2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Volvo XC90

During our time in Texas, we experienced the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, which showcased fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride offered new paint colors like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, along with interior colors such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro added exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, pushing the SUV into a modern era.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's past boxy designs, presenting a purposeful yet understated look. Its front end was stout and solid, with an assertive grille and the distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights adding a modern touch. The XC90's dimensions remained somewhat rectilinear, but it no longer resembled the toasters of the past. Our test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels with low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, adding drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. The Platinum Gray paint had brown undertones, providing richness and depth. Inside, the XC90's design was elegant, with a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior featured wood deco inlays and a clean look, though it lacked ample cubby space for smaller items.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the AWD system offering a low-speed Lock setting for even power distribution. The Telluride X-Line averaged 24.1 mpg, while the X-Pro returned 20.4 mpg, with official EPA ratings at 21 mpg combined for AWD models. Kia enhanced the Telluride's off-road capabilities with a raised suspension, increased ground clearance, and improved approach and departure angles. The X-Pro model featured 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an improved cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, ground clearance, and stability. On highways, it offered a smooth ride, though the steering in Sport mode felt overly firm.

For 2023, Volvo replaced the XC90's older engines with new B5 and B6 powertrains, incorporating mild-hybrid technology. The B5 used a turbocharger and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to produce 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6, with a supercharger and turbo, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet. The mild-hybrid setup improved fuel efficiency slightly and provided smoother operation, though it didn't match full hybrids in fuel economy. The XC90 offered a reserved driving experience, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. It handled corners well, despite its size, and maintained a quiet cabin. The XC90 lacked extensive off-road features, focusing instead on simplicity and ease of use. During a New Hampshire snowstorm, it performed admirably, though dedicated winter tires would have boosted confidence.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior was spacious, with a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row offered comfort and convenience, with manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. Access to the third row was easy, and the seats were more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride provided ample storage space, with a smart power tailgate and generous cargo capacity. It offered 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's front seats provided a peaceful and pleasant experience, though Scandinavian minimalism led to limited cubby space. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, with a standard bench seat for seven-passenger seating. Removing the middle seat for captain’s chairs required an upgrade to the B6 engine and cost $500. Access to the third row was difficult, and space was limited. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in place, 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down, falling short of some competitors. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a smaller car than typical three-row SUVs.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual input. The Kia Access app allowed remote control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, with OTA updates keeping the system current. The Telluride included six USB charging ports, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. Upgrades included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging, digital-key technology, and a Full Display Mirror. The optional HUD had a larger, full-color 10-inch viewing area, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran Google OS, featuring Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant. Natural-language recognition enhanced the user experience, and commands could be issued via Google Home devices. However, many functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. The minimalist design lacked physical buttons, requiring screen interaction for tasks like adjusting the heated steering wheel. While some features might become intuitive over time, initial use could be challenging.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Safe Exit Assist system warned occupants when it wasn't safe to open the doors. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist were standard. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and 2.0 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, with additional collision avoidance features on higher trims. The Telluride also included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, carrying a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It featured adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which maintained distance from the car ahead and supported highway driving. These safety technologies were standard on the XC90, reinforcing Volvo's reputation for safety.