2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a standout in the Land Rover lineup, outselling the Discovery by a significant margin. Despite being similar in size and price, the Defender's boxy, classic truck design resonated more with customers who favored its rugged, square-jawed appearance over the Discovery's more conventional look. The Defender's design paid homage to its 1980s predecessor with tasteful accents like the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and a full-size wheel mounted on the hatch. Available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—the Defender offered unparalleled choice and versatility, appealing to those who appreciated its functional and durable interior, even if it lacked the opulence of a Range Rover.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Telluride attracted buyers with its fundamentally attractive forms and proportions, enhanced by the X-Line and X-Pro packages. The Telluride's styling updates, including the Wolf Gray paint and blacked-out X-Line styling, maintained its appeal. Inside, the Telluride offered a range of interior colors and premium materials like Nappa leather seats, creating a near-luxury experience. The SUV's thoughtful design included a dual-screen digital display panel, metallic accents, and a variety of cabin color options that complemented the simulated open-pore wood trim. Despite some shiny plastic in the lower interior portions, the Telluride's cabin was well-received for its comfort and style.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a formidable off-road vehicle, boasting impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its air suspension allowed it to tackle challenging terrains, although most owners rarely used its full capabilities. On-road, the Defender's performance was less refined, with noticeable body roll, slow steering, and wind noise. However, its turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided ample power, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, while the four-cylinder engine was less impressive at 296 hp and 295 lb-ft. Fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 14/19/16 mpg, the six-cylinder 18/23/20, and the four-cylinder 17/20/18.

The 2024 Kia Telluride, powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, offered a smooth and refined driving experience. Its eight-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive with a locking center differential provided good traction and handling. The Telluride's towing capacity reached 5,500 pounds with the X-Pro package. While not the most fuel-efficient, averaging 19 mpg in combined driving, the Telluride excelled in ride comfort and handling. It featured Torque Vectoring Cornering Control and a self-leveling rear suspension, making it feel more athletic in curves. The Telluride's ride was firm at lower speeds but compliant at higher velocities, providing a comfortable and stable driving experience.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in versatility, offering unmatched seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 and 130 models offered optional third rows, accommodating up to eight passengers. The Defender's large glass areas and panoramic moonroof provided excellent visibility, and its cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering up to 77 cubic feet. The Defender's off-road capabilities were complemented by features like a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps, making it a practical choice for adventurous families.

The 2024 Kia Telluride prioritized comfort and convenience, especially in higher trim levels. The SX Prestige X-Line model featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a dual sunroof. The Telluride's controls were user-friendly, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and physical buttons. Thoughtful details included a digital instrumentation panel with scenic landscapes and generous storage space. The Telluride's hands-free power liftgate and ample cargo space, with a maximum volume of 87 cubic feet, made it a practical choice for families. The X-Line and X-Pro packages added useful roof rails for additional storage.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered two touchscreen infotainment systems with Pivi Pro software, known for its reliability. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch touchscreen provided easy operation, with features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a voice assistant. The Defender's technology package included heated front seats, a proximity key, and power-folding mirrors. Higher trims added features like a Meridian stereo, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. Kia Connect subscription plans offered various features, including voice recognition, remote engine starting, and over-the-air updates. The Telluride's tech highlights included a Harman Kardon audio system, a blue-light filter for the display, and a digital key function. Additional features like a camera-based rearview mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system enhanced safety and convenience.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, praised for its solid structure. It came with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. However, the Defender lacked a self-steering highway assist.

The 2024 Kia Telluride impressed with its standard Kia Drive Wise collection of driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Safety feature upgrades included front parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor system. The Telluride earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.