2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models offered a refreshed and bold appearance, featuring updated front and rear styling, new headlights and taillights, and a variety of new wheel designs. With vibrant new paint colors like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, the Telluride made a striking visual statement. Inside, new color options such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green added to the allure.

The X-Line trim replaced the Nightfall Edition and sported a unique grille design, raised suspension, body-color door handles, and 20-inch black wheels. The X-Pro further enhanced the rugged look with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, distinguishing itself with enhanced off-road capabilities. The interiors of the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel alongside a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system housed under a curved 24-inch glass panel. The new steering-wheel design and functional center console tweaks subtly enriched the cabin’s usability.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse underwent a design evolution with the introduction of the Z71 trim aimed at adventurers who sought moderate off-road capability. The Traverse Z71 stood out in the lineup with its gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels, Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint, and sporty styling. Inside, the Traverse featured a few "Torch Red" accents along the doors and dashboard, adding vibrancy to the Jet Black interior. Synthetic leather seats were available, though the standard cloth seating provided ample comfort and breathability.

The Traverse’s design maintained a balance between refinement and ruggedness, with the addition of adventure-ready elements in the Z71 model. The variation in interior materials and color choices didn't quite match the extensive palette offered by Kia, but it still presented a stylish and comfortable environment.

Under the hood, the 2023 Kia Telluride retained its reliable 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Various driving modes like Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, alongside an AWD system with a low-speed lock mode, provided adaptability for different driving conditions. During our review, the Telluride X-Line averaged 24.1 mpg, despite some demanding driving conditions, while the more off-road-focused X-Pro returned 20.4 mpg, reflecting its capabilities in tougher terrains. Official EPA ratings for the AWD Telluride stood at 21 mpg combined.

Improvements in ground clearance to 8.4 inches, enhanced approach and departure angles, and modified traction control made the Telluride ready for light off-roading adventures. The new Downhill Brake Control system further bolstered its confidence in more challenging conditions.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse bade farewell to the 3.6-liter V6, replacing it with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. The added power and torque made the Traverse feel energetic on the road. The optional AWD system in the Z71 model featured a dual-clutch arrangement for improved traction in slippery conditions.

On highways and twisty roads, the Traverse offered adequate acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust growl when pushed. While it felt its length at nearly 205 inches, the steering and handling were manageable. The ride quality impressed, even with the Z71’s chunkier all-terrain tires and added ground clearance.

In terms of fuel economy, the EPA estimates ranged from 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined for the FWD Traverse, with the AWD version slightly lower at 17/25/20 mpg, pointing to a reasonable efficiency figure for a large crossover.

The 2023 Kia Telluride provided generous interior space with configurations for seven or eight passengers. The premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated captain’s chairs in the front two rows underscored its luxury. Easy-to-use rear-seat entertainment, Wi-Fi hotspot, and plenty of USB ports ensured a comfortable and connected ride. Second-row manual sunshades, adjustable armrests, and ample storage pockets enhanced convenience.

Access to the third row, facilitated by a button that moved the second-row seats, made the Telluride practical for family usage. Its cargo space, however, was its standout feature: with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row down, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded, it provided ample room for gear and groceries alike.

On the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, seating configurations varied, with the LS model offering eight seats and higher trims like the Z71 and RS featuring seven. The Smart Slide second-row seats, now available on either side, improved accessibility to the third row. The power-folding third-row seats available on higher trims and the standard Autosense power liftgate added to the overall convenience.

In terms of cargo space, the Traverse boasted 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and expanded cargo capacity of around 96 cubic feet when the second and third rows were folded down. These measurements placed the Traverse among the leaders in its class. Hidden storage areas, including one under the center console and another in the cargo bay, provided smart storage solutions.

The 2023 Kia Telluride excelled in technology offerings with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual inputs.

The Kia Access app, six USB charging ports, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode enhanced the convenience for all passengers. Optional upgrades included a Harman Kardon premium sound system, wireless smartphone charging, digital key technology, and a Full Display Mirror for rearview video. The head-up display with a larger 10-inch viewing area provided comprehensive driving information.

Chevrolet equipped the 2024 Traverse with a massive 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument display. The Google-based software, intuitive voice commands, and wireless connectivity for AppleCarPlay and Android Auto were highlights. Physical controls for vital functions and a wireless charging pad contributed to user-friendliness.

The introduction of Super Cruise hands-free driving aid was noteworthy. This advanced system offered hands-free driving on mapped single-lane roadways, expanding its functionality significantly. However, the placement of some controls within the infotainment layers, particularly for headlights, wasn’t ideal.

Safety was a priority for the 2023 Kia Telluride, which came equipped with an array of standard features including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, and automatic emergency braking. Additional systems like blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with navigation data-based adjustments enhanced its safety profile.

The inclusion of Highway Drive Assist (HDA) in the Telluride, expanding to HDA 2.0 with lane change assistance on higher trims, enriched its semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Assist provided an extra layer of protection for passengers.

While the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, it came with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. Features like side-exit assist, rear pedestrian alert, and a surround-view parking camera were also standard. The extensive safety features offered peace of mind during our drive.