2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Lexus TX

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, along with interior colours such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-colour door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model took it further with 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, housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, pushing the SUV into a modern era.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented itself as a luxury SUV with a more conservative design. Our test model featured 22-inch wheels in a silver finish, enhancing its upscale appearance. The TX's styling was toned down compared to other Lexus models, offering a more subdued look. The TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid series were available, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, including destination charges and dealer fees. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The Ultra Luxury package added premium features like upgraded ambient lighting and semi-aniline leather upholstery, though the interior felt dark despite the panoramic glass sunroof. Overall, the TX 350's interior was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

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 for power distribution. 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 Telluride's suspension was raised to 21.3 mm, improving off-road performance with features like Downhill Brake Control. The X-Pro model, equipped with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, increased towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. On highways, the Telluride provided a smooth ride, though the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it accelerated to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The TX 350's suspension offered a balance between road feel and comfort, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt soft. Overall, the TX 350's performance was adequate for typical driving situations.

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 comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system. The second row featured 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. The Telluride provided generous storage space, with a smart power tailgate and an automatic closing function. Cargo space measured 601 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. Our TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. The second-row bench seat was comfortable, though not as welcoming as expected. The third-row seat accommodated adults, offering better leg support and visibility than previous models. The TX provided numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,746 litres with both rear rows folded, surpassing most competitors.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 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, and digital-key technology. A Full Display rear-view mirror and an optional head-up display with a 10-inch viewing area were available. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, reminding drivers when traffic ahead moved.

The 2024 Lexus TX offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and a head-up display as part of the Executive packages. The head-up display's unmarked steering wheel controls were frustrating, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Drive Connect, a subscription service, added cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX included free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect free for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of 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 could reduce speed based on navigation data, and Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. Advanced Highway Drive Assist added a Lane Change Assist function. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Proactive Drive Assist offered braking and steering assistance, though it wasn't entirely transparent. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The Executive packages added front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and traffic jam assist. LSS+ 3.0 proved effective, though the TX slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration for following drivers.