2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

During our time in Texas, we sampled the new 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models. The Telluride showcased fresh front and rear styling, with updated headlights, taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint colors such as Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green offered more vibrant choices, while fresh interior colors included Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green.

Replacing the Nightfall Edition was the Telluride X-Line with a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro took it a step further, featuring exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, making it look the part of a mildly aggressive off-roader.

Interior upgrades were subtle but impactful, the highlight being the available digital instrumentation panel paired with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass. Additionally, it introduced new colors, minor trim changes, a new steering-wheel design, and an improved center console.

The Telluride was available in LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims. The X-Line package was offered with EX, SX, and SX Prestige, whereas the X-Pro required SX or SX Prestige trim. The base price started at an MSRP of $35,690 for the LX with FWD, up to $52,785 for the SX Prestige X-Pro with AWD, excluding destination charges.

Our test vehicles were SX Prestige models: one in Wolf Gray with X-Line trim ($54,120 including destination) and another in Midnight Lake Blue with X-Pro trim ($55,120).

Our test vehicle, a top-tier Calligraphy AWD trim, featured Stormy Sea paint with a black-on-black interior. The base price was $42,600, with AWD adding $1,700, and carpeted floor mats another $210, totaling an MSRP of $45,845.

Exterior styling was less attention-grabbing, but elements like the wide upper and lower grilles and thin LED headlights gave it a unique touch. Internally, the black leather seats in our Calligraphy trim added a high-quality but somewhat monotonous look. A beige or gray interior was recommended for more visual contrast.

The Nappa leather seats offered comfort, with heated and cooled front seats and heated second-row seats. Overall, the interior of the Calligraphy trim was plush, featuring dual-zone climate control, a hands-free smart liftgate, and advanced parking assist.

Mechanically, the 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Driving modes included Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with AWD models boasting a low-speed Lock setting for power distribution.

The V6 engine efficiently powered the Telluride, with an average of 24.1 mpg in the X-Line (mainly highway driving). The X-Pro, less efficient but formidable off-road, returned 20.4 mpg including half an hour off-road. Official EPA ratings for AWD were 21 mpg combined.

Off-road capabilities were highlighted in the Telluride X-Pro, with 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, improved cooling for better towing capacity (increased to 5,500 pounds), and a self-leveling rear air suspension. Our Texas hill country trail drive demonstrated its stability and functionality in various terrain conditions.

On highways, the Telluride offered a smooth, soft ride, with minimal wind noise. Steering felt firm in Sport mode, suggesting an Individual mode could improve customization. Overall, the Telluride was delightful to drive.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 2.5-liter engine, available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants. SE, SEL, and XRT trims had a naturally aspirated engine (191 hp, 181 lb-ft), paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Limited and Calligraphy trims, with a turbocharger, produced 281 hp and 311 lb-ft, with an eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch transmission.

FWD was standard (AWD optional) across all trims, featuring four customizable drive modes: Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart. Paddle shifters added a touch of sportiness, particularly in turbocharged models.

The turbocharged engine significantly outperformed the naturally aspirated variant, offering immediate acceleration with no turbo lag and brisk passing power, especially in Sport mode.

Handling was smooth with slight body lean in cornering, and no notable low-speed clunkiness often associated with dual-clutch transmissions. Despite not taking it off-road, towing capacity (2,000 pounds non-turbo, 3,500 pounds turbo with trailer brakes) ensured practicality.

The Santa Fe provided a reliable, comfortable driving experience, rivaling other SUVs in its price range.

Depending on the seating configuration, the Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather, power-adjustable front seats, and heated/ventilated front and second-row captain’s chairs (SX Prestige trim). Comfort was emphasized, with a new power lumbar stabilization system for long trips.

Second-row occupants enjoyed manual sunshades, adjustable armrests, and conveniently located USB ports. Access to the third row was easy, and while slightly less spacious than some competitors, it outperformed many midsize SUVs.

Cargo capacity was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. A smart tailgate with proximity sensing, and new automatic closing function, facilitated loading.

Eschewing the cramped third row, the Hyundai Santa Fe offered spacious, comfortable two-row seating. The rear-seat legroom (41.7 inches) was among the best, contributing to passenger comfort. Cargo capacity included 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, plus an underfloor storage compartment.

The Santa Fe excelled in seat comfort, with higher trims featuring dual-zone climate control, a hands-free smart liftgate, adjustable power seats, and advanced parking assist. The panoramic sunroof and head-up display added to its premium feel.

Minor shortcomings included limited adjustment for high-seated drivers and a wide center console encroaching on leg space.

The new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the Telluride (standard across all models) included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, Kia Connect services, and a new Wi-Fi hotspot. Voice recognition performed well for navigation, while climate control required manual adjustment.

Kia Access app enabled remote control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Six USB ports ensured charging access for all passengers. Driver Talk and Quiet Mode enhanced in-car communication and comfort.

Upgrades comprised a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, digital key technology, and a Full Display Mirror. The head-up display (HUD) with a larger 10-inch viewing area provided comprehensive driving information.

The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system notified drivers when traffic ahead moved, maintaining flow and attention.

Infotainment in the Santa Fe ranged from a basic 8-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in the base trim, to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation in higher trims, featuring wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, satellite radio, voice recognition, wireless charging, and digital key technology. The Limited and Calligraphy trims offered a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The Santa Fe's voice recognition efficiently handled navigation and weather commands, but struggled with music and temperature adjustments, requiring specific terminology and louder input.

Despite some complexities, the system's customization potential was impressive, encompassing a broad range of vehicle settings.

Kia equipped the Telluride with extensive ADAS, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian/cyclist detection, junction turning system, and automatic emergency braking. Additionally, it featured blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping/centering assist, and Safe Exit Assist.

Adaptive cruise control (standard) with navigation-based speed adjustments, Highway Drive Assist 1.5 with semi-autonomous driving, and an upgraded Highway Drive Assist 2.0 (starting with SX trim) offered advanced capabilities.

Advanced collision avoidance systems and parking assistance, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, enhanced driver confidence. Standard rear occupant alert ensured child safety in the backseat.

On the road, ADAS worked seamlessly, particularly Highway Drive Assist 2.0 in stop-and-go traffic, providing reliable safety support.

The Hyundai Santa Fe boasted comprehensive ADAS, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist/junction detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping/centering assist, driver monitoring, and a safe-exit system. Highway Driving Assist (standard on SEL and above) leveraged adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability.

NHTSA awarded the 2023 Santa Fe a five-star overall rating, while IIHS designated it a "Top Safety Pick+,” reaffirming its crashworthiness and safety technology in higher trims.

Safety features worked effectively, offering peace of mind and crucial reminders, like checking the rear seat for children and safe exit alerts for passing vehicles.