2024 Lexus RX vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2024 Lexus RX, following its recent redesign, presented a somewhat polarizing exterior design. The front end was characterized by a large trapezoidal grille, which seemed awkwardly integrated into the bodywork, especially noticeable in lighter colors. The hood's prominent bump added to the bulky appearance, contrasting with the sleeker designs of previous RX models. The sides featured bulging body panels, and a chrome accent strip suggested a floating-roof design, which felt slightly out of place. However, the rear end offered a more cohesive look with a tidy design connecting the taillights with a single light strip. Inside, the RX's interior was more conventional and inviting, especially in the top Luxury trim, which included faux suede inserts and a large 14-inch infotainment touchscreen. Despite some mismatched materials, the cabin was largely covered in premium leather and well-grained plastics, providing a sturdy and luxurious feel.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid showcased a bold and potentially polarizing design, with a flat, wide grille that divided opinions. The vehicle's personality varied significantly with color and trim, with body-colored vertical strakes that blended better in darker shades. The X-Line and X-Pro models featured distinctive grille blocks and amber accent lights. The side profile was marked by angular fender sculpting and unusual black plastic tabs, while the rear adopted a Range Rover-like style with rounded corners and vertical taillights. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim, with the Executive package, offered a luxurious two-tone palette reminiscent of Volvo. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, were somewhat firm but surrounded by excellent material quality. Various trim surfaces, including engineered wood and carbon fiber, added to the interior's appeal.

The 2024 Lexus RX offered four distinct models, starting with the base RX 350, powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The RX 350h hybrid version featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, routed through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with standard AWD. The RX 500h F Sport Performance combined a turbo 2.4-liter inline-four with a hybrid powertrain, delivering 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The new plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ increased power output to 304 hp with an 18.1-kWh battery pack, offering up to 37 miles of electric-only range. While the RX 350 and RX 350h felt underpowered, the RX 450h+ was more responsive, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The RX prioritized comfort with its soft suspension, resulting in noticeable body roll but a smooth ride over road imperfections.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride Hybrid added electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery pack, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed transmission. The Hybrid was not available in the off-road-capable X-Pro trims but was offered in the X-Line trim. The Telluride Hybrid provided ample power and a quiet ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas modes. Both Telluride models were tuned for comfort, delivering a smooth ride with minimal wind noise. The X-Pro Prestige trim offered surprising comfort despite its off-road suspension, while the Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride with its 20-inch wheels. On winding roads, the Telluride was composed and controllable, instilling confidence despite not being particularly sporty.

The 2024 Lexus RX offered spacious front seats with plenty of power adjustments, standard heating, and ventilation on all but the base trim. A rubberized wireless charging pad and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with ample storage options. The rear seats provided good legroom and headroom, with manual sunshades and standard rear climate controls. The RX had up to 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with the second row folded. A power liftgate was standard, with hands-free operation available as an option.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid provided 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 trim featured power-adjustable second-row seats with heating and ventilation, offering comfort comparable to business-class airline seats. The middle-row seats had significant travel fore and aft, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride offered up to 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 48.7 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded. All trims featured buttons to remotely fold the second-row seatbacks, offering up to 89.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Telluride could tow up to 5,000 pounds, or 4,500 for the Hybrid.

The 2024 Lexus RX featured a new infotainment system with a touchscreen measuring 9.8 inches in lower trims and 14 inches in higher trims. The system offered logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses, along with natural speech commands. The steering wheel had multi-function pads, and all trims included a cloud-based navigation system, Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote monitoring via a smartphone app. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system was available.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came 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 native navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual wireless phone chargers. The infotainment system was easy to use, though it required a firm tap and had some delays. The Telluride offered customizable themes and a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system in higher trims.

The 2024 Lexus RX earned five stars in overall and side collision protection from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick, despite a "Poor" rating in the moderate frontal overlap test. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear passenger safe-exit system. Higher trims added parking sensors, a head-up display, and other advanced features.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and parking sensors. Higher trims added a surround-view camera system, blind-spot camera system, and automatic reverse braking. The driver attention monitor had some operational issues, but the highway driving assist was effective on longer trips.