2023 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased a refreshed design with updated front and rear styling, new headlights and taillights, and a selection of new wheel designs. The SUV was available in new paint colours such as Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior offered fresh hues like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro model added exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Telluride boasted a modern digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch glass piece, giving the interior a futuristic feel. Minor interior updates included new colours, trim changes, and a redesigned steering wheel, with the X-Line and X-Pro trims featuring embossed names on the front seatbacks.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer adopted a sleek, road-car-inspired design with a low roofline and leaned-back pillars, complemented by a large grille and stacked headlights. Despite its sleek profile, the Blazer maintained the visual weight of an SUV with its tall ride height and body sides. The Blazer RS test vehicle stood out with blackout trim, Red Hot paint, and 21-inch wheels featuring a new design for 2023. The Blazer's styling updates included new taillights with twisted filament-like elements, tweaked grille and LED headlight designs, and new wheel options. The interior sported a Camaro-inspired aesthetic with an upright dashboard and large round air vents. Cloth seats were standard, with leather upholstery available on higher trims. The Blazer RS model featured blue trim, chrome accents, and a dark blue and black two-tone upholstery scheme, impressing with its material quality.

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. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for power distribution. The Telluride X-Line averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance and off-road performance. The X-Pro model offered 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an improved cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, ground clearance, and stability. On highways, it provided a smooth ride, with some wind noise and a slightly squishy feel in turns due to the off-road tires.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer offered a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque as standard, while a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque was optional on LT and standard on other trims. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with AWD standard in Canada. The Blazer's AWD system required manual engagement, unlike some rivals with automatic switching. The V6-powered Blazer RS felt quick, with a sporty exhaust note, but its weight and top-heavy design affected handling. The Blazer's 2,041-kilogram towing capacity was competitive, but its off-road capabilities were limited by its car-based design and low-hanging front bumper.

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 captain’s chairs. The interior offered ample space, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system. The second row featured manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets, while the third row was more accessible and comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride provided generous storage space, with a smart power tailgate and automatic closing function. Cargo space was 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer was a two-row, five-seat vehicle, offering nearly identical front-seat headroom to rivals like the Ford Edge and Honda Passport. Rear-seat headroom was slightly below average, but better than the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The Blazer provided 864 litres of cargo space with rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded, trailing most rivals. Despite this, the Blazer felt spacious from the driver’s seat, with short overhangs aiding manoeuvrability. Functional interior details included USB ports and temperature controls integrated into the air vents. A heated steering wheel was standard on the RS grade.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and Kia Connect services. The system supported voice recognition and over-the-air updates, with Bluetooth allowing two devices to pair simultaneously. 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. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, notifying drivers when traffic ahead moved.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received tech upgrades, including a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen and available wireless device charging. The RS and Premier trims featured an 8-inch digital instrument cluster display, built-in navigation, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a large touchscreen and optional 360-degree camera system. The Blazer's tech presentation was modern, with a new touchscreen and optional instrument cluster display complementing the analog gauges.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and lane-centring assist. Advanced features like adaptive cruise control, Highway Drive Assist, and collision avoidance systems were available on higher trims. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer's standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist. Adaptive cruise control was newly available on all trims, with optional features like blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system. The Blazer received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high ratings from the IIHS, though it lacked some advanced features like GM's Super Cruise.