to all four wheels. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 managed its bulk effectively, offering potent acceleration and commendable handling without compromising ride comfort. Although the ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs, it reflected BMW’s commitment to a more engaging driving experience. The X7 excelled in maintaining composure and stability, instilling driver confidence even in challenging conditions.

The interior of the 2023 Kia Telluride offered ample space, adapting to either seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. The test models boasted amenities like premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs, making long journeys comfortable. The second row, equipped with manual side-window sunshades, adjustable armrests, and conveniently placed USB ports, offered a pleasant ride for passengers. The third-row access was facilitated by a button on the captain’s chairs, providing easier entry compared to some competitors. Although not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas, the Telluride’s third row was comfortable for its segment. The cargo area, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanded to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down, ensuring practicality.

The BMW X7, as expected for a large SUV, provided generous interior space. The second row accommodated taller passengers comfortably, thanks to a large sunroof and windows enhancing the sense of space. Third-row access, though requiring some time due to power-operated middle row adjustments, eventually offered a spacious entryway. The third row could house average-sized adults, though with reduced thigh support and tighter lateral space. Cargo capacity started at 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row stowed and reaching a maximum of 90.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded, operated conveniently with buttons. The split tailgate added usability, especially when parked on an incline, enhancing the cargo-handling experience.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard across all models, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and Kia Connect services, including a new Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system handled common commands efficiently, although not for climate controls, which required manual adjustments. The Kia Access smartphone app allowed remote control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and over-the-air updates kept the infotainment system current. Six USB charging ports ensured passengers in every row had access to power. Features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode enhanced communication and convenience, while the optional 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and wireless smartphone charging added to the luxury. Digital-key technology and a new Full Display Mirror further improved usability. The head-up display (HUD), now with a larger 10-inch viewing area, provided essential driving information, visible even with polarized sunglasses.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X7’s latest iteration of the iDrive infotainment system faced criticism for moving many physical button functions to the touchscreen, complicating tasks like adjusting heated seats or adaptive cruise control settings. Voice command capabilities attempted to mitigate this issue but often felt like a stopgap rather than a solution. While basic functions remained straightforward, navigating deeper into the system required more effort, detracting from the overall user experience. Despite these drawbacks, BMW’s commitment to advanced technology and premium features was evident, though the interface required significant improvement to match user expectations.

Kia’s 2023 Telluride was loaded with standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The adaptive cruise control system, standard across all trims, now incorporated navigation-based curve speed reduction and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving, with the upgraded Highway Drive Assist 2.0 adding Lane Change Assist, standard on SX trim and above. The higher trims also offered advanced collision avoidance, front parking sensors, low-speed automatic parking braking, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. A driver attention warning system and Rear Occupant Alert using ultrasonic sensors ensured comprehensive safety.

BMW's 2023 X7 also boasted advanced safety features although crash test results from NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable. Standard features included frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warning, adaptive headlights, and front and rear parking sensors. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, and optional features expanded to adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward cross-traffic alerts, and a semi-automated parking function. The highway driving assist significantly reduced driver fatigue on long trips, performing smoothly without false alarms or unpredictable responses, enhancing the overall safety experience.