2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated design with its modern Lincoln face and grille, making it a standout in the automaker’s lineup. It featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring model added a hybrid system, enhancing its appeal with a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Despite its luxurious interior with high-end materials and ambient lighting, some elements like the chrome detailing and key fob felt less premium. The Aviator’s cabin was a mix of Art Deco influences, offering comfort with its soft leather and panoramic sunroof, though some design choices seemed overly complex.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Telluride offered a more rugged aesthetic with trims like the X-Line and X-Pro, which added off-road capabilities and unique styling elements. The Telluride’s interior was spacious and comfortable, featuring premium Nappa leather and a dual sunroof. Its controls were user-friendly, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and thoughtful details like a blue-light filter. The Telluride provided ample cargo space and practical features like a hands-free power liftgate, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was a plug-in hybrid with a powerful drivetrain producing 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It offered a 34-kilometre electric driving range and averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV and Excite, allowing for a dynamic driving experience. However, the drivetrain could be unpredictable, and the regenerative braking system required careful handling for smooth stops. The Aviator’s adaptive suspension provided a comfortable ride, though it lacked the fun factor in spirited driving.

The 2024 Kia Telluride, powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivered 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It offered a towing capacity of up to 2,495 kilograms in the X-Pro trim. The Telluride’s driving experience was refined, with responsive steering and brakes. It featured various driving modes, including Snow and Sport, and provided a firm yet compliant ride. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 12.4 L/100 km during testing. Despite this, the Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its capability beyond paved roads.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone climate control system and massaging front seats. However, its third-row seating was cramped, making it less suitable for adults. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 519 litres, but expanded to 2,200 litres with seats folded. The Aviator’s interior was luxurious but had some practical limitations in terms of space and accessibility.

The 2024 Kia Telluride excelled in interior space and functionality, with comfortable seating for adults in all three rows. It offered 594 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,463 litres with seats down. The Telluride’s interior was thoughtfully designed, with ample storage and user-friendly controls. Its hands-free liftgate and roof rails added to its practicality, making it a strong contender for families needing space and convenience.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. It featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and digital instrumentation, but the infotainment system’s limitations were a drawback. The Aviator offered advanced tech like Phone As A Key and a comprehensive head-up display, enhancing its modern appeal.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included a Harman Kardon audio system and thoughtful features like a blue-light filter and Quiet Mode. The Telluride offered a digital key function and a camera-based rearview mirror, providing a tech-savvy experience. Its head-up display and 360-degree camera system added to its technological prowess.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pedestrian detection. However, the driver assistance systems were less reliable in heavy traffic and required illuminated steering wheel controls for operation. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the standard model.

The 2024 Kia Telluride impressed with its standard safety features, including collision avoidance and Highway Driving Assist. It offered advanced options like junction cross-traffic alert and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride’s safety systems performed well in various conditions, though some features were intrusive. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.