2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly in its 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), offered a nostalgic nod to the past with its retro body stripes and heritage grille design. This special edition, based on the SR5 trim, added a unique flair with bronze 17-inch wheels and badges, along with a numbered plaque on the dashboard. Available in black, white, or red paint, the 40 ASE featured a black artificial leather interior. The 4Runner's design was reminiscent of classic truck-based SUVs, providing a rugged and enduring appeal. Inside, the cabin was practical, with solid materials and straightforward controls, making it user-friendly even with gloves on.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Telluride presented a more modern and sophisticated aesthetic. Available in five trims, including the rugged X-Line and X-Pro, the Telluride boasted a stylish exterior with options like the Wolf Gray paint and blacked-out styling elements. The interior was luxurious, especially in higher trims with premium Nappa leather seats and a dual sunroof. The Telluride's cabin offered a variety of colour options, complementing its simulated open-pore wood trim. Despite some shiny plastic elements, the overall feel was close to that of a luxury SUV, with thoughtful details enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner offered two 4WD systems: a part-time system and a full-time system on the Limited trim. Its fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres, with our test averaging 13.9 L/100 km. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with 24.4 centimetres of ground clearance and technologies like Active Traction Control and Multi-Terrain Select. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration and heavy steering.

The 2024 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, increased to 2,495 kg in the X-Pro trim. The Telluride's driving modes included Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow, with a locking centre differential for improved traction. It had a ground clearance of 20.3 centimetres, rising to 21.3 centimetres in the X-Line and X-Pro trims. The Telluride provided a smooth and responsive driving experience, though its fuel economy was less efficient, averaging 12.4 L/100 km on a mountainous route.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its rear window that powered down into the tailgate, enhancing ventilation. The interior was spacious, with comfortable seats and dual-zone climate control. The second-row seating area provided ample legroom and USB charging ports, while the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner offered 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it practical for adventures.

The 2024 Kia Telluride excelled in interior comfort, especially in higher trims with Nappa leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats. The cabin featured a dual sunroof and a user-friendly 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Storage space was generous, with a hands-free power liftgate and 594 litres of cargo space behind the third row. Folding the seats expanded the cargo area to 1,302 litres, with a maximum volume of 2,463 litres, making it ideal for family trips.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was basic, with an 8-inch touchscreen and traditional analog gauges. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with optional upgrades like a JBL premium sound system. The voice recognition system performed well, though it lacked some modern features found in newer vehicles.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included a Kia Connect trial subscription, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Telluride offered thoughtful features like a blue-light filter, Quiet Mode, and a digital key function. Additional tech included a camera-based rearview mirror and a 10-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating from the IIHS for driver protection.

The 2024 Kia Telluride boasted a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. It received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Advanced safety features included Highway Driving Assist and a Blind-Spot View Monitor system.