2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia

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 model 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 model took it 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 piece of glass, pushing the Telluride into a more modern era.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, featuring hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, strong fender creases, and a muscular stance. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with our Capstone model in Celestial Silver appearing somewhat dated. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dash layout, with physical dials and buttons for volume and climate control. The Capstone trim featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, while the base SR5 TRD Offroad trim had SofTex leatherette seating surfaces. The Sequoia offered power-adjustable front seats across the lineup and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with a panoramic version standard on higher trims.

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 Telluride's suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance to 21.3 mm, and it featured a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model, with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, increased towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, ground clearance, and stability.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia, exclusively a hybrid, used Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor. It delivered 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than its predecessor. Fuel economy improved to 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The Sequoia featured a part-time 4WD system with 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD options. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-readiness with unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features like Crawl Control and hill-descent control. The Sequoia's towing capacity reached 4,137 kilograms, with available towing-related upgrades.

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 was spacious, with a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. 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 offered a "smart" power tailgate and generous cargo space, with 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone model featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry. It offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both rear rows folded, 1,387 litres behind the second row, and 325 to 631 litres behind the third row. The third-row seats, positioned above the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, did not create a flat load floor, affecting headroom and legroom. The second-row captain’s chairs were wide but flat, with no bolstering. The Sequoia's interior space was less than rivals like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon but bettered the Jeep Wagoneer in front-row legroom.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, 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, 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, alerting drivers when traffic ahead moved.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim boasted wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 and a 14-inch screen on higher trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system prioritized functionality over flashiness. The Sequoia featured a full-colour 12.3-inch driver information display, a Panoramic View monitor, and a 10-inch head-up display on the Capstone. The 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on the Limited and standard on Platinum and Capstone trims.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. It included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Telluride featured adaptive cruise control, Highway Drive Assist, and Advanced Highway Drive Assist with Lane Change Assist. The SUV earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. It featured front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.