2025 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Lexus TX

In Canada, the 2025 Kia Telluride was offered in five trim levels: EX, SX, SX Limited, X-Line, and X-Pro, with base prices ranging from $53,840 to $66,540, including a destination charge of $2,100 and other fees. All-wheel drive was standard across the lineup. The X-Line trim added features like increased ground clearance and a self-levelling rear suspension, while the X-Pro trim enhanced off-roading capabilities with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, boosting towing capacity to 2,500 kilograms. Our test vehicle, the X-Pro trim, came with comprehensive standard equipment and a striking Midnight Lake Blue paint, raising the MSRP to $66,916. The Telluride's design was distinctive and upscale, though the blacked-out X-Line and X-Pro trims somewhat muted its personality. Inside, the black-over-Terracotta interior contrasted sharply with the exterior, featuring luxurious materials like chevron-pattern Nappa leather and simulated wood trim, though lower cabin plastics revealed cost-saving measures.

The 2026 Lexus TX was available with various packages depending on the powertrain, including the TX 350 with a Luxury package and the 500h hybrid with F Sport Performance 2. The TX retained a large grille reminiscent of the older spindle design, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting. Interior options included standard grey, Birch, and Peppercorn, with ambient lighting adding warmth. However, material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics prevalent. Redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a notable change, though not necessarily an improvement. The TX's interior offered three-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row with a recline function, though the second-row folding mechanism was cumbersome. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,747 litres available when all rear seats were folded.

The 2025 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 and standard AWD. It offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode adapting to driver behaviour. Despite some competitors switching to turbocharged four-cylinders, the Telluride's V6 was smooth and refined, delivering ample power for road trips, though it occasionally struggled at higher elevations. Fuel economy was respectable at 11.6 litres per 100 kilometres over nearly 2,000 kilometres, aligning with the Natural Resources Canada rating. The X-Pro trim's all-terrain tires provided excellent off-road traction but sacrificed some on-pavement grip. The Telluride's ground clearance was 20.3 centimetres, increasing to 21.3 cm for the X-Line and X-Pro versions. Brake pedal behaviour was occasionally sticky in traffic, but overall, the Telluride offered a pleasurable driving experience.

The base Lexus TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model had an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid used a six-speed automatic, preferred by some over a CVT. The TX 350 came with electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h had Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes allowed for ride customization, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The TX 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling. While not a sports car, the TX provided a balanced driving experience, with the hybrid model offering additional performance features.

The 2025 Kia Telluride's interior was thoughtfully designed, with heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, USB-C charging ports, and smartphone storage sleeves. The second row featured reclining captain's chairs, a rear climate control zone, and ample legroom, while the third row was comfortable for adults on shorter journeys. Cargo space was 601 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,304 litres with the third row folded and 2,455 litres with all rear seats down. The Telluride's cargo area included a hidden compartment, though accessing it was cumbersome due to the carpeted cargo mat.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered three-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row with a recline function. The second row had captain's chairs with a removable centre console, though folding the seats flat was complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX's cargo space was impressive, with 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row flat and 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. The liftgate featured an available kick sensor for easy access, and all TX models could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2025 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 10-inch head-up display on higher trims. The head-up display provided blind-spot alerts, and the Blind Spot View Monitor showed live video feeds during lane changes. However, the infotainment system lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the data port was USB-A. The voice recognition system was basic, but the SiriusXM satellite radio and Harman Kardon audio system offered good sound quality.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch touchscreen that was responsive but lacked some features, like manual satellite radio station input. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume, but their functions were not labelled, appearing digitally on the gauge cluster or head-up display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occurred. The TX offered a back-up camera with a bird’s-eye view and an Advanced Park system for automated parking. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, device connectivity was well-supported.

The 2025 Kia Telluride came with standard safety features like forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-centring assist. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous highway driving, and higher trims added features like reverse automatic braking and front cross-traffic alert. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, with features like forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Adaptive cruise control worked well, though setting it up was confusing. The TX received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA and an "Acceptable" rating from the IIHS for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side.