2023 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2023 Kia Telluride: Off-Road Power or Urban Versatility
2023 Toyota 4Runner vs. the 2023 Kia Telluride
- Despite its aging platform, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner remains dominant in the midsize SUV segment.
- The 2023 Kia Telluride is one of its biggest and most updated competitors, gaining popularity every day.
- Both midsize SUVs have a lot to offer.
The midsize SUV segment is one of the hardest to break into, and the 2023 Toyota 4Runner has been a leading competitor for a long time. It could only take a brand-new, ultra-modern option like the 2023 Kia Telluride to steal its shine.
| 2023 Toyota 4Runner | 2023 Kia Telluride | |
| Pricing | $39,555 – $54,020 | $35,890 |
| Trim levels | Eight trim levels | Five trim levels |
| Engine Types + Sizes | V6 | V6 |
| Horsepower + Torque | 270 HP | 291 HP |
| Transmission + Drivetrain | Five-speed automatic | Eight-speed automatic |
| Fuel efficiency | 16 mpg city, 19 mpg hwy | 20 mpg city, 26 mpg hwy |
| Safety Rating | Four stars (NHTSA) | Four stars (NHTSA) |
| Generation (1st, 9th) | Fifth | First |
2023 Toyota 4Runner
- Pros: Capable, comfortable, and as reliable as it gets.
- Cons: Old style, old technology, old features.
Despite its shortcomings, there are many reasons why the 2023 Toyota 4Runner remains as popular as it is. Toyota equipped the 4Runner with plenty of off-road capability and is still comfortable enough for daily driving. The automaker has not updated the 2023 4Runner much in recent years, but a redesign is coming in the near future.
2023 Kia Telluride
- Pros: Modern interior, plenty of technology, updated styling.
- Cons: Kia’s reliability is still up for debate, build quality.
The 2023 Kia Telluride is well-thought-out and designed to be an excellent midsize SUV from the ground up. It has plenty of space, the newest safety systems, and a reasonable cost. Kia has been updated and improving the Telluride since it hit the market a few years ago.
2023 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2023 Kia Telluride: Driving and performance
Depending on how you plan to use the 2023 Toyota 4Runner or the 2023 Kia Telluride, both offer a solid driving experience. The 4Runner is comfortable on the roads and handles well enough for a very old SUV. It shined off-road, where the various systems help keep it firmly planted on the ground or casually traversing rocks.
The 2023 Kia Telluride is built for more everyday grocery getting, school runs, and family road trips. Kia offers some off-road specific trim levels if that is your end game, but it is primarily an excellent daily driver. All of the latest safety systems help keep the driver and passengers safe.
2023 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2023 Kia Telluride: Interior and tech
No matter how you slice it, the current version of the Toyota 4Runner falls behind. It has an eight-inch touchscreen, USB ports, and wired Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. It has five comfortable seats and plenty of cargo space, but it looks the same as when the 4Runner debuted in 2009. Comfortable and useful, but not modern.
The Kia Telluride interior has a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital gauges, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Kia also offers a Wi-Fi hotspot. Shoppers can opt for a bench seat in the second row or captain’s chairs, which makes the cabin more versatile. It also offers room for seven or eight passengers.
2023 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2023 Kia Telluride: Trim levels and features
The 2023 4Runner has eight trim levels, with a heavy focus on off-road capability. Toyota’s SR5 trim still comes pretty well equipped from the factory, but it might not have all of the bells and whistles shoppers are looking for in a brand-new SUV. It starts at $40,155, much higher than Kia’s entry-level LX trim. A fully-loaded TRD Pro is $54,620 but is the quintessential off-road vehicle in Toyota’s lineup.
| 2023 Toyota 4Runner Trims | MSRP | 2023 Kia Telluride Trims | MSRP |
| SR5 | $40,155 | LX | $35,890 |
| TRD Sport | $43,015 | S | $37,790 |
| SR5 Premium | $43,215 | EX | $41,490 |
| TRD Off Road | $44,000 | EX X-Line | $45,685 |
| TRD Off-Road Premium | $46,580 | SX | $45,690 |
| 40th Anniversary Special Edition | $47,720 | SX X-Line | $49,085 |
| Limited | $49,390 | SX X-Pro | $50,085 |
| TRD Pro | $54,620 | SX Prestige | $50,590 |
| SX Prestige X-Line | $51,985 | ||
| SX Prestige X-Pro | $52,985 |
On the flip side, the 2023 Telluride has 10 trim levels to choose from, focusing on technology. The base LX trim comes well-equipped for $35,890 and has plenty of helpful features to keep your passengers charged and comfortable. Kia’s fully-loaded SX Prestige X-Pro is $52,985 and fairly off-road capable.
Which midsize SUV is right for you?
The good news is that the 2023 Toyota 4Runner and the 2023 Kia Telluride have more pros than cons. The 2023 4Runner makes a lot of sense for those who value reliability and off-road capability over the newest (and sometimes finicky) technology. Toyota has not changed the magic formula of the 4Runner in many years, and the sales numbers prove that it doesn’t really have to.
When it comes to the 2023 Telluride, this midsize SUV is suitable for the family-oriented and technologically aware driver. You can get a more off-road capable and rugged-looking Telluride, but that isn’t this model’s bread and butter. It also has some reliability concerns that pop up occasionally. However, it offers a lot of value and trim levels to choose from that make it more universally appealing than the 4Runner.
No matter which midsize SUV you settle on, you’ll likely drive off the dealership lot with a smile on your face. The next destination is up to you, but both Toyota and Kia can get you there safely.
