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The 2023 Kia Telluride costs between $1,700 and $2,900 more than the 2022 Kia Telluride, but you won’t be getting a lot more for your money with the newer model unless you’re looking for all-wheel drive.
The Kia Telluride has been a hit among drivers and experts thanks to its strapping style, well-equipped and spacious interior, and reasonable purchase and
car insurance
costs. Whether you’re looking for an SUV to get your family to and from soccer practices or just want some extra space for solo adventures, the Telluride has you covered.If you’re looking for a newer Telluride, you might be trying to decide if the 2023 or 2022 model is right for you. We’re here with everything you need to know to decide which one is better.
2023 Kia Telluride vs. 2022 Kia Telluride: what’s the difference?
Since its debut in 2019, the Telluride has come out on top as one of the most popular in the pack. But does it really keep getting better with each incarnation?
When it comes to the latest model, Kia has kept the high standard the Telluride set—but it hasn’t changed too much. The 2023 Telluride boasts many of the same features as the 2022 model, including the engine. That said, there are a few trims that up the ante.
Let's take a look at exactly how the two compare:
Pricing
Prices for the 2023 Kia Telluride went up by between $1,700 and $2,900 from the 2022 model, depending on which trim you are looking at. The biggest price difference is between the 2022 and 2023 Telluride EX.
Kia added a few new trims for 2023, as well: the Telluride X-Line, X-Pro, and SX-Prestige.
Model | 2023 MSRP | 2022 MSRP |
|---|---|---|
Kia Telluride LX | $37,025 | $34,725 |
Kia Telluride S | $38,925 | $37,225 |
Kia Telluride EX | $42,625 | $39,725 |
Kia Telluride X-Line | $46,820 | N/A |
Kia Telluride SX | $46,825 | $44,625 |
Kia Telluride X-Pro | $51,220 | N/A |
Kia Telluride SX-Prestige | $51,725 | N/A |
General specs
So, what exactly are you paying more for in the 2023 Telluride? When it comes to the powertrain and engine, the answer is not much. Both the 2023 and 2022 Telluride are powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that generates 291 horsepower.
The only real difference is which powertrain comes standard for each year. None of the 2022 Tellurides came with all-wheel drive—it was only offered as an option at an additional cost. On the other hand, some 2023 trims come standard with AWD.
Both years have been praised for their roomy interiors, which feature three rows of seats with plenty of legroom for drivers and passengers alike.
2023 Kia Telluride | 2022 Kia Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
Base engine (All trims) | 3.8-liter V6 engine (291 horsepower) | 3.8-liter V6 engine (291 horsepower) |
Transmission | Eight-speed automatic transmission | Eight-speed automatic transmission |
Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard on LX, S, EX, SX All-wheel drive (AWD) standard on EX X-Line, SX X-Line, SX X-Pro, SX Prestige, SX Prestige X-Line, and SX Prestige X-Pro AWD optional on all other trims | FWD with AWD optional on all trims |
Maximum towing capacity | 5,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
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The 2022 and 2023 Tellurides share an engine, and most versions from both years can be equipped with either front- or all-wheel drive. Their fuel economy ratings are the same, with EPA-estimated mileage ratings as follows:
- V6 engine with FWD: 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined
- V6 engine with AWD: 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined
These aren’t terrible ratings, but they also are nowhere near the best out there. Other SUVs in this class, like the
Toyota Corolla Cross
and the Nissan Rogue S
, average more than 30 mpg. This is one of the Tellurides only weak spots, though, so if fuel economy isn’t high on your list of priorities, it may still be the right pick for you.Safety ratings
The 2022 Kia Telluride boasts a five-star
NHTSA safety rating
and was named a 2022 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).While the 2023 Kia Telluride has yet to be rated by the NHTSA, it is projected to earn similar scores thanks to both model years featuring similar standard safety features. Those include the following:
- Forward-collision warning
- Automated emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring.
There are also several additional safety options available, like a 360-degree camera system. The 2023 Telluride even updates the Highway Driving Assist to the 2.0 version with lane-change assistance.
When it comes to the vehicle’s shortcomings, the main complaint for the 2022 Telluride is regarding the headlights, which were found to be lacking on curves by the IIHS. Consumers also report visibility issues in complaints to the NHTSA.
The 2023 model doesn’t appear to have quite as many visibility complaints as its predecessor, which may have something to do with the updated LED headlights.
MORE:
Car loans for Kia 2022
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversStyling and interior changes
Many of the updates for the 2023 Telluride were on the exterior and served to give the newer model a more rugged appearance while maintaining its sleek style. Those updates include the following:
- New grille design
- New LED headlamps
- Front bumper redesign
Check out the inside and you’ll find that the 2023 comes with a new all-digital instrument panel and two 12.3-inch screens—one for the infotainment system and one for the gauge display. These replace the 2022’s 10.3-inch touchscreen.
On both trims you can find:
- Keyless entry
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Heated mirrors
- Automatic climate control
- Semi-autonomous adaptive cruise control
If you’re looking for the top-of-the-line Telluride, the
SX
Prestige—which can come equipped with extra packages like the X-Pro and X-Line—is your best bet. The Prestige comes equipped with features like rain-sensing wipers, a digital rearview camera mirror, Nappa leather seating, and second-row heated and ventilated seats.X-Line and X-Pro
For 2023, Kia added the X-Line and X-Pro options, both of which are designed for more off-roading capabilities than their counterparts. The trims have a rugged appearance and come equipped with all-wheel drive.
So what’s the difference between these two tougher trims?
- The X-Line features 20-inch wheels, an extra 0.4-inches of height, and bigger roof rails
- The X-Pro comes with 18-inch all-terrain tires, and a power outlet in the cargo section of the SUV
MORE: Kia paint codes
2023 Kia Telluride vs. 2022 Kia Telluride: which should you buy?
When the 2022 Kia Telluride and the 2023 Kia Telluride go head-to-head, the competition is close. When it comes down to it though, the 2022 Kia Telluride will give you a better bang for your buck.
There is one exception, though. If all-wheel drive is important to you, you may want to opt for one of the 2023 models on which it comes standard—otherwise, you’ll be paying thousands more for a 2022 with AWD.
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers
By Meaghan Branham
Expert Insurance Writer
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett.
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