2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Kia Telluride exhibited a robust and bold exterior with newly refreshed front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. Eye-catching new paint colors such as Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green provided a range of modern aesthetics, alongside fresh interior colors like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green.

The Telluride X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition in the lineup, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The more rugged X-Pro version went further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. The Telluride’s updated bumper designs contributed to a mildly aggressive off-road character.

Inside, Kia’s updates were subtler but impactful. A new digital instrumentation panel joined a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system beneath a curved 24-inch glass piece on the dashboard, blending futuristic tech seamlessly into the cabin. Variations in interior colors, minor trim changes, a new steering-wheel design, and enhanced center console functionality made the 2023 Telluride’s interior more appealing. Both X-Line and X-Pro trim names were embossed on the front seatbacks, emphasizing the model differentiation.

The Telluride offered multiple trims: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige, with specific packages available for certain trims. Prices ranged from an MSRP of $35,690 for the LX with front-wheel drive (FWD) to $52,785 for the SX Prestige X-Pro with all-wheel drive (AWD). Our test versions included an SX Prestige X-Line for $54,120 and an X-Pro for $55,120, both featuring premium materials and advanced features.

The new 2023 Lexus RX was shorter in height but broader and more extended in wheelbase than the model it replaced, offering more cargo space in the trunk despite the same overall length. The reduced rear overhang, softer design lines, and down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar gave the RX a floating roof effect while making the SUV look smaller.

The RX’s signature spindle-style grille was better integrated into the overall design, featuring a modern mesh texture and leading into a dramatically elevated hood. The upswept body sides linked to the flared rear fenders, while a light-blade taillight design, block lettering, and sporty bumper added a contemporary touch.

Inside, the RX presented a thoroughly modern interior. The digital instrumentation and a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display were central elements, supported by natural voice recognition technology. Quality materials such as NuLuxe artificial leather and genuine leather, textured black plastic, real wood, and aluminum dashboard trims elevated the cabin’s appeal.

When launched in late 2022, the 2023 Lexus RX offered variants including the RX 350, RX 350h (hybrid), RX 500h (performance hybrid), and the RX 450h+ (plug-in hybrid). This review focused on the RX 350, available in multiple trims without substantial expected price increases over the outgoing model priced just over $47,000.

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. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes. The AWD system featured a low-speed Lock mode, evenly distributing power between the front and rear wheels for improved traction.

The Telluride’s V6 engine offered ample power, averaging 24.1 mpg in the X-Line during mixed driving conditions, while the X-Pro returned 20.4 mpg with off-road usage. Official EPA ratings estimated 21 mpg in combined driving for the AWD Telluride.

The Telluride featured multiple off-road enhancements, including a 10mm raised suspension, 8.4 inches of ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, and a modified traction control system. The new Downhill Brake Control system effectively managed downhill speeds. The X-Pro, designed for off-road enthusiasts, included 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, an improved cooling system, and a bumped towing capacity of 5,500 pounds.

Off-road tests in Texas hill country highlighted the Telluride’s capabilities, showcasing features like AWD Lock mode, ground clearance, wheel articulation, and stability on slopes. Though the terrain wasn’t overly challenging, the Telluride X-Pro proved capable of exceeding most owners’ off-road expectations.

On highways, the Telluride delivered a smooth ride with a quiet cabin, save for some wind noise at higher speeds. The all-terrain tires provided a slight squishiness in turns, but overall, the Telluride offered a delightful driving experience.

During testing south of Santa Maria, California, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 showcased distinct dynamics. Equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine making 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RX offered AWD in both Luxury and F Sport Handling trims.

The new turbo-four engine offered more torque and better high-altitude performance than the outgoing V6, though it lacked the V6’s refined acoustics. Fuel economy ratings for the RX 350 FWD and AWD were 25 mpg and 24 mpg, respectively, with real-world tests returning slightly lower results.

