2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Lexus NX
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Lexus NX is the 88 horsepower advantage held by the Telluride (291 hp vs. 203 hp). Conversely, the Lexus NX leads significantly in fuel economy, achieving a combined 28 MPG compared to the Telluride's 22 MPG, representing a 6 MPG efficiency gap. This efficiency difference is further highlighted by the highway ratings: 33 MPG for the NX versus 26 MPG for the Kia. Pricewise, the Telluride starts $4,575 lower at $36,390 versus the NX's $40,965 MSRP. While the Telluride offers superior power, the NX provides 1.7 cubic feet more cargo space (22.7 cu ft vs. 21 cu ft) and possesses a notably smaller exterior footprint, being 13.4 inches shorter in length. These core differences frame the choice between raw power and refined efficiency in the compact crossover segment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX is superior for daily commuting due to its significantly better 28 combined MPG rating, requiring fewer fuel stops.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride wins for families based on its larger exterior dimensions and greater overall passenger/cargo volume potential, despite the NX having marginally more listed cargo capacity.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Telluride is the choice for performance enthusiasts as its 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque substantially outweigh the NX's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride offers better overall value, delivering 88 more horsepower for a starting price that is $4,575 less than the Lexus NX.
Choose the Kia Telluride if...
- You prioritize maximum engine output, evidenced by the Telluride's 291 hp rating.
- Your budget constraint favors a lower entry point, starting at $36,390.
- You require the greater physical presence provided by the Telluride's 196.9-inch length.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the NX achieves 33 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer a vehicle with superior city maneuverability, indicated by its smaller 183.5-inch length.
- You need the slightly larger primary cargo capacity of 22.7 cubic feet.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Telluride | Lexus NX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.9" | 183.5" |
| Width | 78.3" | 73.4" |
| Height | 68.9" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.8 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Kia | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 376.0/488.8 mi. | 377.0/478.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 9.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 10 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.9 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.6 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.9 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 36.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.2 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.0 in. | 52.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | P245/60R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Telluride and 2025 Lexus NX.
What is the fuel economy difference between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Lexus NX offers superior fuel efficiency, achieving 28 combined MPG. This is substantially better than the 2025 Kia Telluride, which is rated for 22 combined MPG.
Which vehicle offers more driving power?
The Kia Telluride is significantly more powerful, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Lexus NX trails considerably with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
How much more expensive is the Lexus NX compared to the Kia Telluride?
The starting MSRP of the 2025 Lexus NX ($40,965) is $4,575 higher than the 2025 Kia Telluride ($36,390).
Does one vehicle offer more cargo space?
The Lexus NX technically provides marginally more dedicated cargo volume at 22.7 cubic feet, whereas the Kia Telluride lists 21 cubic feet.
Are both models primarily front-wheel drive?
Yes, based on the standard specifications provided, both the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Lexus NX come standard with front-wheel drive configuration.
Which vehicle is physically larger?
The Kia Telluride is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 196.9 inches long and 78.3 inches wide, compared to the NX's 183.5-inch length and 73.4-inch width.
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