2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

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 replaced the Nightfall Edition, boasting a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro further enhanced the off-road appeal with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Telluride's updates included a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a curved 24-inch glass piece. The interior changes were subtle, with new colours, minor trim adjustments, and a redesigned steering wheel. 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 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a long-standing name in the automotive world, continued to blend into traffic despite its massive size. Measuring 5,733 millimetres in length and 1,923 millimetres in height, the Suburban was not for everyone, especially those in urban areas. However, it catered to those needing ample cargo and passenger space, as well as towing capacity. Chevrolet offered the Suburban in six trims: LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country. Standard features included automatic windshield wipers, LED headlights and taillights, and tinted windows. The Suburban LS came with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the High Country rode on 22-inch alloys. Despite its size, the Suburban's interior felt somewhat pedestrian, even in the top-spec High Country trim. The cabin offered comfort with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control. However, the 12-way power-adjustable front seats were supportive but not ideal for long road trips.

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 the AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for power distribution. The V6 provided ample motivation, averaging 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the X-Line during a mix of highway and city driving. The X-Pro, with its off-road capabilities, returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance and off-road performance. The X-Pro offered 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an improved cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, all-terrain tires, and Downhill Brake Control system. On highways, it provided a smooth ride, though the steering in Sport mode felt overly firm.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The 5.3-litre V8 was standard on most trims, while the 6.2-litre V8 was available on higher trims. The diesel engine provided better fuel economy and was available at no extra cost on the High Country trim. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission offered smooth shifts, and the electronic button-style shift mechanism freed up centre console space. The Suburban's steering and brakes were up to the task, and the height-adjustable air suspension handled rough roads well. However, its size meant some body roll and early braking were necessary.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating 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 was equipped with manual side-window sunshades, 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 many competitors. The Telluride provided generous storage space, with a smart power tailgate and an automatic closing function. Cargo space was 601 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 1,175 litres behind the third row, 2,656 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 4,097 litres. This capacity surpassed competitors like the Ford Expedition Max and Jeep Wagoneer L. The Suburban's 106-litre fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's fuel efficiency, allowed for over 1,000 kilometres of highway driving between fill-ups. The Suburban was ideal for families needing space for road trips and towing capabilities.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and Kia Connect services. The system 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. A digital-key technology and Full Display rear-view mirror were available. The optional head-up display offered a larger viewing area with additional information. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, alerting drivers when traffic ahead moved.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's infotainment system featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen, standard on all but the base LS trim. The system included Google Built-in, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. A rear-seat entertainment system with twin touchscreens was available. The 10-speaker Bose audio system provided good fidelity but lacked richness. The Suburban's infotainment system was user-friendly, with Google Built-in offering seamless access to essential apps.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite 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. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and Advanced Highway Drive Assist provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Premier and High Country trims offered Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system. The Suburban's safety features provided peace of mind, though its crash test ratings were not as high as some competitors.