2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX presented a modern and sporty design, continuing the aesthetic updates from its 2020 facelift. Available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, the RX 350 offered seating for five, while the RX 450h hybrid model provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. The RX's exterior was characterized by sharp character lines and angular features, creating an aggressive yet restrained design. The F Sport models stood out with performance-oriented styling, including 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia, enhancing the vehicle's athletic appearance. Inside, the RX maintained a luxury appeal with high-quality materials, though the centre stack felt somewhat dated. The F Sport models added sporty elements like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather, but comfort was compromised by less-than-ideal seating adjustments.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, particularly in the X-Line and X-Pro trims, showcased fresh styling with updated front and rear designs, new wheel options, and vibrant paint colours. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension and unique grille, while the X-Pro added all-terrain tires and exclusive wheels for a more rugged look. Inside, the Telluride offered a modern feel with a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The interior updates included new colours and a redesigned steering wheel, enhancing functionality. The Telluride's spacious cabin accommodated up to eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and ventilated seats in the SX Limited trim. The SUV's comfort and practicality were further highlighted by features like a power lumbar stabilization system and a smart power tailgate.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450h hybrid model offered a combined output of 308 hp. All RX models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport models included adaptive variable suspension and a Sport+ drive mode, but the driving dynamics remained largely unchanged between modes. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, providing a smooth ride and isolating road noise effectively. Fuel efficiency varied, with the RX 350 consuming 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 7.9 L/100 km combined.

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. The V6 engine provided ample power, and the Telluride averaged 9.8 L/100 km in the X-Line trim during testing. The X-Pro trim, designed for off-road adventures, returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. The Telluride's suspension was raised for improved ground clearance, and the SUV featured a Downhill Brake Control system for enhanced off-road performance. On highways, the Telluride delivered a smooth and quiet ride, with some wind noise at higher speeds. The SUV's handling was slightly affected by the all-terrain tires, but overall, it offered a delightful driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus RX provided 2,826 litres of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models offered a 2/3/2 seating arrangement, but space was limited for anything beyond short trips. Cargo capacity varied, with 453 litres behind the second row in the standard RX, expanding to 923 litres with the seats folded. The three-row version offered 210 litres with all seats upright, increasing to 1,657 litres with both rear rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, but the cargo area had a high load-in height due to the sporty bumper design.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. The interior featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The Telluride's cabin was spacious, with a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row offered comfort with manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. Access to the third row was facilitated by a button on the captain’s chairs, and the third-row seating was more comfortable than many competitors. Cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,304 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with both rear rows down. The Telluride's smart power tailgate and automatic closing function added convenience.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch version available. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the screen's positioning was ergonomically challenging. The infotainment system was responsive, but the touchpad control was hypersensitive and unintuitive. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus App provided additional personalization options, and premium audio systems were available.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and navigation. The voice recognition system performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual input. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported dual-device pairing. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology allowed smartphones or smartwatches to function as keys, and a Full Display rear-view mirror provided a video view of the rear. The optional head-up display offered a larger viewing area with additional information.

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional headlights but received four stars overall from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The Telluride also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. New features for 2023 included Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Advanced Highway Drive Assist. The Telluride was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with NHTSA ratings unavailable at the time of review.