2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Kia Telluride

The 2025 Kia Telluride presented a lineup that could be somewhat perplexing, with five core trim levels ranging from the Telluride LX to the SX Prestige. Base prices spanned from $36,390 to $51,390, excluding a $1,415 destination charge. The X-Line package, available on all but the LX and S trims, added features like standard all-wheel drive, a locking center differential, and increased ground clearance, with prices from $46,485 to $52,785 plus destination. The X-Pro trim further enhanced the EX X-Line and SX Prestige X-Line with all-terrain tires and increased towing capacity, priced at $47,385 and $53,685, respectively, plus destination. The SX Prestige X-Pro package, with its comprehensive equipment and off-roading capability, reached an MSRP of $56,240, including destination. The Telluride's design was attractive, though the blacked-out X-Line and X-Pro treatments diminished some of its personality. Inside, the luxurious black-over-Terracotta interior contrasted sharply with the blue exterior, featuring upscale materials like chevron-pattern Nappa leather and simulated wood trim. However, the lower cabin plastics revealed cost-cutting measures. The dual-screen display, while technologically advanced in appearance, retained physical controls for ease of use, though some markings were hard to discern in daylight.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, was priced at $75,000 and featured exclusive Incognito paint and orange brake calipers. Despite these unique touches, the RX's design remained unremarkable, with its large grille and rear haunches. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h with 246 hp and 36 mpg, the RX 500h with 366 hp and 27 mpg, and the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 37 miles of electric range and 35 mpg. All models came with standard all-wheel drive, with various trim levels available. The RX 500h, in particular, offered F Sport Performance and Black Line Special Edition trims. Inside, the RX boasted a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting. Ergonomically, the controls varied from baffling to brilliant, with Lexus avoiding the single curved display trend. The RX's interior was comfortable, with ample room for adults and practical storage solutions, though some features expected to be standard were optional.

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 the LX, S, EX, and SX trims, while other versions featured standard all-wheel drive with a center locking differential. The AWD system was optional for the S, EX, and SX models. The Telluride offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode adapting to driver behavior. AWD models also included a Snow mode. Despite competitors switching to turbocharged four-cylinders, the Telluride's V6 was smooth and refined, delivering 20.2 mpg over nearly 1,200 miles, aligning with the EPA's 20 mpg combined rating. The X-Pro package's all-terrain tires traded on-pavement grip for off-road traction, proving beneficial on rough surfaces but less so on treacherous highways. The Telluride's suspension and tires excelled on uneven roads, while brake pedal behavior was occasionally sticky in traffic. The Telluride's ground clearance was 8.0 inches, increasing to 8.4 inches with the X-Line and X-Pro versions.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance. The RX 350h, with 246 hp and 233 pound-feet of torque from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, prioritized efficiency over excitement. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 304 hp and a 6.2-second 0-60 mph time, available only in Luxury trim. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission, produced 366 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque, achieving quicker acceleration but lower fuel economy. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and the Direct4 AWD system, adjusting power distribution based on conditions. Despite its power, the RX 500h averaged 20.9 mpg, below the EPA's 27 mpg estimate. The RX 500h's drivetrain was rewarding but occasionally hesitant, and its adaptive suspension produced unnatural sensations. While capable on twisty roads, the RX 500h filtered communication, making it difficult to gauge dynamic limits. The Goodyear Eagle Touring tires provided some feedback, but the RX 500h prioritized appearance and straight-line acceleration over dynamic satisfaction.

The 2025 Kia Telluride SX Prestige model's interior was thoughtfully designed, featuring heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, which were a rarity in the midsize three-row SUV segment. The Telluride included practical features like door armrest trays, USB-C charging ports in the front seatbacks, and smartphone storage sleeves for second-row passengers. The driver's seat offered a lumbar massage function, enhancing long-distance comfort. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with a rear climate control zone and overhead glass roof panel enhancing the travel experience. The third-row seat, while folded flat for luggage during the trip, was reasonably comfortable for adults and acceptable for kids on longer journeys. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, with a hidden compartment under the load floor. Folding the third-row seats expanded cargo space to 46 cubic feet, and flattening the second-row seats increased it to 87 cubic feet, providing ample storage for most needs.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space, with the RX 500h F Sport Performance model featuring snug heated and ventilated front seats with enhanced bolstering. However, the bottom cushions were less comfortable after extended periods. The automatic climate system's fan was loud, and the panoramic sunroof extended over the rear seat. The RX offered optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated rear seats, providing ample room for adults. Interior storage was practical, though the rear center armrest lacked lining, potentially causing noise. The RX Hybrid provided 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding the second row expanded cargo volume to 46.2 cubic feet, which was modest for a midsize SUV.

The 2025 Kia Telluride SX and SX Prestige trims featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a single glass panel, complemented by a 10-inch head-up display in the SX Prestige. The head-up display provided blind-spot alerts, while the Blind Spot View Monitor showed live video feeds of blind spots during lane changes. The center touchscreen included a blue light filter to reduce eye strain. However, the Telluride lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the data port was USB-A. The native voice recognition system was rudimentary, but manual address entry was possible while in motion. SiriusXM satellite radio and multi-device Bluetooth connectivity were available, with the 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system delivering impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid met luxury expectations with its technology offerings. The RX 500h Black Line Special Edition featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, though the unlabeled, dual-function steering wheel controls were distracting. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a volume knob and large climate control dials, with a 14-inch touchscreen display. The RX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and streaming services like Apple Music and Amazon Music. Drive Connect provided cloud-based navigation and Wi-Fi Connect transformed the RX into a mobile hotspot. The Mark Levinson audio system delivered excellent sound, though steering wheel controls were challenging to use while driving.

The 2025 Kia Telluride featured the Drive Wise suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), offering a comprehensive range of safety features. Standard equipment included forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, intersection assistance, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. Adaptive cruise control and a safe exit assist system were also standard. Highway Driving Assist, a semi-autonomous highway driver assistance system, was standard across all trims. The SX Prestige X-Pro model added features like the Blind Spot View Monitor, evasive steering assist, and front cross-traffic alert. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification, an SOS emergency assistance button, and roadside assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) was standard, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was also standard. Predictive Driving Assist (PDA) monitored forward progress and used braking or steering input to maintain safe distances. The RX's optional Convenience Package included a surround-view camera. The RX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it Poor in the updated moderate overlap frontal-impact test.