2024 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Lexus TX

In Canada, the 2024 Kia Telluride was available in three core trims: EX, SX, and SX Limited, with additional rugged options in the X-Line and X-Pro trims. All trims came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). The X-Line trim primarily served as an appearance package, adding 1 centimetre of ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, and a tow mode, along with a unique grille and blacked-out wheel designs and roof rails. The X-Pro trim enhanced off-road capabilities with 18-inch matte-black wheels, all-terrain tires, and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing the maximum towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. Prices ranged from $53,433 for the base EX to $66,133 for the X-Pro trim. The Telluride's styling updates from the previous year were not universally appealing, but its attractive forms and proportions remained intact. The Wolf Gray paint complemented the blacked-out X-Line styling, and the interior featured premium Nappa leather seats, although black was not the most appealing cabin colour. Other interior colour options included Mahogany brown, Terracotta brown, and Sage Green, which complemented the simulated open-pore wood trim.

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. The Lexus TX had a more upscale appearance compared to the Grand Highlander, which resembled a larger RAV4. The TX's styling was more conservative, appealing to those who found previous Lexus designs off-putting. The TX came in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid model series, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486. The TX 350 was likely to be the volume-selling version, featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard AWD. The Ultra Luxury package added upgraded ambient interior lighting and premium semi-aniline leather upholstery. The Peppercorn interior, a dark brown shade, was available with the Executive packages. The TX 350's interior was luxurious enough for a Lexus badge, although the cabin felt too dark even with the panoramic glass sunroof. The TX provided a comfortable ride, with a firm suspension that offered a sense of the road surface while ensuring a comfortable ride.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was equipped with 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, which increased to 2,495 kilograms with the X-Pro trim's heavy-duty engine cooling. The Telluride featured a locking centre differential, Snow driving mode, and a ground clearance of 20.3 centimetres, rising to 21.3 centimetres with the X-Line and X-Pro trims. The SUV provided good acceleration and passing power, although it was not fuel-efficient, averaging 12.4 L/100 km on a mountainous evaluation loop and 13.4 L/100 km during city driving. The Telluride's ride was firm at lower speeds but soft and compliant at higher velocities, absorbing pavement undulations effectively. It was capable off-road, handling various terrains with ease.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately eight seconds, with performance described as adequate. The TX 350's official fuel economy rating was 10.3 L/100 km in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The TX 350's suspension provided a comfortable ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior was quiet on the highway, although the brake pedal felt too soft. The TX 350's ride and handling were well-balanced, offering a comfortable and composed driving experience.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable interior, especially in higher trims with premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was capable of accommodating adults, and a dual sunroof panel added light to the interior. The Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls, although metallic finish buttons were hard to read in bright sunlight. The SUV provided generous storage space, including a covered cubby and a tray for smartphones. A hands-free power liftgate was standard, offering convenience and safety. The Telluride offered 594 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 1,302 litres with the seat folded down, and a maximum volume of 2,463 litres.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a comfortable and spacious interior. The 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 seat was less welcoming due to its flat lower cushion, but the TX provided a habitable third-row seat for adults. The TX offered 572 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third-row seats folded, and a maximum volume of 2,746 litres. The TX featured numerous storage slots and bins, although some lacked lining, potentially contributing to noise and vibration.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. A Kia Connect trial subscription was included for three years, with additional plans available for remote vehicle functions and enhanced navigation. The Telluride featured satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Thoughtful features included a blue-light filter for the infotainment display, Quiet Mode, and a digital key function. A camera-based rearview mirror and a 10-inch head-up display were available, along with a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with a head-up display and surround-view camera available in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen display, with a Drive Connect subscription offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect. The TX offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, providing impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear occupant protection. Highway Driving Assist was standard, with Advanced Highway Driving Assist available on higher trims. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist was also included, although it was not always transparent in operation. The TX featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system, with additional options available in the Executive packages. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways.