2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Lexus RX

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, along with interior colours such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro model added exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, giving the SUV a modern edge. The interior updates included new colours, minor trim changes, and a redesigned steering wheel, with embossed trim names on the front seatbacks of the X-Line and X-Pro models.

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, entered its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor. Despite maintaining the same overall length, the RX offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though still less than some rivals. The exterior featured a better-integrated spindle-style grille, upswept body sides, and a light-blade taillight design, giving it a modern yet familiar look. Inside, the RX presented a thoroughly modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. The cabin quality was high, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather or genuine leather, and available trims in textured black plastic, real wood, and aluminum. The RX 350 was available in various trims, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650.

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 multiple 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, which included off-roading, returned 11.5 L/100 km. Official ratings suggested 11.4 L/100 km in combined driving. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance and off-road performance, with a new Downhill Brake Control system enhancing safety on slopes. The X-Pro model, equipped with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, increased towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms and offered a self-levelling rear air suspension.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo-four provided better torque and fuel economy than the previous V6, though it lacked the same refinement. On a 30-kilometre test loop, the RX 350 Executive showed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the RX 350 F Sport 3, with its adaptive suspension, felt more secure. Both models had 21-inch wheels with 235/50 all-season tires, but the F Sport 3's suspension reduced unwanted motion. The RX 350 AWD was estimated to average 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres, with test results showing 10.5 L/100 km and 10.8 L/100 km.

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 a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row featured manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets, while a button on the captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third row. The Telluride provided 601 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with both rear rows down. A smart power tailgate with proximity-sensing and an automatic closing function added convenience.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfort with semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel in the Executive trim. The F Sport 3 model featured Black NuLuxe simulated leather seats and Dark Graphite trim, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats. Both models provided a roomy back seat with good leg support, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space with the second row in position, expanding to 1,308 litres with the rear seat folded, which was an improvement over the previous generation but still limited for the segment.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The system supported voice recognition, though climate control adjustments required manual input. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth allowed pairing of two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and digital-key technology. A Full Display rear-view mirror and an optional head-up display with a 10-inch viewing area were also available, along with a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface multimedia system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and connected services. Drive Connect, free for three years on certain models, included Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant voice recognition. The system allowed user profiles and streaming through embedded apps. The RX featured a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, and available digital rearview mirror and digital key technology. A colour head-up display was optional, though visibility issues arose with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a junction turning system. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. An adaptive cruise control system with stop-and-go capability and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist were standard, along with Highway Drive Assist 1.5. Advanced Highway Drive Assist, available from SX trim, added Lane Change Assist. 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 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were newly available. LSS+ 3.0 performed well, though issues arose with HUD visibility and curve-speed reduction technology. The driver monitoring system required attention, and the adaptive cruise controls were unmarked in models with HUD.