Compare the2023 Volvo XC90VS 2022 Kia Telluride

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and second-row seat shoulder belts of the Volvo XC90 have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Kia Telluride doesn’t offer pretensioners for its second-row seat belts.

The XC90’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Telluride doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

For enhanced safety, the front and middle seat shoulder belts of the Volvo XC90 are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Kia Telluride doesn’t offer height-adjustable middle seat belts.

The Volvo XC90 offers an optional built in child booster seat. It’s more crash worthy than an added child seat because of its direct attachment to the seat. Kia doesn’t offer the convenience and security of a built-in child booster seat in the Telluride. Their owners must carry a heavy booster seat in and out of the vehicle; XC90 owners can just fold their built-in child seat up or down.

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the XC90 deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The XC90’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Telluride’s side airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

The XC90 has a standard Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the WHIPS allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. At the same time the pretensioning seatbelts fire, removing slack from the belts. The Telluride doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The XC90 has standard Post-impact braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Telluride doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The XC90 has standard CTA Auto Brake that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Telluride doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the XC90. But it costs extra on the Telluride.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the XC90’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Telluride doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

Both the XC90 and the Telluride have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Volvo XC90 is safer than the Kia Telluride:

	XC90	Telluride
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	137	281
Neck Injury Risk	27%	27%
Neck Stress	252 lbs.	275 lbs.
Neck Compression	18 lbs.	32 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	217	378
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.4 inches
Neck Injury Risk	31%	36%
Neck Compression	25 lbs.	91 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	383/334 lbs.	351/369 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Volvo XC90 is safer than the Kia Telluride:

	XC90	Telluride
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	255 lbs.	440 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	94	137
Spine Acceleration	40 G’s	47 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	14 inches
HIC	209	450
Spine Acceleration	29 G’s	52 G’s
Hip Force	383 lbs.	640 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the XC90 its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 95 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Telluride is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2022.

Warranty

The XC90’s corrosion warranty is 7 years and unlimited miles longer than the Telluride’s (12/unlimited vs. 5/100,000).

Volvo pays for scheduled maintenance on the XC90 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. Volvo will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Telluride.

Reliability

The battery on the XC90 is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the XC90’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The Telluride’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

Engine

The XC90 B6’s standard 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cylinder hybrid produces 4 more horsepower (295 vs. 291) and 48 lbs.-ft. more torque (310 vs. 262) than the Telluride’s 3.8 DOHC V6. The XC90 T8’s standard 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cylinder hybrid produces 164 more horsepower (455 vs. 291) and 261 lbs.-ft. more torque (523 vs. 262) than the Telluride’s 3.8 DOHC V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the XC90 B6 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cylinder is faster than the Kia Telluride:

	XC90	Telluride
Zero to 30 MPH	2.3 sec	2.6 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6 sec	7.1 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	15.5 sec	17.3 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	3.4 sec	3.7 sec
Quarter Mile	14.6 sec	15.4 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	97 MPH	94 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the XC90 running on electricity gets better mileage than the Telluride:

			MPGe
XC90
	AWD	Extended Range Electric Motor	64 city/68 hwy
		T8 Electric Motor	58 city/53 hwy
Telluride
			MPG
	FWD	3.8 DOHC V6	20 city/26 hwy
	AWD	3.8 DOHC V6	19 city/24 hwy

On the EPA test cycle the XC90 running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Telluride:

			MPG
XC90
	AWD	2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cyl. Hybrid	26 city/28 hwy
		Extended Range 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cyl. Hybrid	25 city/27 hwy
		2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/28 hwy
		2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cyl.	20 city/26 hwy
Telluride
	FWD	3.8 DOHC V6	20 city/26 hwy
	AWD	3.8 DOHC V6	19 city/24 hwy

The XC90 can travel with zero emissions for 18 to 36 miles (dependent on model). The Telluride can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the XC90’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Telluride doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the XC90’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip (not available Recharge). The Telluride doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The XC90 has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Telluride doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the XC90’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Telluride:

	XC90 B5/B6	XC90 T8 Plus	Telluride
Front Rotors	13.6 inches	14.4 inches	13.4 inches
Rear Rotors	12.6 inches	13.4 inches	12 inches

The XC90’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Telluride are solid, not vented.

The XC90 stops much shorter than the Telluride:

	XC90	Telluride
70 to 0 MPH	167 feet	177 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	113 feet	126 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the XC90’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Telluride (275/45R20 vs. 245/60R18).

The XC90’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Telluride LX/EX’s standard 60 series tires. The XC90’s optional tires have a lower 35 series profile than the Telluride S/SX’s 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the XC90 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Telluride LX/EX. The XC90’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the Telluride S/SX.

Suspension and Handling

The XC90 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Telluride’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the XC90’s wheelbase is 3.3 inches longer than on the Telluride (117.5 inches vs. 114.2 inches).

The XC90’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51.7% to 48.3%) than the Telluride’s (55.7% to 44.3%). This gives the XC90 more stable handling and braking.

The XC90 B6 Core handles at .84 G’s, while the Telluride SX 4x4 pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The XC90 B6 Core executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.9 seconds quicker than the Telluride SX 4x4 (26.8 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 28.7 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the XC90 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Telluride (8.8 vs. 8 inches), allowing the XC90 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The XC90 w/Air Suspension’s minimum ground clearance is 1.9 inches higher than on the Telluride (9.9 vs. 8 inches).

Chassis

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the XC90 B6 Core is quieter than the Telluride SX 4x4 (71 vs. 75 dB).

Passenger Space

The XC90 has .5 inches more third row legroom and 1.2 inches more third row hip room than the Telluride.

The front step up height for the XC90 is 3.7 inches lower than the Telluride (15.8” vs. 19.5”). The XC90’s rear step up height is 3.3 inches lower than the Telluride’s (16” vs. 19.3”).

Cargo Capacity

The XC90’s cargo area is larger than the Telluride’s in almost every dimension:

	XC90	Telluride
Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st)	21.8”/49.6”/80.3”	20.4”/49.8”/83.8”
Max Width	54.7”	54.4”
Min Width	44.5”	43.5”
Height	35”	34.5”

The XC90 has a standard third row seat which folds flat into the floor. This completely clears a very large cargo area quickly. The Telluride doesn’t offer seats that fold into the floor.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors in the Telluride SX, the XC90 Ultimate has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

If the windows are left open on the XC90 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Telluride can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The XC90’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Telluride’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the XC90 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Telluride doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The XC90’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Telluride’s standard projector halogen headlights and light instantly. LED lights also last over twenty times longer than halogen.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The XC90 offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Telluride doesn’t offer headlight washers.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the XC90 has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Telluride doesn’t offer cornering lights. The XC90 also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The XC90’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Telluride offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The XC90 Ultimate offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Telluride.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Volvo XC90 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Telluride S/EX/SX offers wireless charging.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the XC90 is less expensive to operate than the Telluride because it costs $200 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the XC90 than the Telluride, including $139 less for a muffler, $9 less for front brake pads, $434 less for a timing belt/chain and $103 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

The Car Book by Jack Gillis recommends the Volvo XC90, based on economy, maintenance, safety and complaint levels.

The XC90 was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2016. The Telluride has never been an “All Star.”

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the XC90 as the 2016 North American Truck of the Year. The Telluride has never been chosen.