2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, diverging from the rest of the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand’s signature two-line lighting design, creating an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. The GV70’s styling was unique, with a shoulder line and accent lines that set it apart from other Genesis models. The Sport and Sport Plus grades, equipped with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, boasted a sculpted hood and dark chrome finishes, enhancing its sporty appeal. Customers could choose from over 100 colour combinations, with exclusive options for the Sport grades.

Inside, the GV70’s cabin was designed with an elliptical theme, inspired by airplane wings. The Sport trims offered genuine carbon fibre inserts, while ambient lighting added a unique touch. The interior featured high-quality materials, though some plastic elements were present. The GV70’s interior was praised for its quilted leather seats and door panels, especially in the premium grades. Overall, the GV70’s design and interior quality were well-received, offering a luxurious and sporty experience.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, particularly the X-Line and X-Pro models, showcased fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint colours like Midnight Lake Blue and Jungle Green, along with interior options such as Terracotta and Sage Green, added to its appeal. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro took it further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capability.

Inside, the Telluride’s updates were subtle but effective. A digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system were standard, housed under a curved 24-inch glass panel. The interior changes included new colours, minor trim updates, and a redesigned steering wheel. The X-Line and X-Pro trims featured embossed trim names on the front seatbacks. The Telluride’s interior was spacious and comfortable, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, providing a luxurious experience for passengers.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options. The 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, though it was not yet available in Canada. The test unit featured the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 against mid-level performance competitors like the BMW X3 M40i and Audi SQ5. Fuel consumption for this engine was estimated at 11.6 L/100 km combined, with real-world figures slightly lower.

The GV70 came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The system prioritized the rear axle, transferring up to 50% of torque to the front wheels when needed. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, allowing up to 100% of torque to be sent to a single rear wheel. The GV70 offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes, with terrain modes for mud, sand, and snow. The electronically controlled suspension system provided a balance between comfort and road feel, making the GV70 agile in urban environments.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for even power distribution. The Telluride X-Line averaged 9.8 L/100 km, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading.

Kia raised the suspension by 10 mm, improving ground clearance to 21.3 mm and enhancing off-road performance. The Telluride featured a new Downhill Brake Control system, which worked effectively during testing. The X-Pro model, with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, offered improved towing capacity and a self-levelling rear air suspension. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, ground clearance, and stability. On highways, it provided a smooth and quiet ride, though the steering felt firm in Sport mode.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized the driver with its interior design. The centre console sat tall, separating the driver from the front passenger. Intuitive button and dial controls, including a dial-based gear selector, were within easy reach. The climate controls were configured under a single pane, providing haptic feedback for inputs. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims.

The GV70 offered 819 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,610 litres with the seats folded. The tonneau cover could be stowed under the rear load floor. The rear passenger had independent legroom adjustment, and a panoramic sunroof added natural light. However, second-row storage was limited, and the middle seat was less desirable due to a high floor rise and narrow shoulder space.

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 from the SX Limited trim. The second row featured manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third row, which was more comfortable than many competitors.

The Telluride offered ample storage space, with a “smart” power tailgate for easy loading. Cargo space behind the third row was 601 litres, expanding to 1,304 litres with the third row folded. The maximum cargo volume with both rear rows down was 2,455 litres. The Telluride’s interior was spacious and comfortable, with thoughtful features for passengers.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its technology offerings. A 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen was standard, though it responded slower than average. The screen allowed for a split-screen layout, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The premium Sport Plus grade featured a 3D digital instrument cluster, enhancing the driving experience. The GV70 introduced a fingerprint recognition system for keyless start.

A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top grades. USB ports were provided for both front and rear passengers, ensuring connectivity and convenience.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual input. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported dual-device pairing. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, enhancing communication and comfort.

A wireless phone charger was standard in Canada, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available from the SX grade. Digital-key technology allowed smartphones or smartwatches to function as keys. The Telluride offered a Full Display rear-view mirror and an optional head-up display, providing valuable information to the driver. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, ensuring drivers stayed attentive at traffic lights.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. A new rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement in the second row, notifying the driver through graphics and audible alerts. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist system provided lane centring and automatic lane changing functions, though it required the driver’s hands on the wheel. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of publication.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a junction turning system. Blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking were also included. The Telluride featured adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist.

Highway Drive Assist 1.5 combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist for semi-autonomous driving. Advanced Highway Drive Assist added Lane Change Assist, available from the SX trim. The Telluride included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system with ultrasonic sensors. The IIHS rated the 2023 Telluride as a Top Safety Pick+.