2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Genesis GV70

During their time in Texas, reviewers experienced the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, noting the SUV's 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, along with fresh interior colours like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-colour door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model further enhanced the off-road look with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Interior updates included a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, giving the Telluride a modern edge.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 drew styling connections to the G70 compact luxury sedan, particularly above the belt-line, with split-bar headlights and a strong chrome line that visually linked it to its sedan counterpart. The GV70's interior was praised for its luxurious materials and excellent fit and finish, combining contemporary and classic aesthetics. The dashboard featured a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience. The GV70 was available in five trims with two powertrains, the 2.5T or 3.5T, and an Electrified GV70 model. The base GV70 2.5T Advanced came well-equipped with features like power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Electrified GV70 impressed with its luxury credentials, featuring soft, cream-coloured seats with a quilt stitch pattern and a high-contrast design.

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 various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, 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 featured 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 offered a smooth ride, though the steering in Sport mode was deemed too firm.

The Genesis GV70 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5T boasted a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission with AWD. The Electrified GV70 used a 77.4-kWh battery pack, powering two electric motors for a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. The electric GV70 offered 383 kilometres of range and fast charging capabilities. The GV70's handling was well-rounded, blending comfort and sportiness, though the electric version leaned more towards comfort. The GV70's performance was smooth and confident, with a Boost button for extra acceleration.

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 seating and a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row featured manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seating area was accessible and more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride provided generous storage space, with a smart power tailgate and an automatic closing function. Cargo space was ample, with 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The Genesis GV70 offered 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 818 litres with the seats in use, above average for its class. It featured a hands-free power liftgate, large cupholders in the centre console, and a retractable tray. The front seats were easily adjustable for comfort, but rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

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 over-the-air updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. Features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode enhanced communication and convenience. A wireless phone charger, Harman Kardon audio system, digital-key technology, and a Full Display rear-view mirror were available. The Telluride also offered a head-up display with a larger viewing area and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system.

The Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menus. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Available features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, a Lexicon 18-speaker audio system, and the Genesis digital key.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. Advanced features like Highway Drive Assist 1.5, Advanced Highway Drive Assist, and collision avoidance systems were available. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The Genesis GV70 provided a full suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and highway driving assist. The 2.5T Advance Plus added a blind-spot camera system and a 360-degree parking camera system. The GV70 also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.