2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The test model, finished in a dusky Nordic Forest Pearl, showcased one of the two new color options. The HR-V's interior followed the refinement trend set by the 2022 Civic, featuring a metal honeycomb grille that concealed the vents, touch-sensitive reading and map lights, and a sculptural center console. The EX-L trim, with its perforated leather seats and dual-zone climate control, offered a comfortable cabin that felt more upscale than its price suggested.

In contrast, 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 included standard all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, and unique grille and wheel designs. The X-Pro package further enhanced the Telluride's capabilities with matte-black wheels, all-terrain tires, and improved towing capacity. The SX Prestige X-Line test vehicle featured premium Nappa leather seats, a dual sunroof, and a black interior. The Telluride's design updates maintained its attractive proportions, and the Wolf Gray paint complemented the blacked-out X-Line styling. The interior offered a range of appealing color options and thoughtful details, such as a digital display panel and metallic accents, nearly meeting luxury SUV standards.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) featured a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds during acceleration. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, and ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available by shifting the gear lever. The new front and independent rear suspensions, along with widened tracks, made the HR-V enjoyable to drive on mountain roads, though it was not overpowered. Despite being quieter than its predecessor, the HR-V remained noisier at higher speeds. The HR-V was available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but competitors offered more powertrain options.

The 2024 Kia Telluride boasted a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Most Tellurides could tow 5,000 pounds, with the X-Pro package increasing this to 5,500 pounds. The all-wheel-drive system included a locking center differential and various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. The Telluride offered 8.0 inches of ground clearance, increasing to 8.4 inches with the X-Line and X-Pro packages. The SUV provided good acceleration and passing power, though it was not fuel-efficient, averaging 19 mpg in combined driving. The Telluride's driving experience was refined, with responsive steering and brakes, and a firm ride at lower speeds that softened at higher velocities. Off-road capabilities were better than expected, though not comparable to a Jeep.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a center console featuring a shelf for drive mode controls and USB ports. The fastback design slightly reduced rear-seat headroom, with 39.4 inches in the front and 38.0 inches in the rear. Cargo space measured 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. The HR-V's passenger volume was 98.7 cubic feet for LX and Sport trims and 97.3 for EX-L. The rear seats provided a higher seating position for easier entry and egress, and the front row offered improved legroom of 41.9 inches.

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. The controls were oriented horizontally, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and physical buttons. The Telluride offered generous storage space, including a covered cubby and door panel bins. A hands-free power liftgate was available, providing convenience when loading cargo. The Telluride's cargo space measured 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with it folded, and 87 cubic feet in total. The X-Line and X-Pro packages added useful roof rails for additional storage.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style infotainment system with a physical knob for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with wireless versions available on the EX-L. The EX-L also offered a 9-inch infotainment display, a wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker audio system. All HR-Vs included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7-inch color touchscreen display. Additional features included three USB-A ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and Smart Entry on Sport trims.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Kia Connect subscription plans offered various features, including voice recognition, remote engine starting, and over-the-air updates. The test vehicle included satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Thoughtful features included a blue-light filter, Quiet Mode, and a digital key function. A camera-based rearview mirror and a 10-inch head-up display were also available, along with a 360-degree camera system and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert.

The 2023 Honda HR-V included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems as standard, featuring adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and automatic high-beams. The HR-V had not yet been crash-tested for 2023, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and mostly "Good" scores from the IIHS.

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