2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

In 2023, both the Land Rover Defender and the Kia Telluride represented the pinnacle of design and aesthetics within their respective segments. The Defender captivated audiences with its rugged, boxy design. Echoing its predecessors, it boasted a square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors set parallel to the ground, and an abruptly chopped tail. Every design element from the steep angles of the windshield to the lower front bumper spoke of its classic truck heritage. Tasteful nods to the original 1980s Defender included features like the faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the side of the roof, and the body-color squares separating the side glass. The presence of a full-size wheel and tire mounted on the hatch, further enhanced its classic appeal. The vehicle came in three body styles: the two-door 90, the medium four-door 110, and the extended-length four-door 130, each catering to different customer needs.

The Defender's interior was a stark contrast to its luxurious price tag. Prioritizing function and durability, even the optional Windsor leather couldn't overshadow the dominance of rubbers and plastics designed for moisture resistance and stain resistance. A six-inch metal bar spanned the entire dash while exposed screws and plain-looking air vents emphasized its utilitarian roots. The basic and barren interior preserved its hardcore character, although it felt less opulent compared to the Range Rover models. Despite these seemingly basic materials, the build quality was immaculate. Yet, with optional features, the Defender could ascend to prices rivaling a Range Rover, such as the approximately $120,000 MSRP of the Defender 110 V8 Carpathian Edition.

In comparison, the Kia Telluride presented a fresh and modern look for 2023. Updates included refreshed front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The new paint colors—Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green—added to the vehicle's aesthetic appeal. Internally, color options expanded to Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models added to the visual charm with unique grille designs, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and distinctive wheels. The X-Pro took it further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires.

Inside, the Telluride received a more futuristic update. The most significant change was the simultaneous placement of a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a single piece of curved glass. The updates also included new colors, minor trim changes, a new steering-wheel design, and functional enhancements to the center console. The attention to detail extended to embossing the X-Line and X-Pro trim names into the upper portion of the front seatbacks.

Off-road, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was a force to be reckoned with, capable of handling treacherous terrains with its superior grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Whether climbing or clearing obstacles, the Defender’s air suspension raised the stakes, ensuring dominance over almost any path. However, most Defender owners were unlikely to exploit its full off-road potential, favoring its permanent four-wheel drive and stability.

On-road performance revealed some compromises. The Defender's drivetrain and body created notable friction and drag, making it cumbersome and causing speed loss downhill. Body roll, slow steering, wind noise, and an uneasy front-end dive during braking were noticeable. However, its turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided redeeming qualities. The V8, with 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, propelled the Defender with ease, though its hefty feel made for an adrenaline-filled ride. The six-cylinder hybrid engine, generating 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, offered seamless responsiveness and efficiency, rated at 18/23/20 mpg. The V8 had a poor fuel economy of 14/19/16 mpg.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride had mechanics largely unchanged from its predecessor, equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could select from various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, and the AWD system provided a low-speed Lock setting for superior power distribution.

The V6 engine offered a balanced and efficient drive, with the X-Line averaging 24.1 mpg during mixed driving conditions. The X-Pro, designed for more rugged use, returned 20.4 mpg, considering off-road usage. Official EPA ratings placed the AWD Telluride at 21 mpg combined. Enhanced suspension and ground clearance improved its off-road capabilities, with features like Downhill Brake Control and AWD Lock mode extending its versatility.

On highways, the Telluride excelled with a smooth ride quality, maintaining road connectivity even at high speeds. While the X-Pro’s all-terrain tires introduced some handling compromises, they remained expected for off-road performance. The Telluride’s adaptability to different terrains surpassed expectations without competing directly with off-road specialists like Jeep or Land Rover.

As a daily SUV, the 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with its jump seat option, akin to old pickup designs. The Defender 110 featured an optional third row, while the 130 had a standard third row accommodating up to eight passengers. Back-row passengers benefited from separate moonroofs, air vents with a separate climate zone, cupholders, USB ports, and armrests, a level of flexibility unrivaled by competitors.

Visibility was a key advantage with large windows, including alpine lights functioning as skylights. The 130 model included a panoramic moonroof and a rear moonroof, while the 90 and 110 offered a folding power fabric roof. Cargo space varied: the Defender 130 offered 77 cubic feet with the third row folded, reducing to 14 cubic feet with all seats up. The 110 model provided 34 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 79 cubic feet with the second row folded. Three-row 110 models afforded 69 cubic feet with all seats down, 35 cubic feet behind the second, and 11 cubic feet behind the third row. The 90 boasted 16 cubic feet, expanding to 58 cubic feet with rear seats folded.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered seating for seven or eight passengers based on the configuration. Test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. Comfort was emphasized, with features like a power lumbar stabilization system for maintaining alertness over long drives.

Second-row passengers enjoyed amenities such as a Wi-Fi hotspot, manual sunshades, adjustable armrests, USB ports on front seatbacks, and storage pockets with smartphone slots. The triple-zone climate controls allowed rear occupants to manage their temperature settings. Third-row access was simplified with a button to move second-row captain's chairs forward, making entry easier compared to many competitors. While not outmatching the Volkswagen Atlas for legroom, the third-row comfort was superior to many midsize SUVs.

Cargo capacity in the Telluride was ample, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, extending to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

Land Rover Defender owners had two touchscreen infotainment systems with Pivi Pro software, known for its stability. The standard 10-inch screen integrated well with the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen offered better legibility due to its larger size. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice assistant, connected apps, and navigation. Standard features encompassed heated front seats, a proximity key, and power-folding mirrors.

Higher trims like the Defender S introduced heated 12-way power seats, a Meridian stereo, and additional features like fog lights and cooled front seats in the SE trims. Notable upgrades in the X trim included air suspension, upgraded Terrain Response 2 system, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and a rearview mirror with a camera display. Additional amenities included a cabin air purifier and configurable ambient lighting for enhanced comfort.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, standardized the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims. Features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and Kia Connect services, including a new Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system seamlessly functioned, although climate control adjustments had to be done manually.

Kia equipped the Telluride with a host of advanced features, from a Harman Kardon premium sound system to wireless smartphone charging and new digital-key technology, transforming smartphones and smartwatches into vehicle keys. The SUV also featured a Full Display Mirror, offering a video feed of the surroundings, ideal for packed cargo areas.

A head-up display with a 10-inch viewing area provided vital information, while Leading Vehicle Departure Alert ensured drivers stayed attentive at traffic lights.

Safety in the 2023 Land Rover Defender was robust, yet not officially rated by U.S. agencies. In Euro NCAP crash tests, it earned five stars for its solid structure. Standard safety features included six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional advanced systems comprised a 360-degree camera with undercarriage views, trailer reverse assist, and a configurable digital instrument panel.

The 2023 Kia Telluride set a high standard for safety with a comprehensive suite of features. Standard systems included forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and Safe Exit Assist.

Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality adapted speed based on navigation data. For 2023, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist helped maintain posted speed limits. Upgraded Highway Drive Assist 2.0, starting with SX trim, offered semi-autonomous highway driving, while front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a blind-spot monitor added to the comprehensive safety package. The Rear Occupant Alert system ensured no one was left behind, with sensors sending notifications if movement was detected after the vehicle was locked.