Kia has a solid lineup of crossover SUVs. This includes the compact Sportage and the midsize Telluride. Find out the differences between the two crossover SUVs in this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Kia Telluride comparison. 

2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Kia Telluride: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Kia Telluride crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price. 

Sportage vs. Telluride: Performance and gas mileage

On the performance front, the 2023 Kia Sportage offers three engine choices: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower), a hybrid (226 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid (261 horsepower). In comparison, all 2023 Kia Telluride models have a 3.8-liter V-6 engine, which generates 291 horsepower.

With its smaller size, the Sportage is more maneuverable than the Telluride. This maneuverability helps with weaving in and out of city traffic. It also makes it easier to park the vehicle. 

For efficiency, the Sportage has the advantage. The fully gas-powered Sportage has an estimated fuel economy of up to 28 combined mpg, while the Sportage Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 43 combined mpg. Also, the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 84 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 35 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

In comparison, the Telluride has an estimated gas mileage of up to 23 combined mpg.

Sportage vs. Telluride: Towing

With its more powerful engine, the Telluride can tow more than the Sportage. It has a maximum towing capacity of 5,500 pounds, compared to 2,500 pounds for the Sportage. 

Sportage vs. Telluride: Off-road capabilities

For off-road capabilities and driving in adverse weather conditions, both the 2023 Sportage and 2023 Telluride offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system. Both crossover SUVs also have models that are geared for off-road use. The Sportage offers the X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige trims, while the Telluride offers the X-Line and X-Pro trims.

Sportage vs. Telluride: Safety

Both the Sportage and Telluride have a similar roster of safety and driving assistance features. This includes a blind spot monitor, brake assist, a collision avoidance system, safe exit assist, driver attention warning, lane-keeping assist, and parking distance warning.

Sportage vs. Telluride: Passenger and cargo space

The Telluride is bigger than the Sportage, which results in more interior space. While the official interior specs of the 2023 Telluride are not yet available, they will likely be similar to the 2022 Telluride, which has a total passenger volume of 178.1 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 87.0 cu-ft. In comparison, the 2023 Sportage has a total passenger volume of 108 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 74.1 cu-ft.

Sportage vs. Telluride: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, both the Sportage and Telluride are backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. 

Sportage vs. Telluride: Price

Which Kia crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 Sportage or the 2023 Telluride? The starting price of the 2023 Sportage ranges from $25,990 MSRP for the LX trim up to $42,990 MSRP for the Plug-In Hybrid X-Line Prestige trim. 

The official price information for the 2023 Telluride is not yet available. However, the 2023 Telluride will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 Telluride. The starting price of the 2022 Telluride ranges from $33,090 MSRP for the LX trim up to $42,990 MSRP for the SX trim.

2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Kia Telluride: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Kia Telluride comparison, each crossover SUV has various advantages. For the 2023 Sportage, this includes maneuverability, gas mileage, and a lower price. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Telluride include performance, towing, and passenger and cargo space.