2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

During our time in Texas, we experienced the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, which showcased fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride offered new paint colours like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior featured fresh hues such as 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 took it further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Telluride featured a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch glass piece, pushing the SUV into a modern era.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant styling shift, presenting a more assertive and truck-like appearance. It was longer and wider than its predecessor, with a muscular stance accentuated by a longer wheelbase and wider tracks. The CR-V retained its classic D-pillar taillights, now featuring three L shapes for a modern look. The Hybrid Touring trim, which we drove, sported black roof rails, mirrors, and wheels, along with dual chrome exhaust finishers. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the design seen in the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a honeycomb grille surrounding the climate control vents. The cabin materials felt high-quality, and the contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel added an attractive touch.

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. 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 X-Pro model featured a raised suspension, improved approach and departure angles, and a new Downhill Brake Control system. It also had an enhanced cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, all-terrain tires, and stability on slopes. On highways, it offered a smooth ride, though the steering felt overly firm in Sport mode.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a new hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. It was the most powerful CR-V to date, with a towing capacity of up to 450 kilograms. The CR-V Hybrid had a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and four drive modes: Snow, Sport, Normal, and Econ. The updated Real Time AWD system could send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. A new "B" shifter position allowed for increased regenerative braking, enhancing fuel efficiency. The CR-V Hybrid was estimated to consume 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, 6.9 on the highway, and 6.4 combined, offering a more efficient option compared to non-hybrid models.

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. A button on the second-row captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third-row seating area, which was more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride provided generous storage space, with a "smart" power tailgate and an 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 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to more interior volume, with 1,028 litres of cargo space with the rear seatbacks up and 2,030 litres with them folded. The Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate and wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 1,042 millimetres, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The reclining rear seats offered eight positions, maximizing headroom and cargo space. The CR-V Hybrid included a cubby for two smartphones, eight cupholders, and a traditional console design providing best-in-class storage.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual input. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported pairing two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Digital-key technology allowed smartphones or smartwatches to function as keys. A Full Display rear-view mirror and an optional head-up display with a larger viewing area were also available.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs, while the EX-L and Hybrid Touring trims had a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob. The CR-V Hybrid included one USB-A and three USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, and heated mirrors and front seats. The Touring trim added a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control system could reduce speed based on navigation data, and Highway Drive Assist provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. Advanced Highway Drive Assist added a Lane Change Assist function. The Telluride also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. The IIHS rated it as a Top Safety Pick+.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist systems. New safety features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. Blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic monitor were standard, along with a rear-seat reminder and rear seatbelt reminder. The CR-V Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. New airbags, a stiffer structure, and increased visibility enhanced safety further.