2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This design gave the Outback an aggressive appearance, further enhanced by a simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, offered a more cohesive look, especially when paired with a dark paint color to tone down the bold design elements. The Outback's interior, particularly in the Touring trim, was praised for its upscale feel, with Java Brown leather and contrasting stitching creating a cohesive and premium atmosphere. Despite some hard plastic elements, the interior did not feel cheap, and the vehicle's design was practical, with features like flat door sills aiding in roof rack access.

The 2024 Kia Telluride, available in five core trims, offered a rugged X-Line treatment and an X-Pro package for the top trims. The X-Line package included standard AWD, increased ground clearance, and unique design elements, while the X-Pro added all-terrain tires and enhanced towing capacity. The Telluride's styling updates maintained its attractive proportions, with the Wolf Gray paint complementing the blacked-out X-Line styling. Inside, the SX Prestige trim featured premium Nappa leather seats and a range of interior color options, enhancing the cabin's appeal. Despite some shiny plastic elements, the Telluride's interior nearly met luxury SUV standards, with thoughtful details like a dual-screen digital display panel and metallic accents contributing to its refined feel.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT that mimicked an eight-speed automatic. While the Outback offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, its power felt lacking, especially during passing and climbing. The turbocharged XT models, with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, provided better performance but at the cost of fuel efficiency. The Outback's AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its suspension tuning offered a firm yet comfortable ride. However, the standard engine's lack of urgency and fuel economy were disappointing, making the XT models a more appealing choice for those seeking better performance.

The 2024 Kia Telluride boasted a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Most Tellurides could tow 5,000 pounds, with the X-Pro package increasing this to 5,500 pounds. The AWD system included a locking center differential and various driving modes, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Telluride offered good acceleration and passing power, though its fuel efficiency was lacking, with an average of 19 mpg in combined driving. Despite this, the Telluride's driving experience was refined, with features like Torque Vectoring Cornering Control and responsive steering contributing to its athletic feel. The ride was firm at lower speeds but compliant at higher velocities, making it comfortable on winding roads.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack and flat door sills. The Touring trim offered a comfortable interior with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, premium Nappa leather upholstery, and heated rear seats. The Outback provided ample legroom and storage space, with 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with them folded down. The vehicle's design made it easy to enter and exit, and the roof rack was ready for accessories. However, the Outback could benefit from more practical storage space in the cabin.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable interior, especially in higher trims like the SX Prestige X-Line, which featured premium Nappa leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a dual sunroof. The controls were user-friendly, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and physical buttons. The Telluride provided generous storage space, including a covered cubby and a smartphone tray. The hands-free power liftgate was convenient, and the SUV offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with all seats folded. The X-Line and X-Pro trims added useful roof rails for additional cargo capacity.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for essential functions. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with subscription-based Starlink connected services. While the system's usability improved, the graphics and voice recognition were lacking. Additional tech included a digital rearview mirror and a front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was unavailable.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Kia Connect subscription offered various features, including voice recognition, remote engine starting, and over-the-air updates. The Telluride also included thoughtful features like a blue-light filter, Quiet Mode, and a digital key function. A camera-based rearview mirror and a 10-inch head-up display were available, along with a 360-degree camera system and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, earning top safety marks from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency steering. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems felt artificial, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered the Kia Drive Wise suite of driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like front parking sensors and automatic rear braking. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The Highway Driving Assist 2.0 system provided semi-autonomous capabilities, though it performed best in specific conditions.