2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Dodge Durango

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained a familiar yet attractive appearance. Dodge opted for clean, car-like styling, avoiding the trend of oversized grilles. The Durango's slim design, complemented by forward-leaning headlights and a large lower air intake, demonstrated that SUVs could have a commanding presence without massive grilles. At the rear, Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights provided a distinctive look. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured unique styling elements, such as a Viper-like hood with a functional center air inlet and heat extractors, but these were subtle. The SRT models also had unique wheels and a different front fascia, maintaining a similar shape to the standard version. Dodge offered various appearance packages, including the Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package, allowing for customization. The interior, while not as distinctive as the exterior, offered a pleasant environment with materials suited to different price points. Higher trims like the Durango Citadel added luxurious features such as Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was available in five core trim levels, with the option to add the rugged X-Line and X-Pro packages. The X-Line package enhanced the Telluride's capabilities with standard all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, and unique styling elements. The X-Pro package further improved towing capacity and added all-terrain tires. The Telluride's design updates maintained its attractive forms and proportions, with the Wolf Gray paint complementing the blacked-out X-Line styling. Inside, the Telluride offered a range of interior color options, including Mahogany brown and Sage Green, which paired well with the simulated open-pore wood trim. The SX Prestige trim featured premium Nappa leather seats and a 24-inch dual-screen digital display panel, nearly meeting luxury SUV standards. The Telluride's ride quality varied, feeling firm at lower speeds but soft and compliant at higher velocities, providing a comfortable experience on winding roads.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a variety of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine was standard on the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims. The Durango R/T featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, delivering 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing a classic V8 rumble. The Durango SRT 392 took performance up a notch with a 6.4-liter naturally-aspirated Hemi V8, generating 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The SRT Hellcat model pushed boundaries with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Despite its size, the Durango Hellcat offered exhilarating acceleration and a thrilling driving experience, with minimal wind and tire noise at highway speeds. The adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero performance tires, and Brembo brakes ensured the power was manageable.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, with the X-Pro package increasing it to 5,500 pounds. The AWD version included a locking center differential and various driving modes, enhancing its versatility. The Telluride offered smooth acceleration and good passing power, though it wasn't particularly fuel-efficient, averaging 19 mpg in combined driving. The SUV's driving experience was refined, with brake-induced Torque Vectoring Cornering Control and responsive steering. The ride quality varied, feeling firm at lower speeds but compliant at higher velocities, providing a comfortable experience on winding roads. The Telluride's off-road capabilities were respectable, though not on par with a Jeep.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with standard front bucket seats, a three-seat second-row bench, and a two-seat third-row bench on SXT, GT, and R/T models. The Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat models featured second-row captain's chairs, which were optional on GT and R/T models. The Durango offered competitive interior space, with headroom and legroom comparable to other three-row midsize SUVs. However, it had less cargo space than some rivals, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.1 cubic feet behind the first row. Small-item storage was generous, with a large wireless charging pad and well-placed USB ports. The Durango's towing capacity was impressive, with V6 models capable of towing 6,200 pounds and V8 models up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2024 Kia Telluride provided a comfortable interior, especially in higher trims like the SX Prestige X-Line, which featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a dual sunroof panel. The Telluride's controls were oriented horizontally, with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The SUV offered generous storage space, including a covered cubby and a tray for smartphones. The hands-free power liftgate was a convenient feature, though it could be undesirable in certain situations. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet. The X-Line and X-Pro packages added useful roof rails for additional cargo capacity.

The 2023 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on SXT and GT models, while the Citadel and SRT models had a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The larger screen used the Uconnect 5 system, offering a responsive and user-friendly experience. The SRT models included the Performance Pages app, providing performance information such as timers and a g-force meter. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the SRT Hellcat model.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered Bluetooth connectivity and streaming capabilities. Kia Connect plans provided various features, including remote engine starting and over-the-air updates. The Telluride featured a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a blue-light filter for the display screen, and a Quiet Mode for rear passengers. Additional tech included a digital key function, a camera-based rearview mirror, and a 10-inch head-up display. The Telluride also offered a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings, with top "Good" marks in some IIHS tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall safety rating, with five stars in the side crash test. Standard driver-assist tech was limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert standard on all trims. Forward collision warning and other features were only standard on the Citadel.

The 2024 Kia Telluride impressed with its standard Kia Drive Wise collection of driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Driving Assist provided a semi-autonomous driving system. Safety feature upgrades included front parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor system. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.