2025 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2025 Kia Telluride presented a lineup that could be somewhat perplexing with its five core trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The base prices ranged from $36,390 to $51,390, excluding a destination charge of $1,415. The X-Line package, available for all but the LX and S trims, added features like standard all-wheel drive, a locking center differential, and increased ground clearance, with prices ranging from $46,485 to $52,785 plus destination. The X-Pro trim package further enhanced the EX X-Line or SX Prestige X-Line with 18-inch wheels, increased towing capacity, and a 110-volt power outlet, priced at $47,385 and $53,685 respectively, plus destination. The SX Prestige X-Pro package, with its comprehensive standard equipment and off-roading capability, was tested with additional features like Midnight Lake Blue paint and Terracotta Nappa leather, bringing the MSRP to $56,240, including destination.

The Telluride's design was appealing, with attractive proportions and upscale details, though the blacked-out X-Line and X-Pro treatments diminished some of its personality. Inside, the contrast between the black-over-Terracotta interior and the blue exterior was striking, with luxurious touches like simulated wood trim and chevron-pattern Nappa leather. However, the lower cabin areas revealed cost-cutting measures with lower-quality plastics. The dual-screen display on the dashboard appeared advanced, though some markings were hard to discern in daylight. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Telluride managed to stand out in a crowded SUV market.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of trim levels based on powertrain, including the TX 350, 500h hybrid, and 550h+ plug-in hybrid. The 550h+ featured a standard panoramic glass roof and new Matador Red Mica paint, with 22-inch wheels filling the wheel wells. The large grille retained the spindle shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting. Inside, the TX provided standard luxury features like multi-zone climate control and heated seats, with the third row offering ample space for adults. However, material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics present.

The TX's interior featured a one-touch button for easy third-row access, though folding the second row flat was cumbersome. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and the climate controls were mostly screen-based, with physical dials for temperature. The cargo space was generous, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with all seats folded. The TX could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a practical choice for those needing extra space and capability.

The 2025 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. Front-wheel drive was standard on most trims, with all-wheel drive available or standard on others. The Telluride offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode. Despite competitors switching to turbocharged four-cylinders, the Telluride's V6 was smooth and refined, delivering 20.2 mpg over 1,200 miles, aligning with its EPA rating.

The Telluride's X-Pro package, with 18-inch all-terrain tires, excelled off-road but sacrificed some on-pavement grip. The SUV handled various terrains well, though brake pedal behavior was occasionally sticky in traffic. Overall, the Telluride provided a pleasurable driving experience, with its 8.4 inches of ground clearance in X-Line and X-Pro trims enhancing its off-road capability.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The seven-kilowatt charger fully charged the battery in under three hours. The TX offered multiple drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom, with Sport mode enhancing throttle response. The TX 550h+ provided a quiet, smooth ride, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. The AWD system distributed power effectively, with Trail Mode aiding traction on slippery surfaces.

The 2025 Kia Telluride SX Prestige model featured thoughtful interior design, with heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The driver’s seat offered a lumbar massage function, enhancing long drives. The second row provided ample legroom and storage, with a glass roof panel adding to the experience. The third row, while folded for luggage during the trip, was comfortable for adults. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ provided standard luxury features, with heated and cooled front seats and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and USB-C ports. The second row's one-touch button eased third-row access, though folding it flat was complex. The front seats lacked thigh support, but the climate controls were effective. The TX offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2025 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10-inch head-up display on SX Prestige trims. The system included a Blind Spot View Monitor and blue light filter but lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native voice recognition system was basic, but the Harman Kardon audio system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the system occasionally switched inputs unexpectedly. The TX offered a back-up camera with a bird’s-eye view and an Advanced Park system. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, device connectivity was ample.

The 2025 Kia Telluride included Drive Wise ADAS, with features like forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous highway driving. The Telluride earned a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured Safety System+ 3.0, with forward collision warning, lane centering, and Proactive Driving Assist. Adaptive cruise control worked well, though setup was confusing. The TX 350 and 500h earned five-star NHTSA ratings, while IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" rating for small overlap front crash tests.