2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Volkswagen Taos

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 redesigned wheels. The SUV offered new paint colours like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, along with interior hues such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille, 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 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch glass, pushing the SUV into a modern era. Minor interior updates included new colours, 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 Volkswagen Taos, designed for North American markets, aimed to capture the attention of former Volkswagen Golf buyers with its appealing design and affordability. In Canada, the Taos was available in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, with prices ranging from $26,995 to $37,695, excluding a $2,050 destination charge. The Highline trim, which we tested, came with 4Motion AWD, Cornflower Blue paint, and standard LED headlights. Despite its higher price, the Taos Highline exuded a stylish and sporty vibe with bold 19-inch alloy wheels and a premium interior featuring light grey accents, gloss black trim, and leather seats. The Taos offered ample interior space, nearly matching the larger Tiguan, making it one of the roomiest subcompact SUVs available.

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. 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 Telluride X-Line averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. Official ratings suggested 11.4 L/100 km in combined driving. Kia enhanced the Telluride's off-road capabilities with a raised suspension, improved approach and departure angles, and a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model offered 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and increased towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. On highways, the Telluride provided a smooth, quiet ride, though the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. FWD models paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models, like the Highline, used a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Taos offered up to five driving modes and a Sport transmission mode. However, the powertrain response was unpredictable, with occasional surges or delays. In Sport mode, the Taos averaged 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the official 8.5 L/100 km rating for AWD models. Despite its sporty character, the Taos lacked power compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona N. The Taos Highline's independent multi-link rear suspension and Pirelli Scorpion tires provided a firm, stable ride, though brake pedal feel was inconsistent. Wind and road noise were noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated 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. The interior offered ample space, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row included manual sunshades, USB ports, and climate controls, while the third row was more accessible and comfortable than many competitors. Storage was plentiful, with a smart power tailgate and generous cargo space: 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with it folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos offered different upholstery options across trims, with the Highline featuring real leather. Standard cold-weather equipment in Canada included heated mirrors, washer nozzles, front seats, and a steering wheel. The Highline also had rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats. An eight-way power driver’s seat was standard on Comfortline and Highline trims, providing exceptional comfort. The Taos felt spacious, with ample rear-seat room, air vents, and a panoramic sunroof in the Highline. Storage was abundant, though unlined compartments could cause noise. Cargo space was generous, with 790 litres behind the back seat and 1,866 litres with it folded down, slightly reduced in 4Motion models.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, 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 dual-device pairing. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system from the SX grade. Digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were available, along with an optional head-up display. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, reminding drivers when traffic ahead moved.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos featured standard digital instrumentation, with an eight-inch screen on Trendline and Comfortline trims and a 10.25-inch display on the Highline. Infotainment systems varied, with the Trendline offering a 6.5-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth, while Comfortline and Highline trims added an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and wireless charging. The Highline included a native navigation system and an eight-speaker Beats Audio system. However, the user experience was challenging, with hidden controls, difficult radio tuning, and ineffective voice recognition. Pairing a smartphone and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended for a smoother experience.

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. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Telluride also had adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction, Highway Drive Assist, and Advanced Highway Drive Assist with Lane Change Assist. A Rear Occupant Alert system with ultrasonic sensors was standard. The IIHS rated the Telluride as a Top Safety Pick+, though NHTSA ratings were unavailable.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos improved its safety features, with the Trendline including Front Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Comfortline added Lane Assist, Travel Assist, Emergency Assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Taos also featured a post-collision automatic braking system, automatic high-beam headlights, parking sensors with automatic braking, and road-sign recognition. Travel Assist performed well, maintaining distance and speed smoothly. Lane Assist was unobtrusive, with only one false warning. NHTSA and IIHS ratings were decent but not perfect.