2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Dodge Durango

During our time in Texas, we experienced the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, which featured refreshed front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride offered new paint colours such as Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior introduced fresh hues like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, boasting a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model further enhanced its off-road appeal with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Telluride's updates were subtle, with a new digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch glass panel. The interior also featured new colours, minor trim changes, and a redesigned steering wheel, with embossed trim names on the front seatbacks.

In Canada, the 2023 Telluride was available in EX, SX, SX Limited, X-Line, and X-Pro trims, with prices starting at $50,195 for the EX with standard AWD, and the X-Pro topping the range at $62,795, excluding a $1,950 destination charge. The Telluride's interior offered ample space, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The second row featured manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets, while the third-row seating area was accessible via a button on the second-row captain’s chairs. The Telluride provided generous storage space, with a smart power tailgate and a maximum cargo volume of 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded down.

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained its familiar yet attractive appearance. It featured clean, car-like styling with slim grilles and forward-leaning headlights, while the rear showcased Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models had subtle unique styling features, including a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The Durango offered a variety of appearance packages, such as the Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package, along with new paint colours like Frostbite, Night Moves, Red Oxide, and Triple Nickel. Inside, the Durango's materials varied by trim level, with the Citadel offering luxurious features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with a maximum cargo volume of 2,409 litres behind the first row.

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. It offered 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 to 21.3 mm, and it featured a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model, equipped with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, had 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 offered a smooth ride, with some wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8, standard on the R/T and optional on the Citadel, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model featured a 6.4-litre Hemi V8, generating 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The SRT Hellcat model, with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, produced 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in roughly 3.5 seconds. The Durango Hellcat offered a thrilling driving experience, with minimal wind and tire noise at highway speeds, and performance features like adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes.

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 second row featured manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets, while the third-row seating area was accessible via a button on the second-row captain’s chairs. The Telluride provided generous storage space, with a smart power tailgate and a maximum cargo volume of 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded down.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with a maximum cargo volume of 2,409 litres behind the first row. It offered generous small-item storage space, with a large wireless charging pad and well-placed USB ports. Models with second-row captain's chairs featured a large centre console for that row. The Durango's towing capabilities were impressive, with V6 models towing up to 2,812 kilograms, and Hemi V8 models towing up to 3,946 kilograms. However, the Durango lacked a power-folding third row, which was a drawback for higher trims.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. It offered over-the-air updates, Bluetooth pairing for two devices, and six USB charging ports. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and digital-key technology. It also offered a Full Display rear-view mirror, an optional head-up display, and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on lower trims, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The Durango used the Uconnect infotainment system, with the larger screen featuring Uconnect 5. SRT models included the Performance Pages app, displaying performance information. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also featured adaptive cruise control, Highway Drive Assist, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered limited standard driver-assist tech, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. Forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control were available on higher trims.