2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Volvo XC90

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 fresh wheel designs. The SUV was available in new paint colours like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior offered new hues such as 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 piece, giving the SUV a modern edge. Other interior updates included new colours, minor trim changes, and a redesigned steering wheel, with the X-Line and X-Pro trims featuring embossed names on the front seatbacks.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 exuded a sense of luxury with its subdued and earthy exterior paint palette, aligning with its focus on practicality, safety, and sustainability. The SUV offered various wheel designs up to 21 inches, with most models featuring a Bright theme that contrasted with the blacked-out trend. Inside, the XC90's design was somewhat dated but compensated with rich materials, especially in the Ultimate trim. Buyers could choose between wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather in various colours, complemented by an Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim. Volvo provided ample customization options for paint, wheels, and upholstery, catering to discerning customers.

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 multiple 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. Official ratings suggested 11.4 L/100 km in combined driving. Kia enhanced the Telluride's off-road capabilities with a raised suspension, improved approach and departure angles, and a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model, with its all-terrain tires and increased towing capacity, excelled off-road. On highways, the Telluride offered a smooth ride, though the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 53 kilometres of electric-only range and averaged 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The SUV could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in five seconds in Power mode. Recharging options included a standard household outlet or a 240-volt, 16-amp outlet for faster charging. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with up to 25 centimetres of ground clearance. However, the XC90's electric performance waned as the battery depleted, and the ride quality was firm on irregular pavement. The SUV's handling was not particularly thrilling, and the cabin was not as quiet as expected for a luxury SUV.

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 for long trips. The second row featured manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets, while the third row was more accessible and comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride provided generous storage space, with a smart power tailgate and a maximum cargo volume of 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, optional leather upholstery, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, though they could catch on clothing. The XC90 seated seven or six with captain’s chairs, with a comfortable second-row bench and adequate interior storage. Cargo capacity reached 1,854 litres with the third row folded and 2,426 litres with the second row down.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services. The system supported voice recognition, though climate control adjustments required manual input. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth allowed pairing of 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 also available.

The 2024 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system used Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM were standard, with optional Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio systems. The system was more intuitive than previous versions, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

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 also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Advanced features like Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and Advanced Highway Drive Assist were available, along with a Rear Occupant Alert system. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. However, its ADAS features were not as advanced as some competitors, lacking a hands-free driving system. The XC90 included Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist, though it struggled with certain driving conditions. Despite this, the XC90's safety features worked smoothly overall.