Kia Telluride vs Genesis GV80

The 2025 Genesis GV80 was a testament to sophisticated design, offering two engine options and five trims. The top Prestige trim, featuring a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged engine, was particularly noteworthy. Genesis redesigned the GV80, enhancing its already handsome appearance. The front fascia retained its traditional two horizontal bar headlights, now filled with a micro lens array, while the grille gained depth and the lower bumper became more aggressive. Subtle changes were made to the rear, and new color options like Storr Green and Storr Green Matte were introduced. Inside, the GV80 boasted quilted Nappa leather seats, an available suede headliner, and unique interior accents, such as basalt or recycled newspaper trim. The center console featured three tactile dials, including a gear selector and drive mode selector, though the redundant infotainment dial seemed less practical.

The 2025 Kia Telluride lineup offered five core trim levels, with prices ranging from $36,390 to $51,390, excluding the destination charge. The Telluride EX X-Line and SX Prestige X-Line trims could be further enhanced with the X-Pro package, which added off-roading capabilities and increased towing capacity. Our test vehicle, the SX Prestige X-Pro, featured extra-cost Midnight Lake Blue paint and Terracotta Nappa leather upholstery, bringing the MSRP to $56,240. The Telluride's design was attractive, with distinctive proportions and upscale details, though the blacked-out X-Line and X-Pro treatments diminished some of its personality. Inside, the black-over-Terracotta interior contrasted sharply with the blue exterior, featuring simulated wood trim, metallic accents, and chevron-pattern Nappa leather. The dual-screen display on the dashboard was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy operation, though some markings were hard to discern in daylight.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 retained its powertrain options, with a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Our tester featured a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. All GV80 trims came with all-wheel drive, capable of sending up to 100% of torque to the rear wheels. The SUV offered various driving modes, including Snow and Eco, to optimize performance and fuel economy. Acceleration with the larger engine was satisfying, though the GV80 was best suited for cruising rather than sporty driving. The brakes were firm and linear, providing confident stopping power, and the interior remained quiet even on rough roads.

The 2025 Kia Telluride was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard for most trims, while all-wheel drive was available for others. The Telluride offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode adjusting to driver behavior. The V6 engine provided smooth and refined performance, with a fuel economy of 20.2 mpg over nearly 1,200 miles of driving. The X-Pro package's all-terrain tires excelled off-road but sacrificed some on-pavement grip. The Telluride's suspension absorbed impacts well, and the SUV demonstrated off-roading capabilities, though the brake pedal behavior was occasionally sticky in traffic.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 came well-equipped with features like power-adjustable heated seats, power-folding mirrors, and the new Mood Curator, which offered a spa-like experience with scents, music, and ambient lighting. Our top tester included heated armrests, three-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, being unyielding and rigid. Most trims seated five passengers, with the power-adjustable second row offering almost 39 inches of legroom. The third row, available on the Advance trim, was best suited for small children due to limited legroom. Cargo space was similar to the 2024 model's 35 cubic feet, and the GV80 could tow 6,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2025 Kia Telluride SX Prestige model featured numerous thoughtful interior features, such as heated and ventilated second-row seats, USB-C charging ports, and smartphone storage sleeves. The driver's seat offered a lumbar massage function, making long drives more comfortable. The second row provided ample legroom and storage solutions, with a rear climate control zone and overhead glass roof panel enhancing the travel experience. The third-row seat, when folded flat, accommodated luggage, and offered reasonable comfort for adults. The Telluride provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 46 cubic feet with the seats folded down, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet with the second-row seats flattened.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 featured a 27-inch OLED screen housing both a digital gauge cluster and infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though they were late-availability features. The infotainment system's menus and submenus could be cumbersome, but a programmable favorite button offered a workaround. Standard technology included wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and four USB-C ports. Higher trims offered a Genesis digital key, a 12-inch head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. The GV80's 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system provided adjustable surround sound, surpassing previous Lexicon setups.

The 2025 Kia Telluride SX and SX Prestige trims featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a single piece of glass. A 10-inch head-up display complemented these screens, providing blind-spot alerts. The Telluride lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the data port was a USB-A. The native voice recognition system was rudimentary, but the front passenger could manually enter addresses via the touchscreen. The SiriusXM satellite radio and multi-device Bluetooth connectivity offered entertainment options, with the 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system delivering impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 came equipped with advanced driver aids, including lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Upper trims added features like remote smart parking and a 360-degree camera system. The Highway Drive Assist system included an attention monitor, though it struggled with certain sunglasses. The GV80 had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS for 2025, but the 2024 model received high safety ratings.

The 2025 Kia Telluride featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems under the Drive Wise branding. Standard features included forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added lane-change assist and a surround-view camera. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.