2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2023 Kia Telluride

During our time in Texas, we explored the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models. These versions 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, along with interior colours such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, boasting a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro further enhanced this with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, giving it a rugged off-road appearance.

Inside, the Telluride's updates were subtle, with a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a curved 24-inch glass piece. 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 had 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 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive design, combining Volvo’s current design language with a flat-roofed profile. It featured a clean exterior with hidden tailpipes for gasoline models, aligning with Volvo’s electrification ethos. Updates included pixelated “Thor’s Hammer” headlights, a more angular front bumper, and new wheel designs. The XC40 shared its Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform with the C40 Recharge and Polestar 2, making it the only CMA-based model in North America with a combustion engine.

Inside, the XC40 retained its minimalist design with thin air vents and scalloped door elements. It offered dual-zone automatic climate control and optional air purification. Leather upholstery was available, with vegan leather for Recharge models. Our XC40 Ultimate test vehicle featured a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob, though the all-black interior felt more utilitarian. Fit and finish were good, but materials reminded us of its entry-level status.

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 Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. 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. Official ratings suggested 11.4 L/100 km in combined driving.

Kia raised the suspension by 10 mm, improving ground clearance to 21.3 mm and enhancing off-road performance with a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro, with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, increased towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. Off-roading in Texas showcased the Telluride’s capabilities, though it wasn’t as rugged as a Jeep or Land Rover. On highways, it offered a smooth ride, though the steering in Sport mode felt overly firm.

For 2023, the Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, adding a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. The B5 models in Canada featured a 2.0-litre turbo-four engine with 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Volvo claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds for B5 models. The XC40 offered a refined driving experience, handling corners with composure and absorbing bumps well. It lacked a sport mode but allowed for increased steering firmness.

The XC40 Recharge, with two electric motors, produced 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and a 359-kilometre range. It out-towed the gasoline XC40, with a maximum capacity of 2,000 kg compared to 1,587 kg for the B5 AWD model.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather, 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 storage pockets. A button on the captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third row, which was more comfortable than many competitors.

Storage 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 it folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The Volvo XC40, while compact, offered reasonable space. It matched the BMW X1 for rear-seat headroom and was slightly behind the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class for front-seat headroom. Legroom was average, but shoulder room enhanced spaciousness. Cargo space was 566 litres with rear seats up and 1,328 litres folded, less than the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. A power tailgate and keyless entry were standard. Interior storage was good, with scalloped door panels and a large centre console bin.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, though climate control required manual adjustment. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported dual-device pairing. Six USB ports provided power throughout the cabin.

Driver Talk and Quiet Mode were standard, allowing communication with rear passengers and silencing rear speakers. A wireless phone charger and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were standard from the SX grade. Digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were new features. An optional head-up display offered a larger viewing area, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a favourite feature.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 adopted an Android-based infotainment system, using Google apps for navigation and voice recognition. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen were standard. Our test vehicle included a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and USB-C ports for each row. The infotainment experience was similar to other Volvo models, with pleasing graphics but limited appeal for Apple users.

Volvo’s minimalist design meant few analog controls, with most functions accessed via the touchscreen. This included activating seat heaters and selecting driver-assist features, which could be cumbersome.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered extensive 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, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Highway Drive Assist 1.5 were standard. Advanced Highway Drive Assist added Lane Change Assist.

Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. The IIHS rated the Telluride as a Top Safety Pick+, though NHTSA ratings were unavailable.

The Volvo XC40 emphasized safety with standard lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, and more. Upgrading to Plus added parking sensors and a 360-degree camera, while Ultimate included adaptive cruise control and Pilot Assist. The IIHS gave the XC40 top “Good” ratings in most tests, though it received an “Acceptable” rating in the updated side-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline XC40 a five-star overall safety rating.