2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, maintained a classic and mature design that had been in production for 14 years. Its exterior was characterized by a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, giving it a substantial presence. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was built with high-quality materials, though it appeared dated compared to modern SUVs. The Nightshade Special Edition model, with its darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, brought a contemporary touch to the Sequoia's appearance.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride featured fresh front and rear styling, updated lighting, and new wheel designs. The X-Line and X-Pro models added a mildly aggressive off-road look with raised suspensions and unique design elements. Inside, the Telluride boasted a modern digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, providing a futuristic feel. The interior updates included new colors, minor trim changes, and enhanced functionality, making the Telluride a stylish and contemporary choice.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it offered a reliable and durable performance. The Sequoia had a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its fuel economy was a drawback, with ratings of 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/15 mpg combined for RWD models. Despite its weight, the Sequoia provided a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its robust construction and ground clearance.

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. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The Telluride's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 24.1 mpg in the X-Line and 20.4 mpg in the X-Pro. The X-Pro model enhanced off-road performance with all-terrain tires and increased towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. The Telluride provided a comfortable and smooth ride, with excellent handling on highways and off-road terrains.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with spacious seating across all three rows. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and available heated and ventilated front seats. The Sequoia offered ample storage space, with a cargo capacity of 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 120.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Its interior was designed for practicality, with numerous storage compartments and power outlets for convenience.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. The SX Prestige trim offered heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, along with a heated steering wheel. The Telluride provided generous interior space, with a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. It featured a smart power tailgate and ample cargo space, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Telluride's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with advanced features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and USB ports for all passengers.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. However, it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Sequoia Limited added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package. Despite its technological limitations, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. It featured a voice recognition system, over-the-air updates, and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, along with an optional Harman Kardon sound system and wireless smartphone charging. New digital-key technology and a Full Display Mirror enhanced convenience, while a head-up display provided additional driving information.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite included pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also featured a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Toyota's STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. A full complement of airbags and child safety features ensured passenger protection.

The 2023 Kia Telluride boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. It offered blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and lane-keeping assist. The Telluride's adaptive cruise control system could adjust speed based on navigation data, and Highway Drive Assist 2.0 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. Additional features included a Rear Occupant Alert system, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention warning system. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.