2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased a refreshed design with updated front and rear styling, new headlights and taillights, and a selection of new wheel designs. The exterior colour palette expanded to include Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior offered new hues like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro model added exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch glass panel, giving the SUV a modern edge. Additional interior updates included new colours, minor trim changes, and a redesigned steering wheel, with embossed trim names on the front seatbacks of the X-Line and X-Pro models.

The 2024 Kia Sorento received its first major visual update since its 2021 debut, aligning its design more closely with Kia's other SUVs. The Sorento featured a robust new front end with a large grille, vertically stacked LED projector-beam headlights, and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights, giving it a more imposing presence. The rear saw subtle updates, with higher trims receiving LED taillights and new bumpers across all versions. The Sorento's interior was revamped with a new dashboard, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The X-Line Limited and X-Pro trims boasted twin 12.3-inch displays, while the cabin materials were upgraded for a more luxurious feel. The Sorento offered a brown interior colour option, adding character to its upscale ambiance.

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. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for power distribution. The Telluride X-Line achieved an average fuel consumption of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro returned 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 modified traction control and a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model featured 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, ground clearance, and stability on challenging terrain. On highways, it offered a smooth ride with minimal wind noise, though the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2024 Kia Sorento maintained its base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EX and higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, delivering 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, mated to a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic. The Sorento's AWD system was standard in Canada, with ground clearance varying by trim. The Sorento handled confidently, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Pro trim, with 17-inch rims and all-terrain tires, offered a smoother ride and better grip on loose terrain. The Sorento's drive and terrain modes, along with hill descent control, provided capable off-road performance. The gas-powered Sorento's fuel economy was average, with the non-turbo engine rated at 9.4 L/100 km combined, and the turbocharged version at 10.3 L/100 km.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. 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 provided comfort 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 offered generous storage space, with a smart power tailgate and an automatic closing function. Cargo space was ample, with 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was modern and comfortable in the first two rows, though tight in the third. It offered advantages over smaller models with third-row seats, providing 1,052 millimetres of legroom in the front and 1,060 mm in the second row. The third row had 752 mm of legroom, suitable for occasional use by children. The Sorento's new dash was ergonomic, with logical controls and ample small-item storage. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 357 litres, but expanded to 1,090 to 1,274 litres with the third row folded, and up to 2,139 litres with all seats down. EX and higher models featured a power liftgate.

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 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. Digital-key technology was available, and a Full Display rear-view mirror provided a video view of the rear. An 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 Kia Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a redesigned software system called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC). The system prioritized popular features on the home screen and offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and USB-C outlets were available in all rows. Higher trims featured a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system. Digital Key 2.0 was available on X-Line Limited and X-Pro models, allowing smartphone or NFC smart card access to the vehicle.

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 adaptive cruise control system featured stop-and-go capability and navigation-based speed adjustment. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and Advanced Highway Drive Assist provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured an extensive array of standard and optional safety systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-following and lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Driving Assist 2, available on top trims, included automated lane changes. The Sorento's adaptive cruise control systems learned from driver behaviour, though sensor performance was affected by weather conditions. The Sorento received "Good" ratings in several IIHS tests, though its LATCH system earned an "Acceptable" rating.