2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Kia Sorento

During our time in Texas, we experienced 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 hues such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, boasting a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro 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 2024 Kia Sorento received its first major visual update since its 2021 debut, aligning more closely with its siblings like the Telluride and EV9. It featured a bold new front end, vertically-stacked LED headlights, and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights, giving it a more imposing presence. The rear updates were subtle, with higher trims receiving LED taillights and new bumpers. Inside, the Sorento showcased a redesigned dashboard with a single-pane, twin-screen setup, offering a cleaner and more upscale look. The cabin materials were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats, enhancing the overall luxurious feel.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 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 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 official EPA ratings at 21 mpg combined for AWD models. The X-Line and X-Pro had raised suspensions, improved ground clearance, and enhanced off-road capabilities, with the X-Pro offering a towing capacity of 5,500 pounds. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its stability and traction control systems, while providing a smooth and quiet ride on highways.

The 2024 Kia Sorento maintained its base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EX and higher models featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, offering a more dynamic driving experience. The Sorento's AWD option included the X-Line setup, providing 1.2 inches more ground clearance and improved usability. The Sorento handled confidently, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes, while the X-Pro variant excelled in off-road conditions with its 17-inch rims and all-terrain tires. The Sorento's fuel economy was average for its class, with non-turbo models achieving 25-26 mpg combined and turbo models at 23 mpg.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior offered ample space, with a power lumbar stabilization system for driver comfort. The second-row seats were comfortable, with manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seating area was accessible and more comfortable than many competitors, though not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas. The Telluride provided generous storage space, with a smart power tailgate and a maximum cargo volume of 87 cubic feet with rear seats folded.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was modern and comfortable, with 41.4 inches of front legroom and 41.7 inches in the second row. The third row offered 29.6 inches of legroom, suitable for children or occasional use. The Sorento's interior featured ergonomic controls and ample small-item storage. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 12.6 cubic feet, but expanded to 72.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Sorento's EX and higher models included a power liftgate, enhancing convenience.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services. It included a voice recognition system, though climate control adjustments required manual input. The Kia Access app allowed remote control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, with over-the-air updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. The Telluride offered Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging, and digital-key technology. A Full Display Mirror and a head-up display with a 10-inch viewing area were also available, along with a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system.

The 2024 Kia Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a redesigned software interface called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC). The system prioritized popular features on the home screen, with navigation standard on most trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were now standard, with over-the-air updates and USB-C outlets in all rows. The SX-Prestige models featured a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system and Digital Key 2.0, allowing smartphone access and vehicle sharing.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. It included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Telluride also featured adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, Highway Drive Assist 1.5, and Highway Drive Assist 2.0 with Lane Change Assist. Additional features included front parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. A Rear Occupant Alert system with ultrasonic sensors was standard, ensuring child safety.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's Drivewise suite included adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It offered navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2 with automated lane changes. The Sorento featured surround-view cameras and a rear-view camera mirror on the SX-Prestige. The IIHS rated the Sorento "Good" in several tests, though the LATCH system received an "Acceptable" rating. NHTSA ratings were not yet available.