2024 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid

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 featured standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The X-Line trim offered an appearance package with a centimetre of extra ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, and a tow mode, along with a unique grille and blacked-out wheel designs. The X-Pro trim enhanced off-road capabilities with 18-inch matte-black wheels, all-terrain tires, and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing the 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 were not universally appealing, but its attractive proportions remained. 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 options included Mahogany brown, Terracotta brown, and Sage Green, which complemented the simulated open-pore wood trim. However, the shiny plastic covering the interior's lower portions was a downside, especially in the SX Limited trim, which otherwise nearly met luxury SUV standards.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV with an exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers. Despite these features, the RX's design was unremarkable, with a huge front grille and dramatic rear haunches. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+. The RX 350h offered 246 horsepower and 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, while the RX 500h delivered 366 hp and 8.6 L/100 km combined. The RX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid with an estimated 60 kilometres of electric-only range and 6.7 L/100 km combined. All models featured standard AWD in Canada, with various package options. Prices ranged from $66,689 to $92,804. The RX's interior was contemporary, with quality materials and ambient lighting. Ergonomically, the controls varied from baffling to brilliant, but the RX avoided the common single curved display approach, maintaining a unique interior design.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Most Tellurides could tow 2,268 kilograms, but the X-Pro trim increased this to 2,495 kg with heavy-duty engine cooling. A locking centre differential split power evenly between the front and rear wheels at low speeds, and driving modes included Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. Ground clearance was 20.3 centimetres in standard spec, rising to 21.3 centimetres in the X-Line and X-Pro trims. The Telluride offered good acceleration and passing power but was not fuel-efficient, averaging 12.4 L/100 km on a mountainous evaluation loop and 13.4 L/100 km in city driving. Despite its firm ride at lower speeds, the Telluride was quick and refined, with responsive steering and brakes. It handled off-road conditions better than expected, though it wasn't a match for a Jeep.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid's RX 350h was the least powerful but most efficient model, with 246 hp and 233 pound-feet of torque from a hybrid powertrain. The RX 450h+ PHEV offered 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. The RX 500h featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h had a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. It offered plenty of power and quick acceleration but was not fuel-efficient, averaging 13.5 L/100 km on testing. The RX 500h was quiet on the highway, with a firm ride on city streets. However, its adaptive damping suspension didn't control body motions as expected, and the SUV filtered communication too much, making it hard to discern dynamic limits. The RX 500h was more about sporty appearance and straight-line acceleration than dynamic capability.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable interior, especially in higher trims. The test vehicle featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat could accommodate adults, and a dual sunroof added light to the interior. The Telluride's controls were oriented horizontally, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and physical controls. Storage space was generous, with a covered cubby and a tray for smartphones. A hands-free power liftgate was standard, offering 594 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,302 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,463 litres. The X-Line and X-Pro trims provided useful roof rails for additional cargo.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug due to enhanced bolstering, and the automatic climate system's fan was loud. A panoramic sunroof extended over the rear seat, which featured optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated seats. The RX provided ample room for adults in the back seat. Interior storage was practical, but the rear centre armrest storage compartment lacked a lining. The RX Hybrid offered 838 litres of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small amount of storage under the load floor. Folding down the second row created 1,308 litres of cargo volume, which was not much for a midsize SUV.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came 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 three plans available afterward. Standard features included satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Telluride offered 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 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h had a 14-inch touchscreen display and a three-year Drive Connect plan with a digital voice assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio. The Lexus Interface technology worked well, but the steering wheel controls were distracting. The head-up display was helpful, and the optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system sounded great.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive collection of driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear occupant protection. Highway Driving Assist was standard, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. Safety feature upgrades included front parking sensors, junction cross-traffic alert, and a camera-based Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Safety Connect, offering an automatic collision notification system and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist monitored forward progress and used braking or steering input to ensure safe distances. The RX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS gave it a Poor rating for occupant protection in a moderate overlap frontal-impact test.