2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Volvo XC90

Stylistically, Volvo's transition from the boxy aesthetics of the 80s and 90s to the sleek, modern designs was clear in the 2023 XC90. This model boasted a purposeful yet unassuming appearance. The front end was solid without being overbearing, and the grille was assertive but not flashy. Recognizable “Thor’s Hammer” headlights added a contemporary charm, making it a far cry from the utilitarian looks of Volvo’s past.

Our tested AWD Ultimate trim came with 21-inch wheels that filled the wheel wells nicely, adding a dash of drama to the otherwise composed design. Finished in Platinum Gray paint, the color revealed rich brown undertones under direct sunlight, adding depth to the overall aesthetics. The interior exuded elegance with two-tone leather on the steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was accentuated by wood deco inlays, contributing to a sophisticated yet straightforward cabin environment.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered five core trim levels, with the X-Line and X-Pro packages adding ruggedness to its appeal. The X-Line featured standard AWD, improved ground clearance, unique grille and wheel designs, and practical roof rails. The X-Pro added matte-black wheels, all-terrain tires, and increased towing capacity to 5,500 pounds.

The SX Prestige X-Line test model radiated charm with Wolf Gray paint and blacked-out styling. Its interior showcased premium Nappa leather seats, a dual sunroof, and horizontally oriented controls. Though some metallic buttons were hard to read in bright sunlight, the overall cabin design was both stylish and functional. The cabin offered various color schemes—rich Mahogany brown, festive Terracotta brown, light gray, dark blue, and Sage Green—which complemented the simulated open-pore wood trim and masked the shiny plastic parts effectively.

For 2023, Volvo introduced new B5 and B6 engines for the XC90, incorporating mild-hybrid technology to enhance fuel efficiency and smooth operation. Our test model housed the B6 engine, which, alongside a supercharger and turbocharger, produced 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly down from the previous 316 hp and 295 lb-ft.

While the mild hybrids didn’t offer the same fuel economy as full hybrids, they provided smoother operation and an almost imperceptible auto stop-start technology. The XC90’s eight-speed automatic transmission performed efficiently, and the vehicle accelerated quickly and handled corners with minimal roll despite its substantial dimensions. Road and wind noise were well-insulated, and the brakes felt firm and reliable. However, the driving dynamics were relatively simple, with limited customizable options.

The Telluride featured a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine, generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD variants included a locking center differential and Snow mode, enhancing traction on slippery surfaces. The SUV had a decent ground clearance of 8.4 inches with the X-Line and X-Pro packages and offered a self-leveling rear suspension.

Acceleration was smooth, and the Telluride had ample passing power on freeways. However, fuel efficiency was a drawback, with an average of 17.5 mpg in city driving. Despite this, the driving experience was refined, with responsive steering, solid brakes, and a firm ride at lower speeds that softened at higher velocities. Off-road, it performed better than anticipated, though not on par with specialized off-road vehicles.

The XC90’s front seats provided a tranquil and comfortable experience, but Scandinavian minimalism resulted in limited storage space. There was no dedicated cell phone cubby, and the USB port was inconveniently located in the small center console bin. The second-row seats were comfortable yet challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult, especially with the standard second-row bench seat. Opting for second-row captain’s chairs required an upgrade to the B6 engine, adding to the cost and complexity.

Cargo space was 12.5 cubic feet with all seats in use, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down, trailing behind competitors like the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX. The XC90’s smaller size contributed to a more car-like driving experience but at the expense of interior space.

The Telluride’s interior was spacious and comfortable, especially in higher trims. Our test model featured Nappa leather, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a third row capable of accommodating adults. The controls were user-friendly, and the horizontal layout made for easy access. Generous storage space was available, including a covered cubby ahead of the shifter and large door panel bins.

The cargo capacity was notably superior, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet, making it one of the most capacious vehicles in its segment. The hands-free power liftgate with automatic closing added convenience, although turning the feature off could be desirable in specific scenarios.

The XC90’s tech featured a 9-inch vertically oriented touchscreen running Google OS, integrating many Google services like Maps and Assistant. The voice recognition was excellent, thanks to Google’s natural language processing capabilities. Commands could also be issued via Google Home devices, adding to the car’s smart home integration.

However, Volvo’s excessive reliance on the touchscreen for various controls led to frustration. While the minimalist design was aesthetically pleasing, it required time to get used to the interface.

The Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Despite requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, it was easy to pair a smartphone via Bluetooth. Kia Connect subscription services offered additional functionalities like voice recognition, remote engine starting, and Amazon Alexa compatibility.

The test vehicle also included satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Features like a blue-light filter, Quiet Mode, and the ability to project the driver’s voice to rear passengers added thoughtful touches. The digital key option and a camera-based rearview mirror enhanced convenience and safety.

Volvo’s reputation for safety was upheld in the 2023 XC90. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist, which maintained distance from the car ahead and assisted with lane-keeping up to highway speeds. These features were part of the XC90’s standard equipment.

The Telluride came with Kia Drive Wise, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear occupant protection. Highway Driving Assist was standard, offering semi-autonomous capabilities like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering.

Optional safety upgrades included front parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, evasive steering assist, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist 2.0 system included automatic lane changing but had mixed performance in moderate traffic. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.