2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

During our time in Texas, we experienced the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, which featured 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 introduced Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green options. The X-Line 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 further enhanced this with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, giving it a 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 piece of glass, pushing the Telluride into a more modern era.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, based on the SR5 trim, added retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and bronze badges. This special edition was available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior. The 4Runner maintained its truck-based SUV appeal with a solid and quality feel, despite the abundance of plastic in the cabin. The controls were straightforward and easy to use, even with gloves on. The 4Runner's design and features harkened back to a bygone era, offering a nostalgic yet functional experience.

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, with its off-roading capabilities, returned 11.5 L/100 km. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance to 21.3 mm, and it featured 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. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, ground clearance, and stability.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivered 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque through a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner featured two 4WD systems, with the Limited trim offering a full-time 4WD system. It had a fuel economy rating of 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres, and the 40 ASE averaged 13.9 L/100 km. The 4Runner boasted 24.4 centimetres of ground clearance and various off-roading technologies, including a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. The TRD Pro trim featured a suspension system tuned for high-speed performance in the dirt. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, handling mud and water with ease, but its on-road performance was less refined, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering.

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. The second row featured manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seating was more accessible and comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride provided generous storage space, with a smart power tailgate and a maximum cargo volume of 2,455 litres.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a power-down rear window, providing an immersive driving experience. The interior offered comfortable seats, with ventilated leather seats available in the Limited trim. The 4Runner had dual-zone climate control and numerous storage locations, though many lacked rubber liners. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom and air conditioning vents. The optional third-row seat was uncomfortable and reduced cargo space. The cargo area featured storage cubbies and a 120-volt AC power outlet, with a maximum cargo space of 1,337 litres without the third-row seat.

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. It supported over-the-air updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were available. The optional head-up display offered a larger viewing area with additional information.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system used real knobs and buttons, making it user-friendly. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions, and the voice recognition performed well, though it couldn't adjust the cabin temperature.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, 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. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control provided smooth braking, but the lane-departure warning could be irritating. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance.