2024 Kia Telluride vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

The 2024 Kia Telluride was offered in five core trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The rugged X-Line treatment was available for all but the LX and S trims, while the X-Pro package was exclusive to the top two trims. The X-Line package added standard all-wheel drive (AWD) with a center locking differential, increased ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, unique grille and wheel designs, and roof rails. The X-Pro package further enhanced the vehicle with 18-inch matte-black wheels, all-terrain tires, and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing the towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. Prices ranged from $35,990 for the LX to $53,185 for the SX Prestige with the X-Pro package, excluding the destination charge. The SX Prestige with the X-Line package, including extra cost options, had an MSRP of $54,270.

The Telluride's design attracted buyers with its appealing forms and proportions, despite mixed reactions to recent styling updates. The Wolf Gray paint complemented the blacked-out X-Line styling, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the test car featured a black interior with premium Nappa leather seats, though other color options like Mahogany brown and Sage Green were available, offering a more luxurious feel. The interior boasted a 24-inch dual-screen digital display, metallic accents, and thoughtful details, nearly meeting luxury SUV standards. However, the presence of shiny plastic in lower portions was a drawback, especially in the SX Prestige trim.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 underwent its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly longer and wider while maintaining its height. It retained its body-on-frame architecture with a new frame that improved torsional and lateral stiffness by 25% and 57%, respectively. The QX80's styling became more expressive, particularly at the front, with a larger grille extending onto the hood and a stacked-headlight setup. The rear end retained its shape but featured full-width taillights with over 300 LEDs, giving it a modern look. Blacked-out roof pillar trim and flush door handles contributed to a cleaner profile.

The QX80 was available in Pure, Luxe, Sensory, and Autobiography trims. The base Pure trim came with 20-inch wheels, while other trims had 22-inch wheels, with a unique design for the Autograph trim. The interior received a high-tech makeover with a large horizontal display and 64-color ambient lighting. Despite the upgrades, shiny black plastic trim detracted from the premium feel. The QX80 offered various seating options, with semi-aniline leather available in higher trims. The cabin was spacious, with increased cargo space and a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

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. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. Most Tellurides could tow 5,000 pounds, but the X-Pro package increased this to 5,500 pounds. The AWD version included a locking center differential and various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. Ground clearance was 8.0 inches, rising to 8.4 inches with the X-Line and X-Pro packages. The Telluride provided good acceleration and passing power but was not fuel-efficient, averaging 19 mpg in combined driving.

The Telluride's driving experience was refined, with brake-induced Torque Vectoring Cornering Control and responsive steering. The ride was firm at lower speeds but soft and compliant at higher velocities, absorbing road undulations effectively. Off-road capabilities were better than expected, though not comparable to a Jeep.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, replacing the previous 5.6-liter V8. The new engine produced 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The QX80 offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with optional four-wheel drive. The new engine and transmission provided a more energetic feel, though the active sound enhancement added an artificial noise during acceleration.

The QX80's suspension varied by trim, with air suspension and adaptive damping available. The suspension system could adjust ride height, offering 10 inches of ground clearance in off-road mode. Despite its size and body-on-frame construction, the QX80's handling was average, with the air suspension unable to completely smooth out bumps.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered 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 that was user-friendly. Storage space was generous, with a hands-free power liftgate and ample cargo capacity. The Telluride provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's redesign increased cargo space significantly, offering 22 cubic feet with all seats in place, 59 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 101 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The QX80 featured power-folding seats and a power liftgate, making reconfiguration easy. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. The QX80 offered various seating options, including heated, ventilated, and massaging seats.

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 offered various plans, with features like remote engine starting and over-the-air updates. The Telluride included a Harman Kardon audio system, wireless charging, and a digital key function. Additional tech features included a camera-based rearview mirror, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 featured dual 14.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, with a smaller 9-inch touchscreen for additional controls. Google built-in apps provided navigation and voice recognition, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The QX80 offered Klipsch sound systems, with a 24-speaker version available in higher trims. A 360-degree camera system and various camera views enhanced safety and convenience.

The 2024 Kia Telluride boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 included standard safety features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist offered highway-driving assistance, with adaptive cruise control and lane centering. The more advanced version allowed for hands-free driving and automated lane changes.