GMC Terrain vs Kia Telluride

The 2022 GMC Terrain underwent a series of updates, including refreshed front styling, new wheel designs, and revised taillights and interior trim. The introduction of the AT4 trim level added a bolder grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels with sport-terrain tires, and AT4 badges, aiming to enhance its off-road appeal. However, despite these enhancements, the Terrain's interior materials and design did not quite meet the expectations set by its price tag, especially when compared to more luxurious models. The pushbutton transmission controls, while freeing up space, were not particularly intuitive, and the head-up display's execution felt like a cost-cutting measure. Overall, the Terrain's cabin, though equipped with features like a panoramic sunroof and OnStar services, did not fully embody the craftsmanship GMC promised.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride received a more comprehensive update, with fresh front and rear styling, new wheel designs, and additional paint and interior color options. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced the Nightfall Edition, offering raised suspensions and unique design elements that enhanced their off-road capabilities. Inside, the Telluride featured a new digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a sleek 24-inch glass panel. The interior updates, though subtle, included new colors, a redesigned steering wheel, and improved functionality of the center console. The Telluride's cabin, especially in the SX Prestige trim, exuded a sense of luxury and modernity, making it a more appealing choice for those seeking a refined driving experience.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While this engine provided adequate performance, it lacked the acceleration and towing capacity of the previously available 2.0-liter engine. The 1.5-liter engine could tow up to 1,500 pounds, and its torque was accessible between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, requiring drivers to adapt to its power delivery. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the engine within its optimal torque band, but the Terrain's overall performance was unremarkable. The AT4 model, with its off-road aspirations, offered 7.9 inches of ground clearance and a four-wheel independent suspension, but it struggled with more challenging terrains and exhibited noticeable body motion on uneven surfaces. Fuel economy was a bright spot, with the Terrain achieving 26.2 mpg on a mixed driving loop.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provided ample motivation for the Telluride, and the SUV offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow. The AWD system featured a low-speed Lock setting for improved off-road performance. The Telluride's fuel economy varied between the X-Line and X-Pro models, with the former achieving 24.1 mpg and the latter 20.4 mpg, partly due to off-roading activities. Kia enhanced the Telluride's off-road capabilities by raising the suspension, increasing ground clearance to 8.4 inches, and adding a Downhill Brake Control system. On highways, the Telluride delivered a smooth and connected ride, with only minor wind noise at higher speeds. The SUV's handling was slightly affected by the all-terrain tires, but overall, the Telluride was a pleasure to drive.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a spacious interior for a compact crossover, with power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The dual-zone automatic climate control system, with rear air-conditioning vents, ensured comfort for all passengers. The AT4 trim featured perforated leather upholstery with caramel-colored stitching, adding a touch of luxury. The rear seat provided ample legroom and support, and the Terrain included various storage solutions, such as a large storage bin under the trunk floor. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The front passenger seat could also be folded to accommodate longer items.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front and second-row captain's chairs. The second row was equipped with manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets, while a button on the captain's chairs facilitated access to the third row. The third-row seating was more comfortable than many competitors, though not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas. The Telluride provided ample storage space in the front and second rows, and the smart power tailgate with proximity-sensing made loading cargo easier. Cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with a 7-inch touchscreen standard on the SLE trim and an 8-inch high-definition touchscreen on the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Both systems included Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and GMC Connected Services through OnStar. The larger screen offered a connected navigation system and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was highly effective, accurately responding to various prompts, though it could not control the climate system. The Terrain also featured a head-up display, front and rear park assist sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Tire Fill Alert system.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and Kia Connect services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, though it did not control the climate system. The Kia Access smartphone app allowed remote control of some vehicle functions, and over-the-air updates kept the system current. The Telluride included six USB charging ports, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. Upgrades included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and digital-key technology. The optional head-up display offered a larger viewing area with additional information, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a helpful feature.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following distance indicator. The optional GMC Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, rear parking sensors, and a Safety Alert Seat. The IIHS awarded the Terrain mostly "Good" crash-test scores, though it received a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the Terrain's crashworthiness at the time of review.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, a junction turning system, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and Safe Exit Assist. The adaptive cruise control system could reduce speed based on navigation data, and Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The SX trim added collision avoidance features, front parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride also included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.