2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Subaru Forester was available in several trims, including the base, Convenience, Touring, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Premier. Prices started at $29,495, with the Premier trim reaching $40,595, plus a $1,800 destination charge. All-wheel drive was standard across all models. The Forester Wilderness, priced at $38,995, featured a white exterior and a dark grey interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather. Despite its rugged modifications, such as a suspension lift and protective cladding, the Forester's design was not universally appealing. Inside, the Forester prioritized functionality over aesthetics, with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased fresh styling with updated headlights, taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint colours like Midnight Lake Blue and interior options such as Terracotta added to its appeal. The X-Line featured a unique grille, raised suspension, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro offered 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a curved 24-inch glass. Interior changes included new colours, a redesigned steering wheel, and improved centre console functionality. The Telluride's pricing in Canada started at $50,195 for the EX trim, with the X-Pro reaching $62,795, plus a $1,950 destination charge.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. This allowed the Wilderness to double its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test drive averaging 9.1 L/100 km. The Forester's suspension was re-tuned for improved ride and handling, with the Wilderness model offering enhanced ground clearance and off-road capabilities. Despite its strengths, the Forester lacked engine power and exhibited wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It 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 averaged 9.8 L/100 km, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. Kia improved the Telluride's off-road performance with a raised suspension, enhanced traction control, and a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model increased towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. On highways, the Telluride provided a smooth ride, though the off-road tires affected handling in turns.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness model featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat. Upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms. The Forester offered comfortable seating with excellent visibility, rear air conditioning vents, and quick-charge ports. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the sunroof and 762 litres with it, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats. The second row featured manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third row, which was more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride offered ample storage space and a smart power tailgate. Cargo space was 601 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,304 litres with it folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Starlink services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Wilderness model included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The navigation system was useful, though a breadcrumb function was desired.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services. It supported over-the-air updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. 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 available. The optional head-up display offered a larger viewing area with additional information.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system with improved camera-based driver assist technology. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The NHTSA awarded it a 5-star overall crash-test rating, while the IIHS was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. The Telluride featured adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction and Highway Drive Assist 1.5. Advanced Highway Drive Assist with Lane Change Assist was available on higher trims. The IIHS rated it as a Top Safety Pick+.