2024 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a range of trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The X-Line package could be added to all but the LX and S, while the X-Pro package was reserved for the top two trims. With the X-Line package, the Telluride featured standard AWD with a center locking differential, 8.4 inches of ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, unique grille and 20-inch wheel designs, and roof rails. The X-Pro package added 18-inch matte-black wheels with all-terrain tires and heavy-duty engine cooling, boosting the maximum towing capacity to 5,500 pounds.

Prices for the Telluride ranged from $35,990 to $53,185, not including the destination charge. The SX Prestige with the X-Line package, Wolf Gray paint, and floor mats brought the MSRP to $54,270. Despite mixed reactions to last year’s styling updates, the Telluride’s attractive forms and proportions remained appealing. The Wolf Gray paint complemented the blacked-out X-Line styling, and the black interior featured premium Nappa leather seats. Depending on the trim and exterior color, other interior options included Mahogany brown, Terracotta brown, light gray over black or dark blue, and Sage Green. These choices complemented the simulated open-pore wood trim and helped conceal the shiny plastic in the lower interior portions. The SX Prestige’s interior nearly met luxury SUV standards with its soft leather, artificial suede headliner, 24-inch dual-screen digital display panel, classy metallic accents, and thoughtful details.

In contrast, the 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 model series. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for extra performance. The Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid offering the most performance and efficiency, with an estimated electric-only range of 32 miles. All models had standard AWD and were available in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels. Prices ranged from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding the $1,195 destination charge. The Recharge T8 in Ultimate trim included massaging front seats, premium headliner, active air suspension, Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, with an MSRP of $89,145.

Volvo excelled in color and materials, with a subdued and earthy exterior palette fitting for a luxury SUV emphasizing practicality, safety, and sustainability. Wheel designs up to 21 inches were available, and most models featured a Bright theme with chrome and polished metal, contrasting the popular blacked-out trend. The interior design, though dated, boasted rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather. The Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim added a touch of class, and Volvo offered more customization options for paint, wheels, and upholstery.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD versions included a locking center differential, Snow driving mode, and 8.4 inches of ground clearance with the X-Line and X-Pro packages. The Telluride had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, increased to 5,500 pounds with the X-Pro package.

Acceleration to freeway speed was smooth, and passing power was adequate, though fuel efficiency was a drawback. The AWD version was rated at 20 mpg combined by the EPA, but real-world testing averaged 19 mpg on mountainous terrain and 17.5 mpg in city driving. The Telluride’s driving experience was quick and refined, with responsive steering and brakes. The suspension provided a firm ride at low speeds but became compliant at higher velocities, effectively managing undulating pavement. Off-road, the Telluride was more capable than expected, handling various terrains competently.

In comparison, the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor. This setup delivered 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Recharge T8 offered 32 miles of electric-only driving, with a combined hybrid fuel economy of 27 mpg. The Power mode enabled a 0-60 mph sprint in five seconds.

Recharging the battery took about 12 hours with a standard outlet, reduced to six hours with a 240-volt outlet. Driving modes included Pure for electric-only driving, Hybrid for automatic switching, Constant AWD, and Off-Road with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. The evaluation revealed a shortfall in electric range and combined fuel economy, but suburban driving on electricity was efficient. The XC90’s gas engine provided ample power, though the driving experience was more luxury-focused than performance-oriented. The ride quality was firm, and the cabin showed signs of aging, with noticeable shimmy and shake.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable interior, especially in higher trims. The SX Prestige X-Line featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar massage, heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs, and a third-row seat accommodating adults. A dual sunroof panel added light to the dark interior. Controls were horizontally oriented, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and physical controls. Storage was generous, with a covered cubby, smartphone tray, and ample door bins.

The hands-free power liftgate was convenient, and cargo space behind the third-row seat was 21 cubic feet, expandable to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet. The X-Line and X-Pro models included useful roof rails for additional storage.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 offered a well-equipped interior with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system with PM2.5 air purification. The panoramic glass roof had a one-touch swipe control for the sunshade. Higher trims added features like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat.

The XC90’s front seats were comfortable but had a learning curve for adjustments. The climate control system struggled to cool the cabin on hot days in Pure mode. The SUV seated seven, or six with second-row captain’s chairs, and the third-row seat was more accommodating than expected. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded to 65.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 85.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2024 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Kia Connect subscription service offered various plans, including Lite, Care, Plus, and Ultimate, with features like 911 Connect, remote engine starting, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Telluride also had satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Thoughtful features included a blue-light filter for the infotainment screen, Quiet Mode, and a driver’s voice projection function.

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 Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system notified drivers when traffic ahead was moving.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 had a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with optional Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio systems. The 12-inch digital instrumentation panel had a head-up display and a surround-view camera system. The infotainment system, though smaller than modern standards, was intuitive and responsive.

The 2024 Kia Telluride featured the Kia Drive Wise collection of driver assistance technologies, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear occupant protection. Highway Driving Assist was standard, with higher trims adding features like front parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, evasive steering assist, lane-change assist, and automatic rear braking. The Telluride earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in all but rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS awarded the XC90 a Top Safety Pick+ rating in 2023. However, the XC90’s advanced driving assistance systems were not as innovative as rivals, lacking a hands-free driving system. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist but struggled with curves and rural roads. Despite these shortcomings, the XC90’s safety features were effective overall.