2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, redesigned in 2022, maintained its modern aesthetic with minimal changes. Its futuristic headlights and angular C-pillar combined traditional elements with forward-thinking design, ensuring its relevance for years. Inside, the cabin featured clean lines and a sensible layout, making it both visually appealing and practical. The Pathfinder offered various trims, from the basic S with 18-inch alloy wheels and an 8-inch touchscreen to the luxurious Platinum with upgraded leather and a digital instrument panel. The Rock Creek trim stood out with its rugged off-road features and unique styling, including a water-repellent interior and forest green paint with orange accents.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was available in five core trims, with the option to add the rugged X-Line and X-Pro packages. The X-Line package enhanced the Telluride's off-road capabilities with AWD, 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 proportions, and the SX Prestige X-Line model featured premium Nappa leather seats and a dual sunroof. The interior offered various color options and thoughtful details, such as a digital display panel and metallic accents, nearly reaching luxury SUV standards.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The Rock Creek trim offered a slight power boost to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. Power was delivered through a 9-speed automatic transmission to either front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. The Rock Creek model featured off-road enhancements, including a taller suspension and off-road shocks, but the off-road tires resulted in a rougher ride on paved roads. The Pathfinder's engine provided ample power for city and highway driving, though the unique shifter design was a point of contention. The Pathfinder offered various drive modes, including Eco, Sport, and All-Terrain, with a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds for the Rock Creek.

The 2024 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Most Tellurides could tow 5,000 pounds, but the X-Pro package increased this to 5,500 pounds. The AWD models included a locking center differential and various driving modes, such as Snow, Comfort, and Sport. The Telluride offered good acceleration and passing power, though its fuel efficiency was a drawback, averaging 19 mpg in combined driving. The SUV's ride was firm at lower speeds but compliant at higher velocities, providing a smooth experience on winding roads. The Telluride's off-road capabilities were respectable, though not on par with a Jeep.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder provided up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded flat. With the second row in use, it offered 45 cubic feet, and with all seats upright, 16.6 cubic feet. The first two rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. The optional second-row captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third row. The Pathfinder featured 12 cupholders and four bottle holders, along with numerous storage compartments. The Rock Creek model's roof rack could hold up to 220 pounds, though its proximity to the roof made snow removal challenging.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable interior, especially in higher trims like the SX Prestige X-Line, which featured premium Nappa leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats. The Telluride's controls were oriented horizontally, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and physical controls. The SUV included thoughtful details, such as a digital instrumentation panel with scenic landscapes and generous storage space. The hands-free power liftgate was convenient, though it could be undesirable in certain situations. The Telluride provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet. The X-Line and X-Pro offered useful roof rails for additional storage.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 9-inch system, though some found the graphics dated. The Pathfinder included four USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and voice recognition. The SV trim added a Wi-Fi hotspot, while the SL trim offered wireless Apple CarPlay and device charging. The Platinum trim included additional USB ports. While not cutting-edge, the Pathfinder's tech kept devices charged and connected.

The 2024 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable. The system offered a capable voice recognition system with an active Kia Connect subscription. The Telluride 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. The Telluride also offered a camera-based rearview mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder included standard driver assistance features such as forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. The SV trim added ProPilot Assist with lane centering and adaptive cruise control. The SL trim included front parking sensors, a 360-degree parking monitor, and traffic-sign recognition. The Platinum trim added rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display. The Pathfinder's off-road mode presented front- and side-view cameras for obstacle monitoring.

The 2024 Kia Telluride boasted 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 with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. Higher trims offered upgrades like 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.