2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

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, 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, raised roof rails, body-colour door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro further enhanced this with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, giving it a mildly aggressive off-road appearance. Inside, the updates were subtle, with a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, pushing the Telluride into a more modern era.

In Canada, the 2023 Telluride was available in EX, SX, SX Limited, X-Line, and X-Pro trims, with prices starting at $50,195 for the EX with standard AWD, and the X-Pro topping the range at $62,795, excluding a $1,950 destination charge. The interior changes included new colours, minor trim updates, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional centre console. Both the X-Line and X-Pro had their trim names embossed on the front seatbacks. The Telluride's interior was spacious, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs, making it a comfortable choice for long drives.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was available in three main trims in Canada: LT, Z71, and RS. The Z71 was a new addition, aimed at those seeking moderate off-roading capabilities. Chevrolet emphasized that the Z71 was not designed for extreme off-roading like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but it could handle reasonably rugged terrain. The Traverse's pricing was competitive, with the LT starting at $50,833, including a $2,000 destination charge, and the RS reaching $65,733 with nearly every available feature. Our test vehicle, a Z71 model, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint, one of six available colours. The interior had a Jet Black theme with "Torch Red" accents, and while synthetic leather seating was optional, the standard cloth seats were comfortable and breathable.

The Traverse's interior was spacious, with seating for eight in the LT and Z71 trims, while the RS offered second-row captain’s chairs, reducing capacity to seven. The Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use, and a power-folding third row was available on lower trims and standard on the RS. Cargo volume behind the third row was 648 litres, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded. The Traverse also featured a hidden storage area under the centre console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay. Visibility was mostly positive, though the third row felt a bit enclosed due to the sporty upsweep of the rear fender.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft 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 for even power distribution. The V6 provided ample power, with the X-Line averaging 9.8 L/100 km and the X-Pro 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. The Telluride's suspension was raised 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 model, with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, increased towing capacity to 2,495 kg and offered a self-levelling rear air suspension. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, ground clearance, and stability. On highways, it provided a smooth, quiet ride, though the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-litre V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. AWD was standard on all trims, with the Z71 featuring a dual-clutch system for improved traction. The Traverse offered acceptable acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust growl. The steering was adequate, though the vehicle's 5,200 mm length was noticeable. The ride was smooth, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. Tire noise was minimal, and the brakes provided controlled stops. The fuel-saving stop-and-start feature was seamless, with official fuel economy ratings of 12.4 L/100 km in the city, 9.9 on the highway, and 11.3 combined.

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 was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system. The second row offered 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, which was more comfortable than many competitors. Storage space was ample, with a smart power tailgate and generous cargo capacity, ranging from 601 litres behind the third row to 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for eight in the LT and Z71 trims, with the RS featuring second-row captain’s chairs for seven-passenger capacity. The Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use, and a power-folding third row was available on lower trims and standard on the RS. Cargo volume was 648 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded. The Traverse featured numerous storage nooks, including a hidden area under the centre console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay. Visibility was mostly positive, though the third row felt slightly enclosed. The Z71 test vehicle had a power-operated driver’s seat, but the front passenger seat was manually adjustable.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came with a standard 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 pairing two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, digital-key technology, and a Full Display rear-view mirror. An optional head-up display offered a larger viewing area, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, standard on all models, with rapid response times and simple menus. An 11-inch digital instrument display provided configurable information. The system ran on Google-based software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The wireless charging pad in the Z71 held the phone securely. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained, though the driving mode button was less prominent. Headlight functions were integrated into the infotainment system. The Traverse offered Super Cruise hands-free driving aid, expanding its functionality to single-lane roadways, though it disengaged at intersections.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, a junction turning system, and automatic emergency braking. 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, adaptive cruise control, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Highway Drive Assist 1.5 were standard. Advanced Highway Drive Assist, front parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor were available. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of our test drive. However, it offered a wide range of standard driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, rear pedestrian alert, and a surround-view parking camera. These systems provided peace of mind during our drive.