2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Kia Telluride came with fresh advancements in styling that bolstered its appeal. All models received new front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and freshly designed wheels. Paint options included striking colors like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, complementing the new interior color schemes: Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green.

The Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models specifically replaced the Nightfall Edition. Featuring a raised suspension, the X-Line sported a unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model took these upgrades a notch higher by offering exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, achieving a mildly aggressive off-roader look.

Internally, updates were more subtle in the Telluride. The major shift was the introduction of a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both ensconced under a new 24-inch curved glass dashboard. Additionally, minor trim changes, a new steering-wheel design, and enhancements to the center console added to the refinement. The SX Prestige trims even featured embossing of the trim names into the front seatbacks.

Price-wise, the 2023 Kia Telluride started at $35,690 for the LX FWD model and went up to $52,785 for the SX Prestige X-Pro with AWD. The destination charge added another $1,335.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Toyota Sienna showcased a distinctive look across its trims: LE, XLE, XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, and Platinum. Toyota maintained its playful “swagger wagon” vibe with sleek front and rear fascias, featuring cool colors like deep blue, red, or green. LED lighting was standard on all trims, with upper models benefiting from Bi-LED projector headlamps for enhanced visibility.

The XSE trim balanced sporty and practical aesthetics – a black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels. The Woodland Edition was designed to go off-road-ready, sporting exclusive Cement or Midnight Black Metallic colors, roof rails with crossbars, a tow hitch, and an extra half-inch ground clearance.

Interior-wise, the Sienna brought practical luxury. Standard cloth seats, three-zone climate control, and seating for eight were notable, but the XSE with the Premium package elevated it by offering heated and cooled leather-trimmed front seats and captain’s chairs in the second row. Dual-tone horizontal design lines enhanced the sense of spaciousness, completed by convenient cup holders, a fixed center console with satin accents, and a built-in vacuum cleaner in upper trims.

The 2023 Kia Telluride maintained its robust mechanical setup, featuring a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produced 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers had a choice of Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the AWD system including a low-speed Lock setting for balanced power distribution.

The Telluride’s V6 was efficient, averaging 24.1 mpg in the X-Line configuration during a test drive that included highway and twisty roads. The X-Pro was less fuel-efficient at 20.4 mpg due to off-roading conditions. The official EPA-rated fuel economy for the AWD Telluride was 21 mpg in combined driving.

Kia enhanced the Telluride X-Line and X-Pro with a raised suspension, increased ground clearance to 8.4 inches, improved approach and departure angles, and a modified traction control system for off-road capability. A new Downhill Brake Control system assisted in maintaining stability during downhill drives. The X-Pro model, with its all-terrain tires and upgraded cooling system, also boasted a towing capacity of 5,500 pounds and an optional self-leveling rear air suspension.

Conversely, the 2024 Toyota Sienna operated on a hybrid system, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total output of 245 horsepower. AWD models added an electric motor powering the rear wheels. Despite having a Sport mode and sport-tuned suspension in trims like the XSE, the Sienna felt sluggish, particularly during highway merging and climbing steep grades. The CVT, though smooth, further hampered acceleration.

Driving around town, the Sienna offered a generally pleasant experience, especially in Normal or Eco modes. There was also an EV mode for low-speed travel such as school pick-up lines. While the brakes were somewhat grabby, the SUV’s steering was light and accurate, and visibility remained excellent.

The 2023 Kia Telluride potentially sat up to eight passengers, depending on the second-row configuration. The test models included premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated or ventilated front and second-row captain’s chairs. A heated steering wheel was standard on SX Prestige trims.

The Telluride excelled in spaciousness. Both front seats were exceptionally comfortable, complemented by a new lumbar stabilization system that aimed to keep drivers alert on long journeys. The second-row captain’s chairs offered generous legroom and storage amenities, including USB ports and manual side-window sunshades.

Cargo capacity in the Telluride was ample. It offered 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and up to 87 cubic feet with both rear rows stowed.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna maximized interior utility. Up front, the Sienna had lower storage pass-throughs for bulky items and an arrangement of cupholders and shelves for smaller items including a wireless charging pad.

The second-row captain’s chairs slid fore and aft by 25 inches, providing up to 40 inches of legroom. Upper trims added ottomans for ultimate relaxation. Though the sliding mechanism could be tricky and the second-row seats weren’t removable, it limited maximum cargo space. Nevertheless, window shades and storage pockets were thoughtfully integrated.

Adults could find the third-row seats accessible, and the second row allowed up to 39 inches of legroom when moved all the way forward, making the third row spacious. All Sienna models had tri-zone climate control, and the XSE trim added a special zone for the front passenger.

With the liftgate activated by a kick motion, the Sienna revealed 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 75 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and up to 101 cubic feet when the second row was also folded down.

For the 2023 Telluride, Kia made a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard across all models. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system worked effectively, though it did not control the climate system.

Kia’s app allowed remote control of vehicle functions via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. OTA updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth enabled pairing of two devices simultaneously. With six USB ports, all passengers had access to power.

Telluride featured Driver Talk and Quiet Mode for in-car communication and media control, respectively. Upgrades included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging, digital-key technology, a Full Display Mirror, and an advanced HUD.

Conversely, the 2024 Toyota Sienna was still equipped with Toyota’s older infotainment system. It had a nine-inch touchscreen featuring wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside physical buttons for common menus. Gauges were analog with a seven-inch digital display center offering basic driving information.

Despite the outdated setup, a Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM radio, and an optional 12-speaker JBL system were available. An optional rear-camera mirror offered a wide-angle feed, and trims featured in-dash navigation. USB ports were numerous, and a 1500-watt inverter provided additional power outlets in the second row and cargo area.

Optional features included an 11.6-inch rear-seat entertainment system and a 10-inch color head-up display.

Kia packed the 2023 Telluride with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. These included forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. Advanced features like adaptive cruise control, Highway Drive Assist, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist were also standard.

Starting with the SX trim, the Telluride included front parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, a surround-view camera, and several collision avoidance technologies. Every model had automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system with ultrasonic sensors.

The Toyota Safety Sense suite was standard on the 2024 Sienna. It included lane departure alert, pedestrian and cyclist detection, road sign recognition, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also part of the package.

While most systems worked well, the lane-keeping assist showed some side-to-side movement. The Sienna was equipped with plenty of airbags, including side-curtain airbags for all rows, alongside rear passenger seat belt reminders. It also had a Rear Occupant Alert system.

The Sienna received a four-star frontal crash and rollover rating and a five-star side crash rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated it as “Good” in crashworthiness and child restraint systems but only “Average” for front crash prevention.