2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2023 Kia Telluride

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 like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior introduced fresh colours 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 Telluride's updates were subtle, with a notable addition of a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. These were housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, giving the SUV a modern touch. 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 featured their names embossed on the front seatbacks. In Canada, the Telluride was available in EX, SX, SX Limited, X-Line, and X-Pro trims, with prices starting at $50,195 for the EX and reaching $62,795 for the X-Pro, excluding a $1,950 destination charge.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, redesigned in 2019, adopted a more substantial and blocky appearance, with a trapezoidal grille inspired by Toyota's truck line. The angular bodywork framed the headlights, giving it a robust look. Over time, other carmakers followed suit, as seen in models like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50. The RAV4 Hybrid featured 17-inch steel wheels on the LE trim, while higher grades came with 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the angular theme continued with a multi-tiered dashboard and beveled cutouts, adding visual interest to an otherwise plain surface. The layout was typical for vehicles of its class, with an infotainment touchscreen atop the dash and physical buttons for primary controls.

Materials quality in the RAV4 Hybrid was average for its class and price, with hard plastics but lightly padded surfaces where contact was frequent. The base model lacked a leather-wrapped steering wheel, opting for a downmarket urethane wheel and centre armrest, which felt rubbery and cheap. Fortunately, higher trims offered leather coverings. The build quality was strong, with no creaks or squeaks over rough pavement.

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. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for even power distribution. The V6 provided ample power, averaging 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the X-Line during a mix of highway and twisty roads. The X-Pro was less efficient at 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading in Lock mode. Official ratings suggested 11.4 L/100 km in combined driving.

Kia enhanced the Telluride's off-road capabilities with a 10 mm suspension lift, improved approach and departure angles, and a modified 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. A self-levelling rear air suspension was also available. Off-roading in Texas showcased the Telluride's AWD Lock mode, ground clearance, and stability. On highways, the Telluride offered a smooth ride, though the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns. Sport mode firmed up the steering, but an Individual mode would have been appreciated.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor/generator, delivering 219 horsepower through a CVT to the front wheels. A second electric motor provided AWD. The RAV4 Hybrid accelerated to 100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds, quicker than the standard RAV4 and comparable to rivals like the Kia Sportage Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid. The brakes operated smoothly, with regenerative braking charging the hybrid battery during initial pedal strokes.

The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension smoothed out moderate bumps and potholes, offering confident cornering without being sporty. It excelled in fundamental driving dynamics, appealing to most drivers. While not particularly impressive, it was calm and effortless to drive, similar to its competitors.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada. The interior was spacious, 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 some competitors. While not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas, the Telluride offered better third-row comfort than most midsize SUVs. 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 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided ample front seat space for larger passengers, while the rear seats accommodated average-sized adults. Rear headroom was slightly more than the Honda CR-V or Kia Sportage, but legroom was slightly less. Rear-facing infant seats required adjusting the front seat. The rear seat cushions were low, potentially leaving taller passengers wishing for more thigh support on long trips.

Cargo space was impressive, with 1,059 litres available behind the rear seats, only slightly less than the non-hybrid RAV4. The battery pack did not compromise cargo space. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, though shorter owners might find it challenging to reach them. Interior storage was excellent, with a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray for wireless charging, large cupholders, and a spacious centre armrest bin. Dual-zone climate control was standard on all trims except the base Hybrid LE.

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. Six USB charging ports provided power for all passengers.

Driver Talk and Quiet Mode were standard, allowing drivers to communicate with rear passengers through the stereo speakers and mute rear speakers for sleeping children. A wireless phone charger was standard in Canada, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was standard from the SX grade. Digital-key technology transformed smartphones or smartwatches into vehicle keys. A Full Display rear-view mirror showed a video view of what was behind the SUV, and an optional head-up display offered a larger, full-colour 10-inch viewing area.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a new multimedia infotainment system with modern graphics and logical menus. Most trims featured an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but a wireless charging pad was optional. Over-the-air updates kept features current, and connectivity included a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote vehicle monitoring. The top trim offered a fully digital instrument panel. A six-speaker audio system was standard, with an 11-speaker JBL system available on top trims.

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. 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. A Safe Exit Assist system warned occupants when it was unsafe to open the doors.

Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability was standard, with Intelligent Speed Limit Assist helping drivers adhere to speed limits. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, with Advanced Highway Drive Assist adding Lane Change Assist. SX trim and higher included additional collision avoidance features, front parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the 2023 Telluride as a Top Safety Pick+, its highest rating. Crash-test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were unavailable.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received five stars from the NHTSA for overall and side crash protection, and four stars for frontal and rollover crash tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick, with "Good" ratings in most tests and "Acceptable" in new moderate overlap frontal and side-impact tests.

All RAV4 Hybrid models included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, featuring forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign reader. In Canada, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The top Limited trim added front and rear parking sensors, automatic braking, a surround-view camera, and a digital rearview mirror.