2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Lexus GX

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, 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 off-road appeal. Inside, the Telluride's 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 SUV into a more modern era.

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its imposing spindle grille and 206 mm ground clearance, made a strong visual statement. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned with limited availability, offering paint colours like Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blocky designs. The interior, however, was marred by an abundance of plastic materials, which detracted from its luxury status. Despite this, the GX offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery. The GX's design and features were a mix of rugged capability and luxury touches, though it struggled to keep up with more modern competitors.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 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. Kia raised the suspension by 10 mm, improved approach and departure angles, and introduced a Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model, with its 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, increased towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions and provided a smooth, quiet ride on highways, though the steering in Sport mode felt overly firm.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 offered a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. The GX's towing capacity was 2,948 kilograms, but its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 16.2 L/100 km in the city and 14.5 combined. The GX's weight contributed to its rolling through corners, though it remained predictable and controllable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it user-friendly in challenging conditions. Despite its age, the GX's driving dynamics were improved, with strong brakes and communicative road feel.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered seating for 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 was spacious, with comfortable seating and a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row featured manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets, while the third row was more accessible and comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride provided ample storage space, with a smart power tailgate and generous cargo capacity, offering 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with it folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Lexus GX retained ample cubby space, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. The decision to use hard buttons instead of haptic-touch interfaces was a practical choice, though the abundance of buttons required familiarization. The centre console lid's adjustable sliding mechanisms were a novel feature. The second row was comfortable, with captain’s chairs and fold-out cupholders, while the third row was tight for regular use. The GX's side-hinged trunk door required effort to open, and cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the rear seats, 1,322 litres with the third row folded, and 1,832 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 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 dual-device pairing. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and digital-key technology. The Full Display rear-view mirror and optional head-up display added convenience, while the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature.

The 2023 Lexus GX's 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system was an improvement, offering SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was rendered unnecessary by the touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. However, the tech felt dated compared to newer Lexus models, with lagging touchscreen performance and less crisp graphics. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, and KDSS air suspension. The multi-terrain monitor and select system enhanced its off-road prowess.

The 2023 Kia Telluride boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. It also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control system with stop-and-go capability and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist were standard. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, with Advanced Highway Drive Assist adding Lane Change Assist. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included the Lexus Safety System+ with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were commendable, though it lacked some advanced systems like lane-tracing assist.