2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Subaru Forester, despite its familiar and somewhat plain exterior, offered a practical and functional design. Its Cascade Green Silica paint was reminiscent of many Foresters from the past, contributing to its unassuming appearance. The Forester came in various trims, with the Touring trim standing out due to its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. The interior featured Saddle Brown leather, exposed stitching, and metallic accents, maintaining a traditional Subaru design with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The Forester's interior was busy, with a mix of gray and silver cladding and a control layout that favored traditional buttons and knobs, making it user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Telluride was known for its attractive design and modern styling. The SX Prestige X-Line trim, with its Wolf Gray paint and blacked-out styling, was particularly striking. Inside, the Telluride offered a luxurious experience with premium Nappa leather seats, a dual sunroof, and a 24-inch dual-screen digital display panel. The interior color options, such as Mahogany brown and Terracotta brown, complemented the simulated open-pore wood trim. Despite some shiny plastic in the lower interior, the Telluride nearly met luxury SUV standards, offering a refined and sophisticated cabin environment.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and a Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system with a Sport mode. Most trims included an X-Mode off-road traction management system, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Forester Touring trim, tested in challenging weather conditions, demonstrated confidence and ease in traversing flooded roads and muddy trails. Despite its adequate power, the Forester's engine was louder than desired, and its fuel economy fell short of the EPA rating, averaging 25.9 mpg.

The 2024 Kia Telluride boasted a 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride's towing capacity reached 5,500 pounds with the X-Pro package. It offered various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Smart, with a ground clearance of 8.4 inches in the X-Line and X-Pro trims. The Telluride provided ample power for acceleration and passing, though its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 19 mpg in combined driving. The SUV's driving dynamics were commendable, with responsive steering, effective brakes, and a firm yet compliant ride.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering practicality and simplicity. The Premium trim included features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims added StarTex artificial leather or genuine leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The Forester's visibility was excellent, and its doors were well-sealed. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting led to solar heating, and the rear seats lacked comfort. The Forester provided ample interior storage and a usefully shaped cargo area, with a maximum cargo capacity of 74.2 cubic feet in the Base model.

The 2024 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and convenience, especially in higher trims. The SX Prestige X-Line featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a dual sunroof. The Telluride's controls were user-friendly, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and physical buttons. Thoughtful details included a digital instrumentation panel with changing landscapes and generous storage space. The hands-free power liftgate was convenient, and the Telluride offered a maximum cargo capacity of 87 cubic feet. The X-Line and X-Pro trims provided useful roof rails for additional storage.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated but was functional. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester's user interface was straightforward, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation and commands.

The 2024 Kia Telluride featured 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 Telluride included satellite radio, wireless charging, and a Harman Kardon audio system. Thoughtful features like a blue-light filter, Quiet Mode, and a digital key function enhanced the experience. The Telluride also offered a camera-based rearview mirror, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras. It included Automatic Emergency Steering, blind-spot monitoring, and Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) on higher trims. The DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System was exclusive to the Touring trim. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in new tests.

The 2024 Kia Telluride impressed with its Kia Drive Wise collection of driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and Highway Driving Assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features like front parking sensors 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.