2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Lexus GX

The 2025 Kia Telluride presented a sophisticated yet somewhat understated exterior design, with five core trim levels ranging from the base LX to the luxurious SX Prestige. Prices started at $36,390 and went up to $51,390, excluding the destination charge. The X-Line package, available on all but the LX and S trims, added features like AWD, increased ground clearance, and a blacked-out aesthetic, with prices ranging from $46,485 to $52,785. The X-Pro trim further enhanced the Telluride's capabilities with all-terrain tires and increased towing capacity. Our test model, the SX Prestige X-Pro, featured a striking Midnight Lake Blue paint and Terracotta Nappa leather, bringing the MSRP to $56,240. The Telluride's design stood out in a crowded SUV market, though the X-Line and X-Pro treatments somewhat muted its personality.

Inside, the Telluride offered a luxurious feel with its black-over-Terracotta interior, simulated wood trim, and metallic accents. The dual-screen display on the dashboard added a modern touch, though some controls were difficult to read in daylight. Despite some lower-quality plastics, the interior was well-appointed, with features like a dual-screen display and user-friendly controls. The Telluride managed to balance style and functionality, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a distinctive SUV.

The 2025 Lexus GX underwent a complete redesign, showcasing a bold and rugged exterior reminiscent of classic Land Rover models. The GX's boxy shape, LED headlights, and prominent grille gave it a commanding presence, while the Overtrail+ trim added off-road-ready features like 33-inch tires and rock rails. The Earth-colored exterior and matte grey wheels further enhanced its adventurous appeal. Inside, the GX exuded luxury with its clean design, quality switchgear, and chic dashboard layout. The spacious interior offered ample headroom and legroom, with comfortable NuLuxe faux leather seats featuring heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. Visibility was excellent, thanks to the tall windows and elevated ride height, making the GX a practical and stylish choice for both urban and off-road adventures.

The 2025 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on most trims, while AWD was available or standard on others. The Telluride offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart, with AWD models adding a Snow mode. Despite some competitors switching to turbocharged engines, the Telluride's V6 provided smooth and ample power, achieving 20.2 mpg over a 1,200-mile road trip, aligning with its EPA rating. The X-Pro package enhanced off-road capabilities with all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance, though it sacrificed some on-road grip. Overall, the Telluride delivered a comfortable and capable driving experience, with minor issues like brake pedal behavior in traffic.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The GX accelerated from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, outperforming its predecessor and offering robust performance. Despite its weight, the GX felt quick and responsive, with ample power throughout the rev range. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, achieving 14.9 mpg during testing. The GX excelled in both on-road and off-road conditions, with adaptive dampers and a capable suspension system. Off-road, the GX's features like low gear range and downhill assist control made it a formidable contender, handling challenging terrain with ease. The GX's performance and versatility made it a standout choice for those seeking a luxury SUV with off-road prowess.

The 2025 Kia Telluride offered a thoughtfully designed interior with features like heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, USB-C charging ports, and smartphone storage sleeves. The driver's seat included a lumbar massage function, enhancing comfort on long drives. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and storage solutions, while the third-row seat, when folded, offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space. With the third row down, cargo space expanded to 46 cubic feet, and with the second row folded, it reached 87 cubic feet. Although not class-leading, the Telluride's cargo capacity was sufficient for most needs, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2025 Lexus GX boasted a spacious interior with generous headroom and legroom, accommodating tall passengers comfortably. The GX's cargo space was impressive, with up to 90.5 cubic feet available in the Overtrail trim. The GX's towing capacity of 9,063 pounds further enhanced its versatility. Despite its size, the GX was easy to maneuver and park, making it a practical option for urban environments. The GX's combination of interior space and cargo capacity made it an ideal choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2025 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 10-inch head-up display in the SX Prestige trim. The system included features like a Blind Spot View Monitor and a blue light filter. However, the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback, and the voice recognition system was basic. Despite these limitations, the Telluride's infotainment system offered good sound quality through the Harman Kardon audio system and provided essential connectivity options.

The 2025 Lexus GX impressed with its 12.3-inch gauge cluster and 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering smooth operation and intuitive design. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Mark Levinson Premium Audio system provided excellent sound quality, though it required higher volume levels at highway speeds. The GX's tech offerings were user-friendly and well-integrated, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2025 Kia Telluride came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features under the Drive Wise branding. Standard features included forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Telluride also featured Highway Driving Assist, a semi-autonomous system for highway driving. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.

The 2025 Lexus GX offered the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and pedestrian detection. The GX's safety features were user-friendly and non-intrusive, with additional aids like a 360-degree camera system. Although not yet rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, the GX's 10 airbags provided ample protection in the event of a collision.