2023 BMW X7 vs 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Kia Telluride was a midsize SUV that captivated consumers with its muscular design and balanced proportions. It featured trendy blacked-out wheels and trim, which added to its handsome appearance. For 2022, Kia made only minor changes to the grille pattern and updated the badges, maintaining the successful design. The Telluride was available in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, with prices ranging from $32,790 to $44,590, plus a destination charge. The interior was well-organized, with logical controls, although the glossy plastic in the lower cabin detracted from the otherwise upscale feel, especially in the SX Prestige trim with its Nappa leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X7 underwent a mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder design inspired by the BMW 7 Series sedan. The front end featured LED accent lights and a controversial oversized kidney grille, while the sides and rear remained largely unchanged. The X7 offered two design themes: the chrome-trimmed Design Pure Excellence and the dark-finished M Sport. Inside, the X7 received a refresh with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The interior materials were of premium quality, with options for matte and open-pore wood trims that added warmth to the cabin.

The 2022 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. The Telluride's ride quality was supple, with a brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system enhancing its handling. It offered Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, and the SX trim featured 20-inch wheels for added grip. The Telluride excelled in long-distance driving, achieving an EPA fuel economy estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup started with the xDrive40i model, featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 offered potent acceleration and composed handling. The ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs, reflecting BMW's focus on driver engagement.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with an upscale interior design and thoughtful details. It featured dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a Smart Power Liftgate. The Telluride offered comfortable seating for adults in all three rows, with a one-touch sliding and folding second-row seat mechanism for easy access to the third row. It provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Telluride's flat load floor made it practical for hauling large items.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered ample space, with comfortable second-row seats and a large sunroof enhancing the airy feel. The power-operated middle row provided access to the third row, which could accommodate average-sized adults. The X7 featured 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 90.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The split tailgate and adjustable suspension made loading cargo easier. Front-seat passengers enjoyed adequate storage space, with a large center console bin and wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Kia Telluride came standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including navigation and voice recognition. It offered USB charging ports in all three rows and a wireless smartphone charging pad in most trims. Kia Connect provided connected services, including emergency assistance, remote engine start, and smart speaker integration. The Telluride featured Quiet Mode and Driver Talk functions for managing audio settings. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, head-up display, and surround-view monitoring system.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which had a more complex menu structure. Many physical buttons were replaced by touchscreen controls, making some functions less intuitive. Voice commands were available but could interrupt audio playback. The X7's infotainment system was less user-friendly compared to previous iterations, with a need for more physical buttons and intuitive menus.

The 2022 Kia Telluride included a comprehensive suite of standard safety features under Kia Drive Wise, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured Highway Driving Assist and Smart Cruise Control-Curve systems. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered a range of standard safety features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The X7's safety features performed reliably, with no false alarms or unpredictable responses.