2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, with its family resemblance to the Nissan Armada, presented a good-looking SUV that was neither too large nor too small. Its unique front-end styling, marked by the distinctive Infiniti grille, set it apart from its sibling. The tasteful integration of LED lighting and conservative use of chrome added an upscale touch, while the 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels enhanced its exterior appeal. Inside, the QX80's cabin featured upscale materials, including wood trim and quilted semi-aniline leather seats, though its design echoed the Armada's. Despite its luxurious interior, the QX80's style was considered outdated compared to its premium full-size SUV competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride offered fresh styling updates, including new front and rear designs, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models featured unique grilles, raised suspensions, and distinctive wheels, giving them a mildly aggressive off-road appearance. Inside, the Telluride boasted a modern digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, providing a futuristic feel. The interior changes included new colours, minor trim updates, and a more functional centre console. The Telluride's spacious and comfortable cabin, combined with its stylish updates, made it a compelling choice in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided impressive performance and a satisfying exhaust note, though it was notably thirsty and required premium fuel. The seven-speed automatic transmission offered smooth and seamless shifts, effectively distributing the QX80's power. The QX80's off-road capability was enhanced by its 4WD system, with settings for Automatic, 4Hi, and 4Lo, and a ground clearance of over 23 centimetres. It handled challenging terrain with ease, though caution was advised due to its low-profile tires. The QX80's towing capacity was a generous 3,855 kilograms, and its Hydraulic Body Motion Control system helped manage body lean during cornering.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride 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 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 by 10 mm, improving its off-road performance, and it featured a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model offered enhanced off-road capabilities, with all-terrain tires and increased towing capacity of 2,495 kilograms. On highways, the Telluride provided a smooth and quiet ride, though the off-road tires affected handling in turns.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height, aided by a grab handle for easier access. Inside, the cabin offered a spacious and airy feel, with good front-seat head- and legroom. The QX80 accommodated up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat or seven with captain's chairs. However, the third-row seating was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 470 litres behind the third row, 1,404 litres with the third row folded, and 2,694 litres with all seats down. The power-operated liftgate and moonroof added convenience, though their operation was slow.

The 2023 Kia Telluride provided ample interior space, accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration. The test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain's chairs. The second row offered comfort and convenience, with manual sunshades, USB ports, and climate controls. The third-row seating was more accessible and comfortable than many competitors, though not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas. The Telluride's cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows down. The smart power tailgate and automatic closing function added practicality.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system included navigation, voice recognition, and connected services. A Bose 17-speaker premium sound system was standard, along with multiple USB ports and a wireless smartphone charger. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was included, though HDMI adapters were missing. The QX80 lacked Infiniti's ProPilot Assist advanced driving-assistance system due to its older architecture.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and Kia Connect services. The system supported over-the-air updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. 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 allowed smartphones or smartwatches to function as keys. The Telluride also offered a Full Display rear-view mirror and an optional head-up display with a larger viewing area. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, alerting drivers when traffic ahead moved.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came equipped with standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Additional features included driver attention alert, front knee airbags, and seat belt pre-tensioners for second-row passengers. A smart rearview mirror and adaptive cruise control were available on the ProActive grade. The QX80 received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA, while the structurally similar 2021 model received four stars for overall crash protection.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. The Telluride also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The adaptive cruise control system could reduce speed based on navigation data, and Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Telluride's safety features extended to collision avoidance, parking assistance, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. The IIHS rated the 2023 Telluride as a Top Safety Pick+.