2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Subaru Outback

During our time in Texas, the new 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models demonstrated various aesthetic updates. All Telluride models featured fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint colors like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, coupled with interior hues like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green, added to the stylish appeal.

The Telluride X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, boasting a raised suspension, a unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. For a more aggressive look, the X-Pro upped the ante with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. While Kia's interior updates were subtler, the real game-changer was the available digital instrumentation panel and the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass.

For the 2023 Subaru Outback, a facelift introduced a new front-end design, including redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. Additional exterior adjustments like a simulated skid plate, oversized fog light housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim gave the Outback an aggressive stance. The Onyx Edition, newly accessible with a starting price of $33,495 for the non-turbo powertrain, offered black wheels and trim that complemented the bold cladding.

Comparatively, the Telluride's high-end interior finishes like premium Nappa leather, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front and second-row captain’s chairs added a luxurious touch that was hard to miss.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The available AWD system featured multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, Snow, and a low-speed Lock setting for off-road conditions. The Telluride X-Line averaged 24.1 mpg on a trip that included heavy traffic, twisty roads, and highways, while the X-Pro clocked in at 20.4 mpg, inclusive of half an hour off-roading.

Modifications such as a raised suspension by 10mm, increased ground clearance to 8.4 inches, and new Downhill Brake Control system elevated the Telluride's off-road capabilities. The Telluride X-Pro with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires increased the towing capacity to 5,500 pounds, with solid performance in off-road testing.

The 2023 Subaru Outback standard 2.5-liter flat-four engine delivered 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Though the CVT managed the power at lower speeds, the engine struggled with passing and climbing. It fell short of the expected 28 mpg in combined driving, returning only 25.6 mpg during extended tests.

The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine available in XT models offered 260 hp at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 to 4,800 rpm, albeit at a higher cost and with reduced fuel efficiency. Both engines paired with a CVT simulating eight gears, and the Outback featured a standard Active Torque Split AWD system, X-Mode traction system, and Hill Descent Control. Off-road and in snow, the Outback proved capable, though the standard engine's lack of power diminished its overall fun factor.

The 2023 Kia Telluride could fit seven or eight passengers, with the test vehicles featuring heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The on-board Wi-Fi hotspot and manual side-window sunshades in the second row added to the comfort. Entry to the third-row was relatively easy, and although it wasn't the most spacious in the segment, it outperformed many competitors. Cargo capacity was substantial: 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.

The 2023 Subaru Outback Touring’s interior boasted 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation and premium Nappa leather upholstery. Passengers enjoyed a cozy experience, although some wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds. The Outback's ease of entry and height-adjustable seats added to its convenience. Cargo capacity stood at 32.6 cubic feet with the rear seat up and 75.6 cubic feet with it folded down. Practical touches like flat, textured plastic door sills for easy roof rack access and a functional roof rack design made it versatile, though additional interior storage space would improve its practicality.

For 2023, Kia equipped all Telluride models with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed admirably, though climate control adjustments required manual input. The Kia Access smartphone app allowed control of vehicle functions via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The system also supported OTA updates and dual Bluetooth device pairing. Additional features included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging, and digital-key technology compatible with several smart devices.

Subaru’s 2023 Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system starting from the Premium trim, with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate adjustment. The base model provided a 7-inch screen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offered wireless connectivity. Despite efforts to improve usability, the Starlink system remained less intuitive, particularly with voice recognition tasks. Connectivity and infotainment were solid on wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional tech included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera.

Kia provided an extensive suite of safety features on the 2023 Telluride. Standard systems included forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking, with substantial enhancements for 2023. These included a junction turning system, adaptive cruise control with navigation-based speed reduction, Highway Drive Assist 1.5, and several collision avoidance features. The Telluride SX trim and above offered Highway Drive Assist 2.0 and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. Additional safety systems included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system with smartphone notifications.

The 2023 Subaru Outback emphasized safety, enhanced by new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster. Base models included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. The Limited and Touring trims offered a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better detection of pedestrians and cyclists. However, the adaptive cruise and lane-centering systems felt less natural, and the rear automatic braking was occasionally incompatible with certain driveways.