2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Genesis GV70

During their time in Texas, reviewers experienced the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, noting the SUV's fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride offered new paint colors like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, along with interior colors such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro added exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Interior updates included a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a curved 24-inch glass piece, pushing the Telluride into a more modern era.

The 2023 Genesis GV70, with its naming convention, drew stylistic connections to the G70 compact luxury sedan, particularly above the belt-line. The split-bar headlights and strong chrome line visually linked the GV70 to its sedan counterpart, creating a coupe-like SUV appearance without sacrificing versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin impressed with top-notch materials and excellent fit and finish, blending contemporary and classic aesthetics. The dash featured a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience. The GV70's interior design and luxury credentials stood out, with features like a power tilt-telescoping steering wheel, ambient cabin lighting, and a premium stereo system.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its mechanical setup with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for power distribution. The Telluride X-Line averaged 24.1 mpg, while the X-Pro returned 20.4 mpg, with official EPA ratings at 21 mpg combined for AWD models. Kia enhanced the Telluride's off-road capabilities with a raised suspension, improved ground clearance, and a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model, with its all-terrain tires and increased towing capacity, excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its stability and performance.

The Genesis GV70 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5T boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines utilized an eight-speed automatic transmission with AWD. The GV70 Electrified model, with a 77.4-kWh battery and dual electric motors, produced 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. The electric GV70 offered a range of 236 miles and fast charging capabilities. The GV70's handling balanced comfort and sportiness, with the electric version leaning slightly towards comfort.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior provided ample space, with a power lumbar stabilization system for driver comfort. The second-row seats offered comfort and convenience, with features like manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seating was accessible and comfortable for larger adults, though not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas. The Telluride's cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The Genesis GV70 offered 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with them in use, above average for its class. The GV70 featured a hands-free power liftgate and practical storage solutions, including large cupholders and a center console tray. Front-seat occupants found it easy to adjust to a comfortable position, while rear-seat legroom was tighter, requiring front-row adjustments. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services. The system included a Wi-Fi hotspot and supported voice recognition, though climate controls required manual adjustment. The Kia Access app allowed remote control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, with OTA updates keeping the system current. The Telluride offered six USB ports, Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, and optional upgrades like a Harman Kardon sound system and digital-key technology. A Full Display Mirror and a larger HUD were also available, enhancing convenience and safety.

The Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menus, complemented by center console buttons and a rotary dial. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Available features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and lane-keeping assist. The Telluride's adaptive cruise control system could adjust speed based on navigation data, and Highway Drive Assist 2.0 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. Additional features included front parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. A Rear Occupant Alert system with ultrasonic sensors was standard, enhancing safety for families.

The Genesis GV70 came equipped with a full suite of driver-assistance technology, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2.5T's Advance Package added a blind-spot camera system and a 360-degree parking camera, while the 3.5T's Sport Advance package included these features. The GV70 Electrified model offered most driver-assistance features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.