2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Volvo XC90

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 hues such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, boasting a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model further enhanced its off-road appeal with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Telluride's updates were subtle, with a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch glass piece. The interior changes included new colours, minor trim updates, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional centre console. 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 XC90 showcased a significant evolution from its boxy predecessors, presenting a purposeful yet understated design. Its front end was stout and solid, with an assertive grille and the iconic "Thor’s Hammer" headlights adding a modern touch. The XC90's dimensions remained rectilinear, but it no longer resembled a toaster. Our test vehicle, in Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels with low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, adding drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. The Platinum Grey paint had brown undertones, providing richness and depth. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design included wood deco inlays and a clean, button-light cabin, offering a serene driving experience.

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 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 ride, with some wind noise at high speeds and a slightly squishy feel in turns due to the off-road tires.

For 2023, Volvo replaced the XC90's older engines with the new B6 powertrain, featuring mild-hybrid technology. This setup offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than the previous T6 engine. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the gains were minimal. The B6 powertrain used a supercharger and turbo, with a lithium-ion battery powering a 13-volt starter generator for auxiliary functions. The XC90 delivered a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The SUV's brakes inspired confidence, and road and wind noise were well-contained. The XC90 lacked extensive off-road features, focusing on simplicity with a manual shift feature and an off-road mode.

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 front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system. The second row featured manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the second-row seats facilitated access to the third row, which was more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride provided generous storage space, with a "smart" power tailgate and an automatic closing function. Cargo volume was 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 Volvo XC90's front seats offered a peaceful and pleasant experience, though Scandinavian minimalism led to limited storage space. The XC90 lacked a dedicated phone space, with a small cubby and USB port in the centre console. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, with a standard bench seat for seven-passenger seating or optional captain’s chairs for six-passenger seating. Accessing the third row was difficult, with limited space. Cargo volume was 356 litres with the third row in place, 1,183 litres with it folded, and 1,856 litres with all rear seats down, falling short of competitors. The XC90 drove like a smaller car, thanks to its compact dimensions.

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 adjustments required manual input. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported pairing two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Digital-key technology allowed smartphones or smartwatches to function as keys. A Full Display rear-view mirror and an optional head-up display with a 10-inch viewing area were available. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system reminded drivers when traffic moved.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran on Google OS, featuring Bluetooth, Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant. The system supported Apple CarPlay, though iPhones were less compatible. Natural-language recognition enhanced the user experience, and Google Home devices could issue commands to the XC90. However, many functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. Keyless entry was standard, with an optional head-up display. The minimalist design required screen interaction for features like the heated steering wheel and seat adjustments, which could be cumbersome for new users.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a 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. The Safe Exit Assist system warned occupants when it was unsafe to open doors. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist were standard. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, with Advanced Highway Drive Assist adding Lane Change Assist. Additional features included front parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. These technologies supported Volvo’s Pilot Assist, which maintained distance from the car ahead from a standstill to highway speed. The XC90's safety features were standard, reflecting Volvo's commitment to safety.