2023 Honda CR-V vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2023 Honda CR-V presented a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance with its blunt nose, elongated hood, and extended wheelbase, marking a departure from the more expressive design of its predecessor. This sixth-generation model embraced a conservative style that promised to age gracefully. Both the CR-V EX and EX-L trims shared exterior features like 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, but the EX-L distinguished itself with leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob. Inside, the dashboard, inspired by the latest Civic, featured metal mesh trim that integrated air vents, creating a clear division between the upper and lower sections. The interior was noted for its quality and simplicity, with digital instrumentation displays standard across trims. The EX-L offered additional amenities such as a larger touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable front passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power rear liftgate. Pricing for the CR-V started at $31,110 for the EX with FWD, reaching $35,260 for the EX-L with AWD, plus a $1,245 destination charge. The EX-L AWD test vehicle, with Radiant Red Metallic paint and Gray leather seats, had an MSRP of $36,900.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid showcased a bold design that divided opinions, particularly with its flat, wide grille. The vehicle's personality shifted with color and trim choices, with body-colored vertical strakes that could appear jarring in lighter shades but blended harmoniously in darker ones. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced these strakes with rectangular grille blocks and featured distinctive amber accent lights. The side profile continued the bold theme with angular fender sculpting and unique black plastic tabs atop each wheel well, which some found unnecessary. The rear view adopted a different style, with rounded corners and vertical taillights reminiscent of a Range Rover. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout with a modern, buttonless appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim, equipped with the optional SX Prestige Executive package, offered a luxurious two-tone interior reminiscent of Volvo. However, the silver buttons and cream-colored infotainment shortcut buttons were difficult to read. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, had firm cushions that could become uncomfortable on long drives. Surrounding materials were of excellent quality, with various trim surfaces available, including engineered wood and carbon fiber.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 179 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 and 5,000 rpm. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which powered either the front or all four wheels. While the CVT was known for its droning noise during hard acceleration, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, with a well-tuned suspension, steering, and brakes. The vehicle managed to suppress unwanted body motion and impact harshness, providing a comfortable and engaging driving experience. The CR-V achieved an impressive fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 29.1 mpg on a mountainous route.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The Hybrid model added electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery pack, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a six-speed transmission and was not available in the off-road-capable X-Pro trims. The Telluride Hybrid offered a quiet and smooth ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The X-Pro Prestige trim provided a comfortable ride despite its off-road suspension, while the Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride with its 20-inch wheels. The Telluride was composed and controllable on winding roads, with a soft brake pedal effort that required some adjustment. The vehicle's sound insulation kept the interior quiet over various surfaces, and wind noise was minimal at highway speeds.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was touted as the roomiest version yet, though the driver's seat felt relatively low, giving it a car-like feel. Outward visibility was excellent, and the redesigned seats offered comfort. The second row felt more spacious, with a high seating position and ample legroom. Taller passengers might find headroom limited, but adjustable seatback recline positions helped alleviate this issue. The CR-V offered generous storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and various trays and bins throughout the cabin. The cargo area provided 39.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rearmost row was better suited for smaller passengers due to low-mounted seat cushions. The Hybrid SX Prestige test vehicle featured power-adjustable second-row seats with heating and ventilation, offering comfort comparable to the front seats. The middle-row seats had significant travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride's cargo capacity was competitive, with 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 48.7 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded. The vehicle could tow up to 5,000 pounds, or 4,500 for the Hybrid.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the EX trim, with large stereo volume and tuning knobs, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L trim added a 9-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless charging, and an upgraded eight-speaker sound system. However, to access premium features like a Bose sound system and navigation, buyers needed the top-of-the-line CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid. The infotainment system was user-friendly, but the EX-L's larger display lacked a tuning knob, replaced by less intuitive buttons.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls. The system included a native navigation system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual wireless phone chargers. The infotainment system was easy to use, though it occasionally required a hard tap to register inputs. The climate control screen was challenging to use while driving, but physical temperature control buttons were available. The Telluride offered customizable themes for the infotainment screen and a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system in the SX trim and above.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured an improved suite of driver assist systems under the Honda Sensing umbrella, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, seatbelt reminder, rear-seat reminder, driver monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. The new Traffic Jam Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist for low-speed driving. The CR-V was built to Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering standards, with new front airbag designs for enhanced safety.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered standard advanced safety features, including frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, parking proximity sensors, highway driving assist, and rear passenger sensors/reminders. Higher trims added a surround-view camera system, blind-spot camera system, side parking proximity sensors, and automatic reverse braking. The driver attention monitor occasionally triggered false alerts at night, and the blind-spot cameras were found to be distracting. The highway driving assist was effective on long trips, maintaining lane position and speed smoothly.