Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Kia Telluride

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid exhibited a design transformation that began with its 2019 redesign. Moving away from a softer, more typical crossover look, it embraced a more assertive, blocky appearance. This shift was highlighted by a trapezoidal grille inspired by Toyota's truck line, framed by beveled and angled bodywork that brought a tougher stance to the vehicle. As the vehicle aged, this style approached normalized, especially as similar designs began appearing in competitors like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50.

Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid continued the angular theme with a multi-tiered dashboard featuring beveled cutouts. The basic layout felt common for vehicles of that time, with an infotainment touchscreen perched atop the dash and an array of physical buttons and knobs for primary functions. The materials used were typical for the class and price range, mainly hard plastics with lightly padded touchpoints. However, the base and Woodland trims had a rubbery urethane steering wheel and center armrest, which detracted from the tactile experience. Higher trims offered leather-wrapped steering wheels, improving the quality feel for drivers. Build quality was robust, exhibiting no squeaks or rattles when driving over rough terrain.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Telluride brought a different level of sophistication to its exterior and interior design. With five core trim levels—LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige—the Telluride offered flexibility and options for diverse preferences. The rugged X-Line package added standard AWD, a half-inch increase in ground clearance, and unique aesthetic updates, including a special grille and 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro package further embellished the higher trims with matte-black 18-inch wheels and heavy-duty engine cooling, enhancing its towing capacity.

The Telluride's stylish appeal, especially with its updates like the Wolf Gray paint overlaid with blacked-out X-Line features, was compelling. Inside, the test model had a luxurious black interior with Nappa leather seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a third row that could comfortably seat adults. Depending on the trim, buyers could choose various interior color schemes that complemented the simulated open-pore wood trim and helped mask the shiny plastic in lower areas. The SX Prestige, with its upscale materials and 24-inch dual-screen digital display, flirted with luxury SUV standards.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor/generator, combined for 219 horsepower. This assembly was mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that powered the front wheels, while a second electric motor drove the rear wheels for AWD functionality. This combination allowed the RAV4 Hybrid to accelerate to 60 mph in a respectable 7.5 seconds, half a second quicker than the non-hybrid version, and blending well with its primary competitors.

The braking system utilized regenerative braking to charge the battery but transitioned smoothly into physical brakes during aggressive stops. The suspension handled moderate bumps and potholes with ease, ensuring a comfortable ride while maintaining confident cornering. Though not sporty, its driving dynamics suited most drivers, providing an easy and reliable driving experience.

The 2024 Kia Telluride, powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, produced 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the front or all four wheels. The standard towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, with the X-Pro package increasing it to 5,500 pounds due to enhanced engine cooling.

The Telluride’s acceleration up to freeway speeds was smooth, offering ample passing power but lacking in fuel efficiency, averaging 19 mpg in mixed conditions and 17.5 mpg during city driving. The AWD model featured a locking center differential and multiple driving modes, including a Snow mode, enhancing its adaptability. It also offered 8.4 inches of ground clearance with the X packages and handled curves and corners with athletic precision, thanks to brake-induced Torque Vectoring Cornering Control.

The Telluride’s ride softened at higher speeds, absorbing road undulations and providing a stable driving experience comparable to being in a gimbal. We had off-road experiences with the Telluride, and while it didn’t outperform specialized vehicles like Jeeps, it was impressively capable.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered generous space for front passengers and adequate rear-seat accommodations for average-sized adults. Although slightly more rear headroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage was measurable, rear legroom was somewhat less. The rear seat cushions were rather low, potentially uncomfortable for taller passengers on long journeys.

Cargo capacity was a strength for the RAV4 Hybrid, offering 37.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, almost identical to the non-hybrid model. This capacity compared favorably to the Honda CR-V’s 39.5 cubic feet and the Kia Sportage's 39.3 cubic feet, putting them all on an even playing field. Additionally, interior storage was well-thought-out, with a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray, large cupholders, and a spacious center armrest bin.

The 2024 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and space utilization, particularly in higher trims. The SX Prestige X-Line test vehicle boasted premium features like Nappa leather upholstery, well-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar massage, and accommodating heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs. The third row could also seat adults comfortably. Control orientation was user-friendly, and the large 12.3-inch touchscreen was intuitive, although some of the metallic finish buttons could be difficult to see under bright sunlight.

Storage compartments were practically designed, with ample space in the front, including a covered cubby and a smartphone tray. The hands-free power liftgate was a convenient feature, providing 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and expanding to 46 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Maximum cargo capacity was 87 cubic feet, one of the most generous in this SUV segment.

For the 2023 model year, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received a vastly improved infotainment system. The graphics were modern, and the screen menus were logically arranged. Depending on the trim, buyers had either an 8.0-inch or a larger 10.5-inch touchscreen. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were beneficial, though a wireless charging pad was optional. Over-the-air software updates and a Wi-Fi hotspot were other notable features, keeping the system current and connected. The standard six-speaker audio system offered decent sound, with the top Limited trim enjoying an 11-speaker JBL upgrade.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was equipped with an impressive 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was curiously absent. Kia Connect offered various subscription plans, enhancing the system's functionality with features like voice recognition. Despite some connectivity limitations without an active subscription, the system easily paired with smartphones for wireless audio streaming.

Other notable tech features included satellite radio, wireless charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Kia also offered a blue-light filter for the display, a Quiet Mode for playing audio only through front speakers, and a function to broadcast the driver’s voice to rear-seat passengers. Additional available technologies were a digital key function, a camera-based rearview mirror, a helpful 10-inch head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. Highway Driving Assist 2.0 and various safety alerts rounded out the tech offerings.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid shone in safety ratings. The NHTSA gave it five stars for overall and side crash protection, and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it the highest "Good" rating in most tests, with an "Acceptable" rating for the new moderate overlap frontal and side-impact tests. It was also named a Top Safety Pick. Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign reader. Higher trims added features like a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alerts, parking sensors, and optional surround-view cameras, and a digital rearview mirror.

Similarly, the 2024 Kia Telluride excelled in safety. Standard Kia Drive Wise features covered collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities, with higher trims adding advanced features like front parking sensors, evasive steering assist, and lane-change assist. The Telluride held a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Highway Driving Assist 2.0 in the upper trims was beneficial but less effective in heavy traffic and mountain terrains.