2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 BMW X5

During our time in Texas, we evaluated the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, which featured refreshed 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 fresh interior colors such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, boasting a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro model added exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Telluride introduced a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a curved 24-inch glass piece, pushing the SUV into a more modern era.

The 2023 Telluride's interior updates were subtle, with new colors, minor trim changes, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional center console. Both the X-Line and X-Pro models had their trim names embossed on the front seatbacks. Available in LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, the Telluride offered the X-Line package with EX, SX, and SX Prestige, while the X-Pro package required SX or SX Prestige trim. Prices started at an MSRP of $35,690 for the LX with FWD, rising to $52,785 for the SX Prestige X-Pro with AWD, plus a $1,335 destination charge. We tested two SX Prestige models, one in Wolf Gray with X-Line trim and another in Midnight Lake Blue with X-Pro trim.

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained its stylish appearance, though the M Sport treatment was less favored, giving it a station wagon-like look. Our test vehicle featured the optional 21-inch "741M" wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, a turbocharged V8 engine, and a high-performance turbo V8 variant. The six-cylinder and PHEV models came with Sport and M Sport trim packages, with additional equipment packages and standalone options available.

Our test vehicle was the xDrive50e M Sport, featuring Brooklyn Grey paint, optional 21-inch wheels, and all available equipment packages, with an MSRP of $88,075, including a $1,175 destination charge. The 2024 X5 received a light styling refresh and added the BMW Curved Display instrumentation and infotainment screen to the cabin, modernizing the interior with reduced physical switchgear and new transmission controls. Despite these updates, the X5 retained its connection to BMW's past through the quality of materials and construction.

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. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the AWD system offering a low-speed Lock setting for power distribution. The V6 provided ample motivation, averaging 24.1 mpg in the X-Line during a drive that included heavy traffic, twisty roads, and highway stretches. The X-Pro was less efficient, returning 20.4 mpg, including off-roading with the drivetrain in Lock mode. Official EPA ratings suggested 21 mpg in combined driving for the AWD Telluride.

Kia enhanced the Telluride's off-road capabilities with a 10mm suspension raise, increased ground clearance to 8.4 inches, improved approach and departure angles, and a modified traction control system. The new Downhill Brake Control system proved effective, though initially surprising. The X-Pro model, with 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an improved cooling system, increased towing capacity to 5,500 pounds and offered a self-leveling rear air suspension. Off-roading in Texas hill country showcased the Telluride's capabilities, though it wasn't as challenging as a Jeep or Land Rover. On highways, the Telluride delivered a smooth, quiet ride, with some wind noise at higher speeds. The off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns, and the steering firmed up too much in Sport mode.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with the xDrive50e PHEV offering a significant upgrade in electric range and power output. It featured a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with a doubled maximum AC charging rate of 7.4 kW. The xDrive50e provided 38 miles of electric-only driving, with a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg. The PHEV produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, just shy of the X5 M60i's performance.

The X5 PHEV excelled in electric driving, though a Level 2 home charging station was recommended for maximizing range. During testing, it achieved impressive electric-only distances and fuel economy, with adaptive damping air suspension masking its weight. The 21-inch wheels added road noise but didn't compromise ride quality. The X5's quick steering and excellent visibility made it enjoyable to drive, with robust suspension handling speed humps and bumps. On Mulholland Highway, the X5 delivered outstanding performance, with excellent acceleration, grip, steering, and braking, while also gaining battery charge during the drive.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered seating for seven or eight passengers, with our test vehicles featuring premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain's chairs. The SX Prestige trim included a heated steering wheel. The Telluride provided ample interior space, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system to keep drivers alert on long trips. The second-row seats were comfortable, with manual side-window sunshades, adjustable armrests, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the second-row captain's chairs facilitated access to the third-row seating area, which was more comfortable than many competitors.

Storage space was plentiful, with a "smart" power tailgate offering proximity-sensing for easy cargo loading. Cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the third-row folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e accommodated five people in two rows, with a 33.1 cubic-foot cargo area expanding to 71.2 cubic feet with the 40/20/40-split back seat folded. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to reach deep cargo items. Our test vehicle lacked genuine leather upholstery, but BMW's Sensafin artificial leather was standard and impressive. Sport seats were standard, with the Climate Comfort Package adding 20-way power-adjustable multi-contour front seats with heating and ventilation, four-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, heated armrests, and heated rear seats.

Rear-seat passengers enjoyed supportive cushions, with the panoramic sunroof providing a great view. Side window sunshades protected infants from the sun. BMW no longer offered an optional third-row seat in the X5, requiring a step up to the X7 for that feature.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual input. The Kia Access smartphone app allowed remote control of some vehicle functions via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported pairing two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included six USB charging ports, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode, with upgrades like a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and digital-key technology.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a single curved glass piece. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, providing inaccurate directions and responses. The available head-up display effectively conveyed data, and the augmented video function for navigation was useful, though reliant on accurate directions from the assistant.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, a junction turning system, and automatic emergency braking. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Safe Exit Assist system warned occupants when it wasn't safe to open the doors. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist were standard, with Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and 2.0 offering semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Telluride also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, requiring deliberate activation. It worked well in dense or light traffic but could behave unpredictably in moderate traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance performed well on the Pacific Coast Highway, though the X5 occasionally engaged hard braking without cause. The driver aids operated subtly, encouraging use. The IIHS gave the X5 high ratings, though lower headlight ratings prevented an award. The NHTSA rated it four stars overall.