2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Ford Bronco

During a detailed assessment in Texas, the new 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased fresh styling updates for both the front and rear, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride introduced new paint colors such as Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, accompanied by new interior colors including Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and 20-inch black wheels. The X-Pro added 18-inch exclusive wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its mildly aggressive off-roader appeal. Interior updates included a new digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a sleek, curved 24-inch glass piece. New colors, minor trim changes, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional center console were among the subtle changes. With seating configurations ranging from LX to SX Prestige trims, the prices started from an MSRP of $35,690 for the LX with FWD, escalating to $52,785 for the SX Prestige X-Pro with AWD, excluding a destination charge of $1,335.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered nine distinct trim levels, all sharing a blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering, distinct with its blocky upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights. The Base trim had a primitive yet charming look with steel wheels, while the Raptor boasted a wide stance, elevated height, and massive tires under huge fender flares. The Heritage trim brought a nostalgic white grille, roof, and wheels with unique plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco emphasized functional design elements like cleats above the headlights and raised "fins" for cargo security and obstacle awareness. The rugged interior continued the theme, with sealed switches and buttons, waterproof vinyl upholstery, and drain plugs for hosing out dirt. Durable materials prioritized function over luxury, with upfront storage solutions and replaceable handholds for security. Though not as refined as other SUVs, it was quieter than an equivalent Jeep Wrangler.

Mechanically, the 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers had the option to choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with an available AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The V6 efficiently powered the Telluride, averaging 24.1 mpg in the X-Line during highway driving with some heavy traffic and twisty roads. In the X-Pro, the efficiency dropped to 20.4 mpg due to half an hour of off-roading in Lock mode. Official EPA ratings for AWD models were pegged at 21 mpg in combined driving. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10mm, increasing ground clearance to 8.4 inches, with improved approach and departure angles, and traction control system enhancements for off-road capabilities. The X-Pro, ideal for off-roading, featured 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and a towing capacity increase to 5,500 pounds thanks to an advanced cooling system and available self-leveling rear air suspension. Performance on highways was commendable, offering a soft, smooth ride, though some wind noise and squishiness were noted in turns due to the off-road rubber. An Individual mode for fine-tuning driving preferences was suggested.

Conversely, the 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices: a base 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 exclusive to the Raptor, producing 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. All engines came with a four-wheel-drive system and a two-speed transfer case, with transmission options including a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic. The four-cylinder sufficiently powered the two-door, while the 2.7-liter V6 suited the heavier four-door model without altering performance perception. The Raptor's powerhouse engine offered redundant yet thrilling excess. Ride quality was bouncy but superior to the Jeep Wrangler, providing straight highway tracking and a quieter interior. However, the high-riding dimensions required cautious driving on curvy roads, though the Bronco felt more confident than expected. Despite limitations, maneuvering the four-door model was facilitated by multiple cameras, ensuring less stressful navigation.

Interior space was abundant in the 2023 Kia Telluride, accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the second-row configuration. Test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated, ventilated front, and second-row captain’s chairs. A new power lumbar stabilization system aimed to keep drivers alert on long trips. The second-row, equipped with USB ports, storage pockets, sunshades, and overhead climate controls, offered comfort without the need for rear-seat entertainment systems, now supplanted by a Wi-Fi hotspot. Access to the third-row was eased by a button on the second-row seats, and these seats proved more comfortable than many competitors, though less so than the Volkswagen Atlas. Storage was ample throughout, with a smart power tailgate featuring proximity sensing and a new automatic closing function. Cargo capacities were 21 cubic feet behind the third-row, 46 cubic feet with the third-row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The Ford Bronco's boxy shape optimized interior space, especially in the four-door model that afforded easier rear-seat access compared to the two-door’s inelegant crawling. Upfront, practical storage solutions included netted door pockets, a rubberized tray, accessory rails atop the dash, and USB jacks. The two-door Bronco offered 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 52.3 cubic feet with them folded, whereas the four-door provided 35.6 cubic feet and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively. However, the non-flat rear seats created a hindrance for sliding longer cargo or offering sleeping space, a downside offset by roof mounting points for an overlanding platform and tent. Removable fenders (except the Raptor's) and doors, requiring minimal tools, added versatility, appealing to off-road enthusiasts.

For 2023, Kia standardized a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all Telluride models, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and Kia Connect services including a Wi-Fi hotspot. Voice recognition worked efficiently, though climate control adjustments required manual input. The Kia Access app allowed remote control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, with over-the-air updates keeping the system current. Dual-device Bluetooth pairing, six USB charging ports, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode further amplified convenience. Upgrades included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, digital-key technology compatible with select devices, and a Full Display Mirror providing a video view of the rear. The head-up display (HUD) expanded to 10 inches, showing additional driving information, with good visibility reported. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, notifying drivers of traffic movement, was a particularly useful feature.

The Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road prowess with G.O.A.T. drive modes optimizing settings for varied terrains. Multiple camera views, predictive lines, and Trail Turn Assist aided novices and seasoned off-roaders in navigating challenges with confidence. The infotainment system featured wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Ford’s SYNC 4, standard, with an optional wireless charging pad. An eight-inch touchscreen was standard, with a recommended 12-inch display available for better usability.

The 2023 Kia Telluride was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, expanding its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). These included forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning systems, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking. Safety features also comprised of rear parking sensors, Safe Exit Assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. The upgraded Highway Drive Assist 2.0 provided semi-autonomous driving with Lane Change Assist and additional collision avoidance features. Conveniently, the Telluride also had parking assistance elements, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. Highway Drive Assist 2.0 offered reliable steering inputs in stop-and-go traffic. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of review.

The Ford Bronco’s safety results showed four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA, while the IIHS rated it "Good" in most crashworthiness tests. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, trailer-sway assist, and Trail Turn Assist. Higher trims and optional packages added enhanced driver assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep assist, parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control with evasive steering assist. Despite lacking some features common in conventional SUVs, the Bronco's systems operated effectively, avoiding frequent false alarms.