2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was a minivan that catered to families with its practical design and thoughtful features. Its sliding side doors were a boon for parents, making it easier to load toddlers into car seats without the hassle of narrow SUV doors. The Odyssey's third-row seating was comfortable, accommodating adults without the usual cramped feeling found in many SUVs. With ample cargo space, the Odyssey could transform into a cargo hauler by folding down or removing seats, offering a capacity comparable to a Chevrolet Suburban. Despite its practicality, the Odyssey's design was not as stylish as some competitors, but it still managed to maintain a sense of style with its kinked sliding doors and dark grey 19-inch alloy wheels on the Touring trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride offered a fresh and modern look with updated front and rear styling, new wheel designs, and a variety of new paint and interior colours. The X-Line and X-Pro models added a rugged appeal with raised suspensions and unique design elements. Inside, the Telluride featured a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, giving it a futuristic edge. The interior updates, including new colours and a redesigned steering wheel, enhanced the overall feel of the SUV. The Telluride's spacious interior, with comfortable seating and ample storage, made it a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive, but lacked all-wheel drive or hybrid options, unlike some competitors. The Odyssey's fuel consumption was estimated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 10.4 L/100 km, showcasing its efficiency. However, the Odyssey's brakes were prone to heating up during downhill driving, leading to pedal vibration and noise. Despite this, the Odyssey offered a pleasant driving experience with responsive handling and quick acceleration.

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. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The Telluride X-Line averaged 9.8 L/100 km, 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 it featured a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model offered enhanced towing capacity and off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey provided easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, it featured quality leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a tri-zone climate control system. The Odyssey excelled in storage space, with numerous compartments and a handy floor tray. The Magic Slide second-row seats offered flexibility for families, allowing for easy access to the third row. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the Odyssey boasted impressive cargo space, with up to 3,984 litres available when the second-row seats were removed.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, providing comfort for passengers. The Telluride offered ample storage space and a smart power tailgate for easy loading. Cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row and up to 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded. The Telluride's interior was designed for convenience, with USB ports, storage pockets, and a triple-zone climate system for rear-seat passengers.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Touring was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering satellite radio, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity. It included CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology for monitoring and communicating with rear-seat passengers. The rear entertainment system featured a 10.2-inch display, but the overall infotainment package felt outdated compared to rivals. The Odyssey's navigation system required specific voice commands, making it less user-friendly than smartphone-based systems.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect services. It supported over-the-air updates and allowed for the pairing of two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode for communication and entertainment control. A wireless phone charger and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were standard, along with digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror. The Telluride's infotainment system was modern and user-friendly, with a head-up display and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, the system lacked refinement, occasionally issuing false warnings. The Odyssey earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, highlighting its crashworthiness.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered an extensive list of 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 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, and the SUV earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The Telluride's safety systems were well-integrated, offering a seamless driving experience.