2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Ford Bronco captivated enthusiasts with its retro styling and robust off-road capabilities. It offered a wide range of trims, including the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, which were designed for extreme terrains. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, featuring short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height to enhance its off-road prowess. Inside, the Bronco maintained its rugged theme with features like marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road adventures. Despite its ruggedness, the Bronco incorporated modern technology, such as G.O.A.T. modes and a digital instrument panel, making it a versatile choice for both off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, impressed with its refined styling and luxurious interior. The X-Line and X-Pro models added a touch of ruggedness with raised suspensions and unique design elements. Inside, the Telluride offered premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a spacious cabin that could accommodate up to eight passengers. The infotainment system featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while advanced safety features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control were standard. The Telluride's smooth ride quality and quiet cabin made it a comfortable choice for long journeys, and its off-road capabilities, though not as extreme as the Bronco's, were sufficient for most adventures.

The 2022 Ford Bronco was equipped with a base turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.7-litre V6 engine delivered 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco offered a seven-speed manual transmission with a unique crawl gear for low-speed driving, while a 10-speed automatic was standard for the V6 and four-door models. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case, making them highly capable off-road. The Bronco excelled in challenging terrains, with models like the Everglades showcasing its ability to tackle deep water crossings and steep rock climbs. On pavement, the Bronco offered a surprisingly smooth ride, with minimal wind noise and excellent highway stability.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, along with an AWD system with a low-speed Lock setting. The Telluride's V6 engine provided ample power for highway driving, and its fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the X-Line. The X-Pro model, with its all-terrain tires and improved cooling system, was well-suited for off-road adventures, though it couldn't match the Bronco's extreme capabilities. On the road, the Telluride delivered a smooth and comfortable ride, with responsive handling and minimal wind noise.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, offering ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The two-door model provided 634 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,481 litres with the seats folded. The four-door model offered even more space, with 1,008 litres behind the rear seats and 2,197 litres with them folded. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including netted door pockets and accessory rails, and its removable doors and fender flares added to its versatility. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, which could complicate loading larger items.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the seating configuration. The interior featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats. The Telluride offered ample storage space, with 601 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with both rear rows down. The Telluride's smart power tailgate and numerous storage compartments added to its practicality, making it an excellent choice for families.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, featuring G.O.A.T. modes and a forward-looking trail camera for navigating challenging terrains. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Bronco also included a Trail Turn Assist feature for sharper turns in tight spaces, and a wireless charging pad was available.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect services. The system supported over-the-air updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode features, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were also available, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered standard safety features like hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features such as frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco received favourable ratings from the IIHS, with "Good" scores in frontal, side, and roof strength tests, though its NHTSA ratings were mixed.

The 2023 Kia Telluride boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. New features for 2023 included a junction turning system and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. The Telluride's Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, and the SUV earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its excellent safety credentials.