2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Honda Passport

The 2023 Kia Telluride introduced striking enhancements in its aesthetic appeal. While in Texas, test drives showcased the updated X-Line and X-Pro models. The Telluride’s refreshed styling included redesigned front and rear ends, new lights, and wheel designs. New paint options—Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green—added even more visual choices. Complementing the exterior, the interior also saw a palette update with colors like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green.

Replacing the previous Nightfall Edition, the X-Line featured a raised suspension, bespoke grille, and distinctive black 20-inch wheels. Its adventurer sibling, the X-Pro, went a notch higher with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, amping the models' rugged allure. Interior updates were subtle but meaningful, with a significant addition being the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an optional digital instrumentation panel. This tech duo nestled under a unified 24-inch curved glass panel, provided a futuristic touch.

Kia didn’t stop there—seatbacks embossed with trim names, a newly designed steering wheel, and a more functional center console further enhanced cabin aesthetics. Offered in trims ranging from LX to SX Prestige, prices soared from a base MSRP of $35,690 up to $52,785 for the fully loaded SX Prestige X-Pro with AWD.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Passport retained much of its familiar design language despite recent tweaks to models like the Civic and Accord. Minor updates in 2022, such as a more upright grille and squared-off corners, punctuated its exterior, yet the familiar essence remained.

Offered in EX-L, TrailSport, and Black Edition trims, the Passport came standard with leather seats, a power moonroof, and identical touchscreens across the board. Our review featured the mid-level TrailSport, equipped with all-terrain General Grabber A/T sport tires and LED fog lights. Despite a rugged facade, the Passport's off-roading capabilities were more show than substance, lacking metal skid plates, recovery points, or a lift kit. Inside, a straightforward cabin with physical controls and an 8-inch touchscreen bore a stark contrast to Kia's tech-laden interior. Black leather upholstery with orange contrast stitching and ample plastic trim underscored its practicality-focused design.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its formidable 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers had five driving modes to choose from—Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow—along with a low-speed AWD Lock setting for improved power distribution. In our tests, the X-Line model clocked an average of 24.1 mpg and handled heavy traffic, twisty roads, and highway drives with ease. The X-Pro, while returning a lower 20.4 mpg, showcased its capabilities during a half-hour off-roading stint.

New for 2023, adjustments included a 10mm suspension lift, an increase in ground clearance to 8.4 inches, and enhanced approach and departure angles. Additional features like Downhill Brake Control provided a more secure off-roading experience. Off-road enthusiasts would likely gravitate towards the X-Pro, benefiting from its all-terrain tires, improved cooling system, and enhanced towing capacity (5,500 pounds).

Out on the highways, the Telluride offered a plush ride coupled with commendable road connectivity—only slightly marred by some wind noise. The steering felt excessively firm in Sport mode, suggesting room for an Individual mode to personalize settings.

Conversely, the 2024 Honda Passport stuck with a tried-and-true 3.5-liter V6 engine. Boasting 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, it provided ample acceleration managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission. However, missing turbochargers meant peak torque only came at higher RPMs. The Passport's fuel economy—19 mpg in the city, 24 on the highway, and 21 combined—left it trailing behind competitors.

The TrailSport trim embodied minor off-road enhancements with a wider track, 18-inch wheels with A/T tires, and a suspension tuned for off-road excursions. Honda’s torque-vectoring AWD system came standard, supplemented by traction-management settings for snow, sand, and mud.

On highways, road and wind noise were more pronounced, but quieter, in-town driving compensated for it. Sharp steering made up for any loose off-center feel, offering better control than many of its peers. While the Passport's towing capacity (5,000 pounds) edged out the Subaru Outback Wilderness and Hyundai Santa Fe, it fell short of the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s capabilities.

Roominess was a strong point for the 2023 Kia Telluride, which could seat up to eight passengers depending on the second-row configuration. Our test models epitomized luxury with features like Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs—all standard on SX Prestige trim. The Telluride’s new power lumbar stabilization system promised comfort on long journeys.

Storage options were plentiful, with USB ports in the second row, a smart power tailgate, and a triple-zone climate system. Although rear-seat entertainment was an option, the built-in Wi-Fi hotspot sufficed for most needs. The Telluride’s third row surpassed many, though it couldn’t outspace the Volkswagen Atlas.

In terms of cargo, the Telluride offered 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and maxing at 87 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

The two-row 2024 Honda Passport aced cargo space with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, incorporating additional underfloor storage. When needed, the 60/40-split folding rear seats increased space to 77.7 cubic feet, making long-item loading straightforward.

Passenger comfort was unrivaled, with ample room for five adults and abundant cupholders. The front-row's new taller center console bin improved storage but sacrificed a bit of the previously airy feel. The Passport's design leaned towards practicality, featuring easily accessible cupholders and a larger cubby beneath the dashboard.

Kia equipped every 2023 Telluride with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and a new Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system was efficient, though climate controls had to be adjusted manually. Additional features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant integration, and Bluetooth dual-device pairing enhanced convenience.

Advanced offerings included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging, and a digital-key technology that could transform a smartphone or smartwatch into a key. The Full Display Mirror provided a rear video view, which was essential when the cargo area was loaded. The expanded head-up display (HUD) now showcased more information with a 10-inch viewing area, which remained visible even with polarized sunglasses.

Helpful features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode aided communication and noise control in the vehicle. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system added a thoughtful touch by alerting drivers when the car ahead began moving.

The 2024 Honda Passport, however, fell short in this area with only an 8-inch infotainment display, which felt small in the spacious cabin. While Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity were standard, the screen size contrasted sharply. Moreover, turn-by-turn directions constantly occupied the driver’s information display when navigating through city routes, limiting customization.

The TrailSport’s seven-speaker audio system felt inadequate, pushing audiophiles towards competitors offering superior sound systems. Even the upgraded 10-speaker system on the Black Edition struggled to match the premium offerings from rivals.

Safety was a hallmark for the 2023 Kia Telluride, which boasted an extensive suite of standard features: forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system with automatic braking. Additional standard features included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and a Safe Exit Assist system. Adaptive cruise control, now bolstered by navigation data, could adjust speed for upcoming curves.

Highway Drive Assist, rebranded to 1.5, combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering for semi-autonomous driving assistance. Highway Drive Assist 2.0, standard from the SX trim, added a Lane Change Assist. The SX trim also incorporated front parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor.

Safety tests detailed practical performance, notably in forward collision warning and Highway Drive Assist 2.0, establishing driver trust in real-world conditions. A Rear Occupant Alert system, crucial for child safety, was standard across the board.

Honda equipped every 2024 Passport with a robust suite of safety features, bundled under “Honda Sensing.” Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic monitoring, and adaptive cruise control were standard.

Despite this, crash-test results were less favorable. The IIHS rated the Passport as "Marginal" in the updated side-impact tests, excluding it from the Top Safety Picks, while the NHTSA rated it four stars in frontal and rollover tests but five stars overall.