2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Kia Telluride showcased a sophisticated yet robust aesthetic, especially in the X-Line and X-Pro models we assessed. This new lineup featured fresh front and rear styling, with updated headlights and taillights, and redesigned wheels. Telluride's new paint options included Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior colors offered choices like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green.

Replacing the Nightfall Edition, the X-Line model brought a raised suspension, a unique grille, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro went further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, bolstered by updated bumper designs that lent both models an assertive, off-road-ready appearance.

Inside, changes were subtle but impactful. The 2023 Telluride featured an available digital instrumentation panel paired with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, seamlessly integrated under a unified 24-inch curved glass display that modernized the vehicle's dashboard. Other interior updates included new color schemes, trim adjustments, a redesigned steering wheel, and a center console engineered for enhanced functionality. Both X-Line and X-Pro trims included their specific names embossed on the upper front seatbacks, adding a touch of exclusivity.

The Telluride was available in five trims: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The X-Line package could be combined with the EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, while the X-Pro package was available for the SX and SX Prestige. Pricing started at $35,690 for the LX FWD and ramped up to $52,785 for the SX Prestige X-Pro AWD. Including the destination charge, these prices were increased by $1,335. The test included an SX Prestige X-Line at $54,120 (Wolf Gray) and an SX Prestige X-Pro at $55,120 (Midnight Lake Blue).

In contrast, the sixth-generation 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a substantial shift in design, with a more assertive, truck-like demeanor compared to its predecessors. The new CR-V was roughly 2.5 inches longer and half an inch wider, contributing to its muscular stance enhanced by a longer wheelbase and wider tracks.

It retained the recognizable D-pillar taillights, now sportier with three L-shaped elements for a modernized look. Its blockier rear end matched the bold front fascia, and all lighting was upgraded to LED. For the review, we experienced the Sport Touring trim in Canyon River Blue. Both 2023 CR-V Hybrid Sport models featured black roof rails, mirrors, dual exhaust finishers, and black wheels, with the Sport Touring model boasting 19-inch wheels compared to the standard 18-inch wheels on other trims.

The interior design reflected trends seen in the Civic and HR-V models, including a honeycomb grille across the dash’s climate control vents. The Sport Touring cabin benefitted from high-quality materials and attractive contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel for a premium feel.

The 2023 Kia Telluride maintained its mechanical prowess with a 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could select from various modes: Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for optimal power distribution between axles.

In performance tests, the Telluride X-Line averaged 24.1 mpg on a mixed route, while the X-Pro, including off-road conditions, averaged 20.4 mpg. The official EPA rating for AWD models was 21 mpg combined. The updated suspension included a 10mm increase, raising ground clearance to 8.4 inches, along with improved approach and departure angles and a new Downhill Brake Control system that proved effective after an initial learning curve. The Telluride X-Pro, with 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an enhanced cooling system, upped the towing capacity from 5,000 pounds to 5,500 pounds.

Driving the Telluride on highways showcased its smooth, quiet ride and responsive handling. Though a bit soft in Sport mode and slightly squishy in turns due to the off-road tires, the Telluride still delivered a pleasant driving experience.

For the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, Honda simplified its offerings to either a turbocharged or hybrid powertrain. The hybrid variant combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, making it the most potent CR-V to date. Notably, the powertrain changes made the CR-V Hybrid quicker and more responsive, ideal for highway merging and rated for towing up to 1,000 pounds.

The 2023 CR-V Hybrid introduced a fourth drive mode—Snow—joining Sport, Normal, and Econ, tweaking accelerator response to suit various conditions. The Real Time AWD system, updated for 2023, could now send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels, replacing the 60:40 ratio of previous models. Also new was a hill-descent control system.

The hybrid model’s innovative “B” mode increased regenerative braking, emulating a one-pedal driving experience and enhancing fuel efficiency control. FWD models boasted the best fuel efficiency, with the Sport trim achieving 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered seating for seven or eight passengers, with our test models featuring premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats. The SX Prestige trim added a heated steering wheel and an innovative power lumbar stabilization system, designed for long-trip comfort.

Space was ample, with the front seats proving especially comfortable. The second row, equipped with manual sunshades, USB ports, and plentiful storage, was equally accommodating. A button for easy third-row entry allowed larger adults to access the rear seats, which, while not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas, were more comfortable than those in many midsize SUVs.

Cargo capacity was generous: 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet with both rows down.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid’s larger dimensions translated into more interior space, surpassing its predecessor with 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded down. This beat the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and closely matched the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid, albeit with slightly lower headroom at 38.2 inches.

The Sport Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate and wide-opening rear doors for easy access. The rear seats offered 41 inches of legroom, an increase over previous models, and the reclining rear seats enhanced comfort and cargo flexibility.

The thoughtfully designed center console offered best-in-class storage, and the cabin included eight cupholders and an innovative cubby for holding two smartphones side by side.

Kia made a 12.3-inch touchscreen standard in all 2023 Telluride models, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system, controlled via the Kia Access smartphone app, included voice recognition, though it required manual adjustment for climate settings.

The Telluride was equipped with six USB charging ports and offered enhancements like a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and digital-key technology compatible with select devices. Other tech highlights included a Full Display Mirror, a head-up display, and advanced leading vehicle departure alerts.

For the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, Honda balanced physical buttons with modern tech. The base 7-inch touchscreen included volume and tuning knobs, while the 9-inch version on the Sport Touring trim featured a volume knob alongside home and back buttons.

Standard features across trims were robust, including two USB-A and two USB-C ports, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Sport Touring trim added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and smart navigation optimized for fuel efficiency.

Kia’s 2023 Telluride came equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Enhancements for 2023 included intelligent speed limit assist, Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and 2.0, junction turning sensors, Safe Exit Assist, and rear occupant alerts.

The advanced Highway Drive Assist 2.0 offered semi-autonomous driving, which performed admirably during our test. The Telluride’s numerous safety features and driver aids made it a dependable choice, though specific crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

Honda’s 2023 CR-V Hybrid included the upgraded Honda Sensing suite, offering adaptive cruise control, improved collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, road-departure mitigation, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control on higher trims. Standard features also included a blind-spot information system, cross-traffic monitor, and rear-seat reminders.

Construction enhancements like a 15% stiffer structure, new airbags, and increased driver visibility further elevated the CR-V’s safety profile. Previous models had earned high safety ratings, which likely carried over to the 2023 edition.