2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, with its redesigned exterior, was a subtle blend of elegance and performance. The RX 350h Luxury model, despite its hybrid nature, maintained a classic look with no overt hybrid badges, offering a seamless aesthetic with its standard RX 350 counterpart. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its bold Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling, signaling its performance-oriented nature. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalist design, featuring a new infotainment system and ambient lighting, with the RX 350h showcasing luxurious Macadamia leather and Ash Bamboo trim, while the RX 500h sported a more subdued black interior with artificial suede and aluminum accents.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Telluride was a visual delight, maintaining its attractive proportions and appealing design. The SX Prestige X-Line model, with its Wolf Gray paint and blacked-out styling, exuded a rugged yet sophisticated aura. Inside, the Telluride offered a premium experience with Nappa leather seats, a dual sunroof, and a thoughtfully designed cabin. The interior color options, ranging from Mahogany brown to Sage Green, complemented the simulated open-pore wood trim, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Despite some shiny plastic elements, the Telluride's interior nearly met luxury SUV standards, offering a comfortable and visually pleasing environment.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of powertrains, with the RX 350h delivering 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. It promised efficiency with an estimated 36 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing averaged 32 mpg. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid system, produced 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Despite its power, it averaged only 20.9 mpg, falling short of its 27 mpg estimate. The RX 500h's adaptive suspension and rear-wheel steering provided a dynamic driving experience, though accessing drive modes required navigating the infotainment system.

The 2024 Kia Telluride, powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivered 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, increased to 5,500 pounds with the X-Pro package. The Telluride's AWD system included a locking center differential and various driving modes, enhancing its capability. However, its fuel efficiency was lacking, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg in combined driving, but real-world testing averaged 19 mpg. The Telluride's ride was firm at low speeds but compliant at higher velocities, providing a comfortable and stable driving experience.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable and luxurious interior, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim with its ten-way power-adjustable seats and premium leather. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered sportier seats with larger bolsters. The hybrid's battery placement under the rear seat slightly elevated the cushion, affecting headroom but providing good leg support. Cargo space was improved, offering 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, though still less than some competitors.

The 2024 Kia Telluride excelled in interior comfort, particularly in the SX Prestige X-Line trim with Nappa leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a dual sunroof. The Telluride's controls were user-friendly, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and physical buttons. Storage was ample, with a hands-free power liftgate and generous cargo space, offering 21 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Telluride's thoughtful features, like a blue-light filter and Quiet Mode, enhanced the overall experience.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. The system included cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant, though it had limitations like single-screen viewing and reflective issues. The available head-up display with touch-sensing control pads was innovative but problematic with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, requiring a cable for smartphone integration. Kia Connect offered various plans, with features like remote engine start and over-the-air updates. The Telluride included a digital key, a camera-based rearview mirror, and a head-up display, providing a comprehensive tech suite. The infotainment system's blue-light filter and Quiet Mode were thoughtful additions, enhancing usability.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection and evasive steering assist. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were notable features, though some systems, like curve-speed reduction, were less effective. The RX offered a semi-autonomous parking system, though it was not tested.

The 2024 Kia Telluride boasted the Kia Drive Wise suite, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and Highway Driving Assist. Higher trims offered additional features like automatic lane changing and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride received top safety ratings, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, ensuring excellent protection.