2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Cadillac XT5

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 aimed to deliver affordable luxury, but its interior materials fell short of expectations for a luxury brand, resembling more of a Buick or a high-end Chevy. Despite this, the cabin layout was intuitive, offering ample space in both rows and above-average cargo capacity with 850 litres behind the second-row seats. Cadillac retained many physical controls, which made the XT5 user-friendly, though it also contributed to a somewhat dated feel. The cabin, while functional, lacked the memorable design elements found in competitors like the Porsche Macan and Volvo XC60. The XT5 provided good headroom and legroom, with options for a panoramic sunroof and genuine leather in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride received a fresh exterior update with new front and rear styling, updated lights, and new wheel designs. The interior saw subtle changes, with a focus on functionality and comfort. The Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models featured raised suspensions and unique design elements, enhancing their off-road appeal. Inside, the Telluride boasted a new digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a sleek 24-inch glass panel. The interior updates included new colours, a redesigned steering wheel, and improved centre console functionality. The Telluride's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with premium materials and thoughtful design elements.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 came with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The base powertrain accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in the high-seven-second range, though the engine could sound rough under heavy throttle. An available V6 engine delivered 310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, providing a more suitable performance. However, the XT5 lacked driving excitement and struggled with handling compared to rivals like the BMW X3 and Genesis GV70. The XT5's fuel economy was competitive, with the turbo-four and FWD achieving 10.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.2 on the highway.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to 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's V6 provided ample power, and the X-Line model averaged 9.8 L/100 km during testing. The X-Pro model, designed for off-road use, returned 11.5 L/100 km. Kia enhanced the Telluride's off-road capabilities with a raised suspension, improved approach and departure angles, and a new Downhill Brake Control system. The Telluride excelled in both on-road comfort and off-road performance, offering a smooth ride and quiet cabin.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5's interior featured more hard plastics than expected, but it offered practical storage solutions, including a deep centre console bin and large seatback pockets. The XT5 provided 850 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 1,784 litres with the rear seats folded. This generous cargo capacity was easy to access, thanks to a wide liftgate opening and low load floor. The XT5's cargo space outperformed competitors like the Porsche Macan and Genesis GV70.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row configuration. Test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain's chairs. The Telluride offered ample interior space, with comfortable seating and a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row included manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seat was more accessible and comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride's cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 featured the CUE infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and more. The system was intuitive and responsive, with physical controls for climate and steering wheel functions. A Bose premium audio system, wireless charging, and navigation were available. The XT5's infotainment system was competitive, though not as advanced as some rivals.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services. The system supported voice recognition and over-the-air updates. The Telluride featured six USB charging ports, 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 Telluride also offered an optional head-up display and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5's last full crash test results were from the 2021 model, which earned top "Good" scores in crash tests but missed a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to "Marginal" headlights. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane-keep assist, and more. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Kia Telluride boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Telluride offered advanced features like Highway Drive Assist and Advanced Highway Drive Assist, providing semi-autonomous driving assistance. The IIHS rated the 2023 Telluride as a Top Safety Pick+.