2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

During their time in Texas, reviewers experienced the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, noting the SUV's 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 new hues such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, boasting a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-colour door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model took it further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its mildly aggressive off-road appearance. Inside, the updates were subtle, with a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a curved 24-inch glass piece, pushing the Telluride into a more modern era. Other interior changes included new colours, minor trim updates, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional centre console. The X-Line and X-Pro trims had their names embossed on the front seatbacks, adding a touch of exclusivity.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler maintained its rugged, take-no-prisoners design with its fourth-generation JL model, featuring a boxy shape with minimal curves. Available in two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, the Wrangler allowed for door removal, and the optional Dual-Door Group added half doors for better visibility. The windshield could fold down for an open-air experience, and various top options were available for exploration. The Wrangler's design included wide fenders, Jeep's iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and old-school exterior hood latches. The tailgate swung out, and the rear glass lifted for easy cargo access. The limited-edition "Reign" purple paint added a unique flair, while the new "Earl" colour offered a grey shade with a hint of aquamarine. Inside, the Wrangler focused on practicality with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, a body-coloured dash, chunky HVAC controls, and a manual transfer case shifter, eschewing luxury features like ambient lighting or massaging seats.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its mechanical prowess with a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 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 the AWD system offering a low-speed Lock setting for even power distribution. The V6 engine provided ample motivation, with the X-Line averaging 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres during a drive that included heavy traffic, twisty roads, and highway stretches. The X-Pro was less efficient at 11.5 L/100 km, partly due to off-roading in Lock mode. Official ratings suggested 11.4 L/100 km in combined driving. Kia enhanced the Telluride's off-road capabilities by raising the suspension 10 mm, improving approach and departure angles, and modifying the traction control system. The X-Pro model featured 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an improved cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. Off-roading in Texas showcased the Telluride's AWD Lock mode, all-terrain tires, ground clearance, and stability. On highways, the Telluride offered a smooth ride, though the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler excelled in off-road performance with solid axles and optional differential lockers. It offered various engine options, including a standard Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque, while the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered 35 kilometres of all-electric range. The 392 model, with its 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tires, excelled in off-road conditions, accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in about 4.5 seconds. Different Wrangler models had various off-road transfer cases, with the Selec-Trac 4x4 system providing a 2.72 low range and the Xtreme Recon package increasing the crawl ratio to 58:1. On-road, the 392's brakes and steering had flaws, with vague steering and inadequate brakes for the V8's power. Other Wrangler trims had better-suited brakes and less imprecise steering.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row configuration. Test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior provided ample space, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system to keep drivers alert on long trips. The second row was comfortable, with manual side-window sunshades, adjustable armrests, 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. Storage space was plentiful, with a “smart” power tailgate and an automatic closing function. Cargo space was generous, 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 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, but heated seats were only available on specific trims or with a cold-weather package. Ventilated seats were not offered. The rear seat could fit three in four-door models, but space was tight, and the small rear doors made access challenging. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash lacking cubbies and small glove box and centre consoles. Larger cargo space was also limited, with 2,050 litres available with the rear seats folded. The hard top could be removed in one piece or with two front panels, and the Sunrider option allowed for quick exposure to the elements. The soft top was removable, but the plastic rear window could be cumbersome. The Sky One-Touch power soft top offered easy open-air access, with a glass rear window for convenience. The Wrangler provided ample charging points, with USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, 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 six USB charging ports, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. A wireless phone charger and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were standard in Canada. Digital-key technology allowed smartphones or smartwatches to function as keys. The Full Display rear-view mirror provided a video view of the rear, and an optional head-up display offered additional information. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system reminded drivers when traffic started moving.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen. The system lacked hard buttons, relying on touchscreen access. Uconnect appeared complex initially but was intuitive once familiar. Jeep's off-road pages provided information on power distribution, temperatures, oil pressure, pitch and roll, and GPS coordinates. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity were included. The Wrangler offered practical tech features like a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, but lacked digital key technology and over-the-air updates for vehicle performance.

The 2023 Kia Telluride boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist were also standard. The Safe Exit Assist system warned occupants when it was unsafe to open doors. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist were standard, with Highway Drive Assist 1.5 providing semi-autonomous driving assistance. Advanced Highway Drive Assist added Lane Change Assist. Additional collision avoidance features were available on higher trims. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were unavailable.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with a standard rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on top trims or as part of an option package. Lane-keeping assist was not offered. The IIHS rated the Wrangler with a mix of Good and Marginal scores, while the NHTSA gave it four stars for frontal crash tests and three stars for rollover ratings. Side crash ratings were unavailable.