2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned with a focus on design, offered a range of models including the NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. With base MSRPs ranging from $47,400 to $59,950, the NX was built in Cambridge, Ontario, and featured a distinctive spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. The interior was minimalist, with a focus on decluttering, though some controls integrated into the 14-inch touchscreen were not immediately intuitive. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with unique styling elements and sport-bolstered seats, while the overall quality was high, despite some minor issues like the feel of the turn signal.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, particularly in the X-Line and X-Pro models, showcased fresh styling with updated headlights, taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint colours and interior options added to its appeal. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension and unique grille design, while the X-Pro offered all-terrain tires and improved off-road capabilities. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, enhancing its modern feel. The interior updates were subtle, focusing on functionality and comfort, with embossed trim names on the front seatbacks. The Telluride's pricing in Canada started at $50,195 for the EX trim, with the X-Pro topping the range at $62,795.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. The NX 350 F Sport added driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension, enhancing its performance on winding roads. The NX 350's acceleration to 60 mph was estimated at 6.6 seconds, with fuel consumption figures of 10.6 L/100 km for the F Sport and 9.2 L/100 km for the non-F Sport. Despite improvements, the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of German rivals, and the NX was not suited for off-road adventures due to its limited ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with a low-speed Lock setting for the AWD system. The Telluride X-Line achieved an average fuel consumption of 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, with a ground clearance of 21.3 mm and enhanced approach and departure angles. The X-Pro model featured all-terrain tires and an improved cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 2,495 kg. The Telluride excelled on highways, offering a smooth ride and quiet cabin, though the off-road tires affected handling in turns.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior space, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat. It offered comfort with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, standard in Canada. The F Sport trim added better seat bolstering, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample room and conveniences like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded.

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 featured manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets, while the third row was more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride offered generous storage space and a smart power tailgate with proximity-sensing. Cargo space was 601 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen optional. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and over-the-air updates. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems allowed for natural voice commands, and the NX offered connected services like Drive Connect and digital key capability.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect services. The system supported voice recognition, though climate control adjustments were manual. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and six USB 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. Digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were available, along with an optional head-up display showing navigation and driving assistance information.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also offered a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety features were available in packages, including rear pedestrian detection and a panoramic view monitoring system.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. It included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. The Telluride's adaptive cruise control system could adjust speed for curves, and Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Telluride was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were unavailable.