2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. This midsize SUV featured rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, and robust roof rails, enhancing its already attractive design. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, showcased a sense of quality with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim on the dashboard. The Sorento's cabin was noted for its rock-solid construction, with attention to design detail evident even in the most affordable LX+ model. Despite its traditional cable-operated transmission shifter, the Sorento maintained practical storage space, making it a compelling choice for those seeking style and functionality.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models offered fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride's interior updates included a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass. The X-Line and X-Pro trims featured unique grille designs, raised roof rails, and distinctive wheel options, giving them a mildly aggressive off-road appearance. The Telluride's interior changes included new colours, minor trim updates, and a more functional centre console. The SUV's spacious cabin, premium Nappa leather upholstery, and advanced technology made it a modern and comfortable choice for families.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to accelerate the 1,761-kilogram SUV to 60 mph. However, the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, provided a more satisfying driving experience. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, allowed the Sorento to reach 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. The SUV's suspension was tuned for a blend of compliance and composure, offering excellent body motion control and communication on winding roads. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

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 X-Line averaged 9.8 L/100 km, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. The Telluride's raised suspension, improved approach and departure angles, and new Downhill Brake Control system enhanced its off-road capabilities. The X-Pro's 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and increased towing capacity made it a suitable choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior exuded luxury, with Burgundy leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs, standard from the EX trim, were designed for children, featuring cupholders, USB ports, and rear climate control vents. However, the third-row seat was cramped, with limited legroom and head restraints flush against the rear window. Cargo space was expandable from 357 litres to 2,139 litres with the rear seats folded. The Sorento's "smart" power tailgate added convenience when loading cargo.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The second row offered manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seat was more comfortable than many competitors, though not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas. The Telluride's cargo space ranged from 601 litres to 2,455 litres with the rear seats folded. The "smart" power tailgate with automatic closing function added convenience, while the new power lumbar stabilization system enhanced driver comfort on long trips.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on lower trims, while higher trims received a 10.25-inch display with navigation, satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The infotainment system offered a user-friendly interface, though the font style and graphics might not appeal to everyone. The voice recognition system was less effective than Hyundai's, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system was reserved for the SX trim. A wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, though it couldn't adjust the climate control system. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and six USB charging ports provided power for all passengers. 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 added convenience, while the optional head-up display offered a larger viewing area.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor. Highway Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, and the Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact protection and rollover resistance.

The 2023 Kia Telluride expanded its safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. The SUV also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving, while Advanced Highway Drive Assist added Lane Change Assist. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA crash-test results were unavailable.