2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Kia Telluride, particularly in its X-Line and X-Pro models, showcased a refreshed design with updated front and rear styling, new headlights and taillights, and a selection of new wheel designs. The SUV was available in striking new paint colors like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, complemented by fresh interior hues such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring 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 boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a sleek 24-inch glass panel, giving the interior a modern edge. Additional interior updates included new colors, minor trim changes, and a redesigned steering wheel, with embossed trim names on the front seatbacks of the X-Line and X-Pro models.

The 2024 Genesis GV80, particularly in the Prestige Signature trim, exuded luxury with its Matterhorn White Matte paint and dark chrome trim. The exterior featured stylish 22-inch wheels, though their details were obscured by black paint. Inside, the GV80's Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior was opulent, with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents. The cabin was equipped with ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display, underscoring its status as a flagship Genesis SUV. Despite its luxurious interior, the GV80's exterior design was less impressive, and the wheel design was not as visible as expected. The Prestige Signature trim offered a high level of luxury, but the regular Prestige model was deemed equally attractive.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its mechanical prowess with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an available AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for power distribution. The Telluride X-Line averaged 24.1 mpg, while the X-Pro returned 20.4 mpg, with the latter including off-roading. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10mm, increasing ground clearance to 8.4 inches, and it featured a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model was ideal for off-roading, with 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an improved cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. The Telluride excelled on highways, offering a smooth ride and quiet interior, though the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The 3.5T model provided satisfying performance but was less fuel-efficient, averaging 17.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, with five driving modes available. The GV80 3.5T featured upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, delivering a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its all-season tires. The steering was unremarkable, but the two-spoke design of the steering wheel was comfortable for long drives. The GV80 excelled in urban and suburban settings, offering a luxurious yet communicative ride.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system to keep drivers alert on long trips. The second-row seats were equipped with manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seating area was accessible via a button on the second-row captain’s chairs, offering more comfort than some competitors. The Telluride provided ample storage space, with a smart power tailgate and generous cargo capacity, including 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature trim held only four people due to its second-row captain’s chairs. The GV80 featured artificial leather, real leather, or premium leather, depending on the trim level, with standard heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power hands-free liftgate. Our test vehicle included a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage programs. However, the seats were uncomfortable on long trips, and the rear seats didn’t recline far enough for extended legroom. The GV80 offered commendable storage space, with 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with the back seats folded. The Prestige Signature’s rear center console required careful loading of items.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, 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, and OTA updates kept the infotainment system current. The Telluride included six USB charging ports, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode, with upgrades like a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and wireless smartphone charging. A digital-key technology transformed smartphones or smartwatches into vehicle keys, and a Full Display Mirror provided a video view of the rear. The Telluride also offered a head-up display with a larger viewing area and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its distance from the driver encouraged use of the center console’s control dial. The standard infotainment package included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Genesis Connected Services and a Wi-Fi hotspot were standard, with wireless smartphone charging available. The voice-recognition system was user-friendly, and the infotainment display was graphically pleasing with minimal glare. The GV80 included a digital key system and a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display on the Prestige and Prestige Signature trims. The HUD provided blind-spot warnings, enhancing safety during lane changes.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Telluride featured adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Highway Drive Assist 1.5, with Highway Drive Assist 2.0 available on higher trims. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. The forward collision warning system was effective, and Highway Drive Assist 2.0 performed well in stop-and-go traffic. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came equipped with numerous ADAS and safety features, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed a video feed within the digital instrument panel, while the HUD provided blind-spot warnings. The Remote Smart Parking Assist system allowed the GV80 to park itself, even with the driver outside the vehicle. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the frontal-impact test earned four stars for the driver and passenger seating positions.