2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, with its imposing stature, shared its design language with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. Its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels contributed to its supersized appearance. The Suburban offered a variety of grille, fascia, and wheel designs across its six trims, allowing for a degree of customization despite its single body style. The RST trim, in particular, stood out with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior, 22-inch black-painted wheels, and sporty monochromatic black grille. Inside, the Suburban's cabin ranged from economically comfortable in the base LS trim to plush in the High Country. The RST model featured Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, though the predominantly black interior made the cabin feel somewhat dark.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, particularly in the X-Line and X-Pro trims, showcased fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint colours like Midnight Lake Blue and interior options such as Terracotta and Navy added to its appeal. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro offered 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, enhancing its modern feel. The interior updates included new colours, a redesigned steering wheel, and improved centre console functionality. The Telluride's trim names were embossed on the front seatbacks, adding a touch of exclusivity.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six producing 277 horsepower. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2-litre V8, standard on the High Country and available on other trims, provided effortless power and acceleration, making it ideal for towing. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 3,765 kilograms. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased cargo space. The RST model, equipped with the 6.2-litre V8 and Magnetic Ride Control, excelled in a 130-kilometre tow test, demonstrating its capability and ease of use.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, and Sport, and an AWD system with a low-speed Lock setting. The Telluride X-Line achieved an average fuel consumption of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. The Telluride's suspension was raised for improved off-road performance, and the X-Pro's towing capacity increased to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, ground clearance, and stability. On highways, it provided a smooth, connected ride, though the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in space, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. Most models offered seven- or eight-passenger seating, with a livable third row providing adequate headroom and legroom. The Suburban boasted 1,175 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 4,097 litres with the second and third rows folded flat. The second-row seats slid forward or backward, and the power-sliding centre console offered additional storage. However, the Suburban's size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces, and its height could be an issue for some garages. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls required an adjustment for those accustomed to a column-mounted shifter.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. Heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs were available, enhancing comfort. The second row featured manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the second-row seats facilitated access to the third row, which was more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride offered ample storage space, with a smart power tailgate and an automatic closing function. Cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured a range of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT trims and above. Google built-in, including Google Maps and Assistant, was also standard on these trims. The Suburban offered 13 camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch system was standard on LT and above. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and wireless device charging were available. The audio system ranged from a basic six-speaker setup to a premium Bose 10-speaker system on higher trims.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect services. The system supported OTA updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. Driver Talk and Quiet Mode were standard, allowing communication with rear passengers and silencing rear speakers. A wireless phone charger and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were standard from the SX grade. The Telluride offered digital-key technology, a Full Display rear-view mirror, and an optional head-up display. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, notifying drivers when traffic ahead moved.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban included Chevy Safety Assist, featuring automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and more. For 2022, front park assist, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-departure warning were added. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, and a head-up display. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile warnings. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist were standard. The Telluride introduced Highway Drive Assist 1.5, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. Advanced Highway Drive Assist added Lane Change Assist. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were unavailable.