On the road, the RX 350 Luxury exhibited occasional torque steer under hard acceleration and excess body motion over uneven surfaces, although the ride was generally smooth and comfortable. In contrast, the F Sport Handling trim with adaptive damping suspension felt more secure and responsive, particularly in Sport mode. The upgraded brakes in the F Sport Handling model provided superior pedal feel and modulation.

The RX’s turbocharged engine, though not as smooth as a V6, offered satisfactory acceleration, with the RX 350 FWD and AWD hitting 60 mph in 7.5 and 7.2 seconds, respectively.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered seating configurations for seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated first and second-row captain’s chairs in SX Prestige trim. The heated steering wheel added to the luxury appointments.

Front seats proved comfortable with a new power lumbar stabilization system to keep drivers alert on long trips. The second row was spacious and well-equipped with manual sunshades, adjustable armrests, USB ports, storage pockets, and climate control access. The third-row seats, accessible with a push-button on the second-row captain’s chairs, were more comfortable than many competitors.

Cargo space in the Telluride remained generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down. A smart power tailgate with automatic closing was a convenient addition, though it could open unintentionally if proximity-sensing was turned on.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350, on the other hand, provided comfortable cabins in both the Luxury and F Sport Handling trims, though the sport seat bolsters of the F Sport Handling might be snug for some. The RX 350 Luxury featured semi-aniline leather, luxurious seat designs with ten-way power adjustments, and heated and ventilated front seats. The sophisticated Peppercorn interior and premium materials enhanced its upscale feel.

The RX 350 F Sport Handling’s cabin had black NuLuxe simulated leather seats and Dark Graphite trim, with heated and ventilated front seats and a robust steering wheel. Despite the sport-oriented design, it maintained a high level of comfort.

Rear seat passengers in the RX enjoyed a supportive and high seating position, providing excellent leg support and good legroom. However, taller occupants might find headroom too tight. The RX offered useful storage areas and more cargo space than its predecessor, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats down, though still modest for the segment.

Kia’s 2023 Telluride included a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and Kia Connect services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system worked seamlessly, though it couldn’t control the climate system.

The Kia Access app allowed remote control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and over-the-air updates kept the system current. The Telluride supported pairing two devices via Bluetooth and offered six USB charging ports. Features like Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, and an optional 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system enhanced convenience and audio experience.

The Telluride introduced new digital-key technology, a Full Display Mirror, and a larger 10-inch head-up display (HUD). The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert was a particularly handy feature, ensuring drivers remained attentive to traffic changes.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the next-generation Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and varied connected services. Drive Connect, free for three years, included Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant for voice commands. The system enabled user profiles and app streaming through embedded services.

Lexus Interface was a marked improvement over previous setups, though it lacked the ability to display multiple data panels simultaneously. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system offered exceptional quality, enhanced with tone adjustments. Digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, a digital rearview mirror, and a digital key were available options.

The RX’s HUD faced visibility issues with polarized sunglasses, but the system overall provided a modern and connected driving experience.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist.

It also featured Safe Exit Assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. Higher trims included Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and 2.0, the latter offering semi-autonomous driving with Lane Change Assist. Additional collision avoidance features and parking assist technologies were available in higher trims, enhancing safety and convenience.

A standard Rear Occupant Alert system with ultrasonic sensors and a comprehensive forward collision system added to the Telluride’s robust safety profile.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), including new features such as motorcycle detection, evasive steering assist, intersection turn assistance, front cross-traffic alert, and curve speed-reduction with adaptive cruise control.

Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were notable new additions. Proactive Driving Assist aimed to maintain safe distances using automatic braking, while Traffic Jam Assist allowed for hands-free low-speed driving, monitored by a driver attention system. Advanced Park Assist handled parking tasks but could be slow.

LSS+ 3.0 performed well but had issues with HUD visibility when wearing polarized sunglasses, and curve-speed reduction was less predictive, affecting driving smoothness.