2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased a refreshed design with updated front and rear styling, new headlights and taillights, and fresh wheel designs. The SUV was available in new paint colors like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior offered new color options such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro model 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 glass piece, giving the interior a modern touch. Other interior updates included new colors, minor trim changes, and a redesigned steering wheel, with the X-Line and X-Pro trims embossed on the front seatbacks.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid shared its sleek styling with the non-hybrid Pacifica, with the only noticeable differences being the charge port and some badging. The exterior maintained a contemporary look with a clean design, rounded front fascia, and integrated elliptical headlights. For 2024, the Pacifica Hybrid was available in Select and Pinnacle trims, featuring all-LED exterior lighting. The Select model came with 17-inch wheels, while the Pinnacle had 18-inch wheels, with options for upgrades. The interior of the Pacifica Hybrid offered premium elements like Nappa leather upholstery and small pillows for the second-row seats, although some materials clashed with lower-level model elements. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid maintained a comfortable and quiet ride, with the plug-in hybrid powertrain enhancing its overall refinement.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its mechanical setup with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an available AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. 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. The X-Line and X-Pro models had raised suspensions, improved ground clearance, and enhanced off-road capabilities, with the X-Pro offering a towing capacity of 5,500 pounds. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, all-terrain tires, and Downhill Brake Control system. On highways, it provided a smooth and quiet ride, with some wind noise at higher speeds and a slightly squishy feel in turns due to the off-road tires.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 3.6-liter V6 engine running on the Atkinson cycle, combined with a two-motor hybrid system and a 16-kWh battery pack. It delivered a total system output of 260 horsepower, slightly less than the non-hybrid model's 287 hp. The Pacifica Hybrid was only available with front-wheel drive and was not recommended for towing. The electric-motor torque provided quick acceleration and a quieter ride, with the gasoline engine working less under low loads. The transition from electric to hybrid mode was somewhat clunky, and regenerative braking fell short of one-pedal driving. The Pacifica Hybrid offered a comfortable ride with a well-tuned chassis, and the plug-in hybrid powertrain further enhanced its quietness.

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 in the SX Prestige trim. The interior was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system. The second-row seats offered manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets, while a button on the captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third-row seating area. The third-row seat was more comfortable than in some midsize SUVs, although it couldn't match the Volkswagen Atlas for leg support. The Telluride provided ample storage space, with a smart power tailgate and generous cargo capacity, offering 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 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a plug-in hybrid powertrain with the practicality of a minivan, offering easy access to the rear seats with its low step-in height and sliding doors. Interior dimensions were similar to the non-hybrid Pacifica, with competitive headroom and legroom in the first and second rows. The Pacifica Hybrid had slightly less third-row legroom than some competitors but offered more headroom. It featured second-row captain’s chairs instead of the Stow ‘n Go seats, with the battery pack occupying the space for a flat load floor. Cargo space was comparable to other minivans, with 32.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 140.5 cubic feet behind the first row. The Pacifica Hybrid Pinnacle model included an Ultra Console with additional storage, although accessing it was somewhat awkward.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, although climate control adjustments required manual input. The Kia Access app allowed remote control of some vehicle functions, with OTA updates keeping the system current. The Telluride included six USB charging ports, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode, with optional upgrades like a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and wireless smartphone charging. New digital-key technology and a Full Display Mirror were available, along with an optional head-up display. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, notifying drivers when the car ahead moved.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio. Built-in navigation and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were available. The system remained user-friendly and up-to-date, although it lacked a fully digital instrument cluster. The Pacifica Hybrid included up to 12 USB-C ports, an optional FamCam rear-facing camera, and an available Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV connectivity. However, it did not offer a rear-seat intercom system like some competitors.

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 adaptive cruise control system could reduce speed based on navigation data, and Highway Drive Assist 2.0 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. Additional features 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 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid had not yet received complete IIHS safety ratings, but the non-hybrid Pacifica was a 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick. The NHTSA awarded the Pacifica Hybrid a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Pinnacle models added a 360-degree camera system and ParkSense park assist. A new Emergency Vehicle Alert System provided warnings about nearby emergency vehicles or road hazards.