2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased a refreshed design with updated front and rear styling, new headlights and taillights, and fresh wheel designs. The new paint colours, including Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, added a vibrant touch, while the interior offered new hues like 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 took it further with 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 glass, pushing the SUV into a modern era.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and refreshed for 2022, entered 2023 with minimal updates. It remained the largest in Lincoln's lineup, available in Canada as the Navigator Reserve with standard 4WD. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve, featured the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. Despite its sleek appearance, keeping the Infinite Black exterior clean proved challenging. The Navigator's interior, predominantly black with real wood trim and chrome accents, exuded luxury, though some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the upscale feel. The ambient lighting from the 201A package added character, but the overall ride quality was less than satisfactory, with the SUV's size posing challenges in urban settings.

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 L/100 km, while the X-Pro, with its off-road capabilities, returned 11.5 L/100 km. The SUV's suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance and off-road performance, complemented by a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model, equipped with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, increased towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. On highways, the Telluride offered a smooth ride, though the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. It had a fuel economy rating of 13.2 L/100 km, but averaged 15.0 L/100 km during testing. The Navigator offered five driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an adaptive damping suspension. However, the ride quality was inconsistent, with the SUV feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floating over larger dips. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but reducing fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban environments, with its weight affecting brake performance on mountain roads.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating 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 offered ample space, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row included 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. Cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo space. Power-deploying running boards eased cabin access, and the test vehicle featured 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain’s chairs provided a pass-through to the third-row seat, accommodating taller adults comfortably. Storage space was abundant, with various trays and covered compartments. The Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, with 971 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,403 litres with all seats folded.

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 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, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology allowed smartphone or smartwatch use as a vehicle key, and a Full Display rear-view mirror provided a video view of the rear. An optional head-up display offered a larger viewing area, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 system included Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant excelled in voice recognition, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound. The Navigator offered Phone As A Key technology, allowing digital key use via a smartphone app. Lincoln Play provided rear-seat entertainment, though it went unused by test passengers. The wireless smartphone charger, however, caused overheating issues.

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. Advanced features like Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and Advanced Highway Drive Assist provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA crash-test results were unavailable.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system, was available for use on designated highways, though it required frequent driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, but lacked a full crashworthiness assessment.