2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2023 Kia Telluride underwent a series of design updates that gave it a modern and aggressive appearance. The new front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and freshly designed wheels provided a contemporary look. Additional paint colors like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green added to its aesthetic appeal, while interior color options like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green further enriched the opulent feel of the cabin.

Specifically, the Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased their off-road readiness with unique design elements. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition and featured a raised suspension, a unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro variant took these upgrades a step further by including exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, underlining its off-road capability. The SUV’s interior updates, while subtle, introduced a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system encased in a curved 24-inch piece of glass. These tech upgrades bridged the Telluride comfortably into the modern era.

In stark contrast to the contemporary Telluride, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner had retained its classic, almost outdated design elements that harkened back to its 2010 redesign. While it had undergone some refreshes, the vehicle's rugged appeal remained unchanged. Its boxy profile and flared fenders emphasized stability and off-road capability. The range-topping TRD Pro's chunky shapes in the grille and liftgate, underbody skid plates, and all-terrain tires reinforced its tough exterior, making it suitable for hardcore enthusiasts.

Inside, the 4Runner did not fare as well. The analog instrument panel and small, outdated eight-inch infotainment screen revealed its age. The interior was filled with hard plastics, giving it a less premium feel compared to the Telluride’s lush materials. However, the sturdy grab handles and spacious layout did offer comfort for larger passengers, even if the second row fell short in headroom for taller individuals. The cargo space remained decent, enhanced slightly by an optional sliding deck and a practical sliding rear window, but the lack of modern touches was evident.

The 2023 Kia Telluride was equipped with a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. With selectable driving modes like Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, the Telluride offered versatility for different driving conditions. The AWD system featured a low-speed Lock setting to distribute power evenly between the front and rear wheels, and the vehicle averaged an impressive 24.1 mpg in mixed driving conditions. Even the more off-road-centric X-Pro variant, though less efficient, provided 20.4 mpg, emphasizing its capability with upgraded suspension, additional ground clearance, and improved towing capacity up to 5,500 pounds.

Toyota’s 2024 4Runner sported a 4.0-liter V6 engine that generated 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. However, it was held back by a five-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the Telluride’s advanced gearbox, the 4Runner’s transmission undermined its acceleration and fuel economy, making it feel sluggish on highways. The standard 4WD system, along with a two-speed transfer case on the TRD Pro model, did shine off-road. The low-speed Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select system allowed drivers to tackle varied off-road surfaces, albeit with a noisy and outdated exhaust system that did not enhance the driving experience.

On-road, the 4Runner’s soft suspension led to excessive body roll, and its loud engine and noticeable road noise detracted from a comfortable driving experience. The cargo space did manage to calm the residual bounces when filled with adventure gear, but overall, the 4Runner fell short in terms of refinement compared to the Telluride.

The 2023 Kia Telluride was built to impress with its interior space and functionality. Depending on the chosen second-row seating configuration, it could accommodate seven or eight passengers. Premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs provided top-tier comfort. The spacious front seats featured a new power lumbar system for long trips, and second-row passengers had manual side-window sunshades and abundant USB ports.

With versatile storage solutions, including a “smart” power tailgate, the Telluride easily handled up to 87 cubic feet of cargo space with both the second and third rows folded down. Even behind the third row, it offered 21 cubic feet, and 46 cubic feet with only the third row stowed, providing plenty of room for family trips and adventures.

Although the 4Runner’s interior seemed outdated, it still offered practical features for adventure enthusiasts. The front seats provided ample space, and the stadium-like second-row gave passengers an elevated view. However, headroom was constricted for taller individuals. Storage solutions inside the 4Runner were practical, with numerous slots and cupholders.

The 4Runner excelled in cargo space with a generous 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Unlike the Telluride, it lacked remote seat releases for the second row, making it less convenient. However, the sliding rear window was a nifty feature for quick access to the cargo area, and the absence of a powered or hands-free liftgate was a drawback when compared to the Telluride’s modern conveniences.

Kia equipped the 2023 Telluride with a state-of-the-art 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities. While the system excelled in voice recognition, climate controls still required manual adjustments. The Kia Access app facilitated remote control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and over-the-air updates ensured the system stayed current. Six USB charging ports, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and a robust digital-key technology rounded out the tech offerings.

The Toyota 4Runner, in comparison, had a simpler approach to technology. An eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto served basic infotainment needs but felt insufficient and outdated. The TRD Pro’s 15-speaker JBL audio system delivered high-quality sound, although it often got drowned out by the vehicle’s engine and road noise. Additional terrain controls were available but required a thorough read-through of the owner's manual due to their icon-based labels.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered an extensive list of safety features. Standard safety systems included forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and lane management systems enhanced safety on the road. Adaptive cruise control, new intelligent speed limit assist, and Highway Drive Assist 2.0 were among the advanced features in the higher trims, ensuring both convenience and safety for drivers. While crash-test ratings were pending, the onboard safety tech provided peace of mind.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed results in safety ratings. NHTSA awarded it four stars for overall protection, five stars for side impacts, and three for rollover tests. IIHS's ratings were similarly inconsistent, with top marks for moderate frontal overlap and side protection, but lower scores in other areas. The 4Runner included standard safety features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The TRD Pro and Limited trims added a surround-view camera system, enhancing awareness during off-road adventures.