2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) was based on the SR5 Premium trim level and added $4,505 to its price. This included a $1,875 upcharge for the standard four-wheel-drive system (4WD). The remaining $2,630 covered retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, bronze badges, and a numbered plaque on the dashboard. Available only in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior, the 40 ASE had a strong SoCal vibe, reminiscent of the 1970s. The 4Runner lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $39,555 to $54,020, plus a $1,335 destination charge. The 40 ASE test vehicle had no options and an MSRP of $48,455.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was offered in five core trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The rugged X-Line treatment was available for all but the LX and S trims, while the X-Pro package was reserved for the top two trims. The X-Line package added standard all-wheel drive (AWD), nearly half an inch more ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, unique grille and 20-inch wheel designs, and roof rails. The X-Pro package further added 18-inch matte-black wheels with all-terrain tires and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing the towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. Prices ranged from $35,990 for the LX to $53,185 for the SX Prestige with the X-Pro package, excluding the destination charge. The SX Prestige with the X-Line package, including extra-cost Wolf Gray paint and floor mats, had an MSRP of $54,270.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. A five-speed automatic transmission sent power to the rear wheels unless upgraded to a 4WD system. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Two 4WD systems were available: a part-time 4WD system and a full-time 4WD system for the Limited trim. The EPA fuel economy rating was 17 mpg in combined driving, and the 40 ASE averaged 16.9 mpg. The 4Runner had a minimum of nine inches of ground clearance, standard Hill-Start Assist Control, and additional off-roading technologies like locking differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. The TRD Sport and Limited trims had a suspension for improved on-road performance, while the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims had suspensions for off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, transferred through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Most Tellurides towed 5,000 pounds, but the X-Pro package increased this to 5,500 pounds. AWD models included a locking center differential and a Snow driving mode. The Telluride had 8.0 inches of ground clearance, rising to 8.4 inches with the X-Line and X-Pro packages. The Telluride offered good acceleration and passing power but was not very fuel-efficient, averaging 19 mpg in combined driving and 17.5 mpg in city driving. The SUV featured brake-induced Torque Vectoring Cornering Control, responsive steering, and firm yet compliant ride quality. The Telluride was capable off-road, handling various terrains with ease.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a unique power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation when combined with the sunroof and automatic windows. The 4Runner's interior had comfortable seats, with heated and ventilated leather seats available in the Limited trim. The 40 ASE had SofTex artificial leather and heated front seats. Storage locations were numerous but lacked rubber liners. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom, headroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The optional third-row seat was uncomfortable and reduced cargo space. The cargo area had several storage cubbies, trays, and a 120-volt AC power outlet. The 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2024 Kia Telluride's interior was comfortable, especially in higher trims like the SX Prestige X-Line, which featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar massage, and heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat could accommodate adults. The dual sunroof added light to the interior. The Telluride's controls were horizontally oriented, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and physical controls. Storage space was generous, with a covered cubby, smartphone tray, and door panel bins. The hands-free power liftgate was convenient, and the cargo area offered 21 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seat, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet. The X-Line and X-Pro trims provided useful roof rails for additional cargo.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Connected services plans were available, with complimentary trial subscriptions. Upgrades included a navigation system, additional connected services, and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, and the voice recognition system performed well, handling most commands accurately.

The 2024 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. The Kia Connect subscription offered various features, including voice recognition, remote engine starting, and over-the-air updates. The test vehicle had satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Telluride included thoughtful features like a blue-light filter, Quiet Mode, and a function that delivered the driver’s voice to rear-seat occupants. Additional tech included a digital key function, a camera-based rearview mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control performed well, but the lane-departure warning could be irritating. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Marginal rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2024 Kia Telluride included the Kia Drive Wise collection of driver assistance features, such as collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear occupant protection. Highway Driving Assist was standard, providing semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Higher trims offered additional safety features like front parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, evasive steering assist, and automatic rear braking. The Telluride received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.