2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Genesis GV80

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 fresh 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 went further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Telluride introduced a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, pushing the SUV into a more modern era.

The 2024 Genesis GV80, available in 2.5T and 3.5T models, offered a luxurious experience with its Prestige trim, featuring diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents. The GV80's exterior came in six colours, paired with stylish 22-inch wheels. Inside, ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display underscored its flagship status. Despite its luxury, the Prestige Signature trim, exclusive to the U.S., didn't offer anything exceptional over the regular Prestige trim, which was recommended for Canadian buyers. The GV80 exuded luxury, but the regular Prestige trim was deemed sufficient for most needs.

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 for power distribution. The Telluride X-Line averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro, with its off-road capabilities, returned 11.5 L/100 km. The X-Pro's suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance to 21.3 mm, and it featured 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.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5T model boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV80 offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow driving modes, with a ground clearance of 20.5 centimetres and a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms. The 3.5T model included upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, providing a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its P265/40R22 all-season tires.

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 a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row was comfortable, with manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seat was more comfortable than many competitors, though not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas. Cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded.

In 2024, the GV80 3.5T Prestige offered a third-row seat, with real or Nappa leather depending on the trim. Standard features included heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, and second-row legroom was limited. Cargo space measured 988 litres behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with the seats folded. Despite the discomfort, the GV80 offered commendable storage space.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. It 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 also available. The head-up display (HUD) offered a larger, full-colour 10-inch viewing area, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, with a round control dial on the centre console. It included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice-recognition system was user-friendly, and the digital key system allowed smartphone access. Prestige trim vehicles featured a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display (HUD) showing blind-spot warnings. The infotainment display was graphically pleasing, with a simple and intuitive user interface.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a junction turning system. It also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control system with stop-and-go capability was standard, with Highway Drive Assist 1.5 providing semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed a video feed within the digital instrument panel, while the Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed autonomous parking. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the frontal-impact test earned four stars for driver and passenger seating positions.