2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a strikingly sporty and sleek design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, with a lower and wider stance that gave it a visually dynamic presence. Its short highback tail featured a lip spoiler doubling as a lightbar, and the wheels were pushed to the farthest corners of the chassis, creating a body with pronounced hips. The voluptuous curves of the EV6, akin to those on a Porsche 911, added both style and stability. The headlights, with their squinting, V-shaped pattern, mirrored the black trim below, which mimicked sealed air intakes. The EV6's profile was sharp and angular, with a smooth, silken finish, especially in matte silver paint. The interior was equally impressive, with dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and ambient lighting that created a futuristic, sci-fi atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride offered a more rugged and robust aesthetic, with fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The X-Line and X-Pro models featured unique grille designs, raised roof rails, and distinctive wheel options, enhancing their off-road appeal. The interior updates were subtle, with a focus on functionality, including a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Telluride's interior was spacious and comfortable, with new colour options and minor trim changes. The SUV's design was practical and family-friendly, with a focus on comfort and convenience for all passengers.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in its GT-Line e-AWD configuration, delivered an exhilarating performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the EV6 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, with a top-power GT trim promising even more impressive specs. The EV6's handling was sharp and responsive, with torque distributed effectively between the motors, providing a seamless driving experience. The regenerative braking system offered multiple settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in its maximum I-Pedal setting. However, the EV6's driving range was disappointing in cold weather, with the vehicle consuming more energy than expected, resulting in a lower-than-anticipated range.

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. The Telluride offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for improved off-road performance. The Telluride's fuel efficiency was reasonable, with the X-Line averaging 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres and the X-Pro slightly less efficient due to off-roading. The Telluride's suspension and traction control system were enhanced for off-road capability, and the SUV performed well in various driving conditions, offering a smooth and comfortable ride on highways and byways.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls were integrated with the stereo and shortcut controls in a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating to use while driving. The EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. The EV6's towing capacity was 1,043 kilograms, and it featured an onboard power generator for added utility.

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 was comfortable, with manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seating area was accessible and more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride offered generous cargo space, with 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with both rear rows down. The SUV also featured a smart power tailgate with proximity-sensing and an automatic closing function.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick and easy settings adjustments. However, it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots and a 3D bar graph of power and speed. The 360-degree surround-view cameras were sharp and clear, and the head-up display used augmented reality for navigation. The highest trim included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking assist system.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, though it did not control the climate system. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported pairing two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, 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. The optional head-up display was larger and more informative, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published test results from safety organizations, but it offered impressive standard safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims added blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360 cameras.

The 2023 Kia Telluride boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. The SUV also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and lane-keeping assist. Advanced features like Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and Advanced Highway Drive Assist were available, providing semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Telluride was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were unavailable.