2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Cadillac XT5

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 aimed to deliver affordable luxury, blending high-end materials, advanced tech, and a powerful engine. However, its cabin felt more akin to a Buick or a top-trim Chevy rather than a luxury Cadillac. Despite this, the XT5's interior was intuitively laid out and spacious across both rows, with 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats. Cadillac retained many physical controls, which made the XT5 user-friendly but somewhat dated. The cabin lacked the memorable or unique touches found in competitors like the Porsche Macan or Volvo XC60.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride received fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The 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, giving it a modern feel. Interior updates included new colors, minor trim changes, and a more functional center console. The Telluride's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and ventilated front and second-row seats in the SX Prestige trim.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The base powertrain accelerated from 0-60 mph in the high-seven-second range, but the engine sounded 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 had a less refined ride quality compared to rivals like the Porsche Macan S and BMW X3. The XT5's fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined for the turbo-four FWD to 18/25/21 mpg city/highway/combined for the V6 AWD.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with AWD models featuring a low-speed Lock setting for even power distribution. The Telluride X-Line averaged 24.1 mpg, while the X-Pro returned 20.4 mpg, including off-roading. Official EPA ratings for AWD models were 21 mpg combined. The Telluride's raised suspension, improved ground clearance, and new Downhill Brake Control system enhanced its off-road capabilities. The X-Pro model, with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, increased towing capacity to 5,500 pounds and featured a self-leveling rear air suspension.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5's interior featured more hard plastics and cheaper materials than expected, but it offered useful storage spaces, including a deep center console storage bin. The glove box was small, but front-seat ergonomics were good, with easy-to-reach controls. Rear storage was less generous, but passengers had access to large seatback pockets and a fold-down armrest with cupholders. The XT5 provided 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63 cubic feet with the seats folded down. These specs were competitive in its class, surpassing the Porsche Macan and Genesis GV70 in cargo capacity.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front and second-row captain's chairs. The second row offered manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seats were more comfortable than many competitors, though not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas. The Telluride's front and second rows had ample storage, and the smart power tailgate made loading cargo easy. Cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 featured the CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and dual-zone climate controls. The system was intuitive and responsive, with physical buttons for climate and steering wheel controls. Cadillac offered a Bose premium audio system, wireless charging, and navigation. The XT5's infotainment system was competitive but not as advanced as Volvo's Google-based system.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, though it did not control the climate system. The Kia Access app allowed remote control of some vehicle functions, and OTA updates kept the system current. The Telluride featured six USB charging ports, Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging, and digital-key technology. The Full Display Mirror and head-up display (HUD) added convenience and safety, while the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5's last full crash test results were from the 2021 model, which earned top "Good" scores in all crash test areas, a "Marginal" score for headlights, and an "Advanced" rating for vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front and rear parking sensors, lane-keep assist, and more. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and rear pedestrian braking.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning system, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features included Safe Exit Assist, adaptive cruise control, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and 2.0, front parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, surround-view camera, Blind-Spot View Monitor, automatic high-beam headlights, driver attention warning, and Rear Occupant Alert with ultrasonic sensors. Crash-test ratings for the 2023 Telluride were unavailable at the time of review.