2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Lexus GX

During our time in Texas, we experienced the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, which showcased fresh 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 featured new hues such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, 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 updates were subtle, with a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a curved 24-inch glass piece, pushing the Telluride into a modern era.

The 2024 Lexus GX, in contrast, embraced a bold geometric styling, departing from the softer lines of its predecessor. The redesigned midsize SUV featured a less pronounced spindle grille, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights. The front end stood more vertically, giving the GX a more aggressive look. The flat hood rose on the sides, aiding drivers in maintaining positional awareness off-road. The GX's profile appeared carved from a solid block, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for improved visibility. The interior was minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons, retaining essential controls for climate and off-roading features. The GX offered a comfortable and spacious cabin for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, though the third row was best suited for children.

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 various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The Telluride X-Line averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. 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. On highways, it offered a smooth ride, though the steering in Sport mode felt overly firm.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX featured a stiffer chassis, enhancing stability on-road and off-road. It employed a 10-speed automatic transmission, operating confidently with standard full-time 4WD and a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), increasing wheel articulation to 63.5 centimetres. The GX accelerated well and maintained composure on-road, with effective brakes. Off-road testing was limited due to weather conditions, but the GX's capabilities were evident.

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 a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row featured manual side-window sunshades, 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. Cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,304 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons. It offered 1,047 millimetres of legroom in the front seats and 933 mm in the second row. The third row, available in certain packages, was tight for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded, and a total of 2,178 litres. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 1,291 litres of total cargo capacity.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, 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 a Full Display rear-view mirror were available. The optional head-up display offered a larger viewing area, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Lexus Interface included a voice assistant, though Drive Connect required a subscription. Remote Connect offered remote locking and unlocking, ignition, and diagnostics. The GX featured a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. The infotainment system was user-friendly, but subscription costs for features were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. It included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control system with stop-and-go capability and Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Telluride was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant safety upgrades with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway turns. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the GX's modern architecture and ADAS instilled confidence in its safety offerings.