2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Kia Telluride and the 2024 Volvo XC90 showcased distinct design philosophies, making them stand out in their respective segments. The Telluride's 2023 refresh included notable updates, such as new front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. It embraced a palette of new exterior colors including Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, paired with fresh interior hues like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. Particularly, the Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models introduced unique styling cues, with the X-Line featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. Meanwhile, the X-Pro furthered the off-road aesthetic with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, complemented by updated bumper designs.

Inside, the Telluride received subtle updates, with a significant change being the introduction of a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. These were housed under a single 24-inch curved glass piece, pushing the Telluride's interior design into the future. The rest of the interior changes were more restrained, with new color options, minor trim updates, and an improved steering wheel design. The 2023 Telluride, available in trims from LX to SX Prestige, ranged from $35,690 for the base LX with FWD to $52,785 for the SX Prestige X-Pro with AWD. Notably, the X-Line and X-Pro trims required an EX or above trim level.

In contrast, the 2024 Volvo XC90 exuded a more subdued and luxurious aesthetic. The XC90 offered in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 models, boasted an exterior palette of earthy tones, fitting its image as a practical, safe, and sustainable luxury SUV. Wheel designs up to 21 inches were available, with most models sporting a Bright theme with chrome and polished metal finishes.

The XC90's interior, especially in Ultimate trim, although dated, was adorned with rich materials. Options included wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather in various colors, supplemented by a classy Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim. The Ultimate trim’s Lounge Package added massaging front seats and a premium headliner. The 2024 XC90's price ranged from $56,000 for the base model to $79,600, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The Recharge T8 we tested included numerous high-end features, with an MSRP of $89,145.

Mechanically, the 2023 Kia Telluride continued with its proven 3.8-liter V6 engine, generating 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with AWD versions adding a low-speed Lock setting. During testing, the Telluride X-Line returned an average of 24.1 mpg, while the more robust X-Pro averaged 20.4 mpg, influenced by its off-road excursion.

To bolster the Telluride's off-road credentials, Kia raised the suspension by 10mm, increased ground clearance to 8.4 inches, and improved approach and departure angles. The X-Pro model also featured 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, an improved cooling system bumping towing capacity to 5,500 pounds, and a self-leveling rear air suspension. The SUV's stability and control, even on challenging terrain, were commendable, though it wouldn’t match the rugged capabilities of a Jeep or Land Rover. On regular roads, the Telluride offered a smooth and quiet ride, though the all-terrain tires on the X-Pro made the SUV feel slightly squishier in turns.

For the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, Volvo added an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor to the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Combined, these components produced a robust 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Its 32-mile electric-only range and 27 mpg combined rating underscored its efficiency. However, during a hot evaluation day, the XC90 delivered slightly lower figures—28 miles on electric power and 24.5 mpg in combined driving.

The XC90 Recharge T8 offered multiple driving modes, including Pure for electric-only driving and Power, facilitating a 0-60 mph sprint in about five seconds. There was also Hybrid mode, which automatically switched between gasoline and electric propulsion, and Off-Road mode, providing 9.9 inches of ground clearance with the optional air suspension. The ride quality, however, was compromised with the 21-inch wheels, which allowed more road imperfections to be felt inside the cabin, and the steering lacked sharpness and communication, reducing driving enthusiasm.

The 2023 Kia Telluride provided substantial interior space, accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the second-row seating configuration. The SX Prestige trim featured premium Nappa leather, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seats offered relatively easier access and comfort compared to many rivals. Storage options throughout the cabin were ample, and the cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 87 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down.

Conversely, the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, while beautifully appointed, offered slightly less cargo space. With the third-row seat in use, the XC90 had limited storage, but with the seats folded down, the cargo capacity expanded to 65.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 85.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The XC90’s interior also featured high-quality materials and practical touches, such as an integrated booster child seat and rear door sunshades in higher trims.

In the tech arena, the 2023 Kia Telluride shone with its standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. Kia Connect services introduced a new Wi-Fi hotspot. Voice recognition worked well, though it didn’t extend to climate control adjustments. The Telluride also offered a range of convenience features, including Driver Talk for easier communication with rear-seat passengers and Quiet Mode to mute rear speakers. Additional options included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and a head-up display (HUD).

Similarly, the 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in technology, providing navigation through Google Maps, access to Google Play, and Google Assistant. This was available at no cost for four years, post which subscription payments were required. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM were also standard, with premium sound systems available from Harman Kardon and Bowers & Wilkins. Despite its smaller screen size, the XC90’s infotainment system was intuitive and functional, complemented by physical volume and tuning controls.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, a junction turning system, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping and lane-centering assist, and Safe Exit Assist were standard. Advanced features like Highway Drive Assist 2.0 with Lane Change Assist, front parking sensors, evasive steering assist, and a Rear Occupant Alert system further bolstered its safety credentials.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 upheld Volvo’s reputation for safety with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. However, its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were less innovative compared to competitors. It included basics like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, but lacked hands-free driving capabilities. Though Pilot Assist worked reasonably well, it faced challenges with complex driving scenarios, and a significant error during testing eroded confidence in the system.