2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Lexus RX

$36,390 · Crossover

$49,125 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Lexus RX often boils down to prioritizing immediate savings versus perceived luxury and efficiency gains. The massive initial price disparity, with the Telluride starting at $36,390 versus the RX's $49,125 MSRP, immediately sets them apart. While both are FWD crossovers, the Telluride boasts slightly more raw power with 291 hp compared to the RX's 275 hp, although the RX counters with significantly better torque at 317 lb-ft versus 262 lb-ft. Fuel economy is a subtle win for the Lexus at 25 MPG combined versus the Kia's 22 MPG combined, but the Telluride can run on regular unleaded. Despite being shorter, the Telluride offers a smaller 21 cu ft of cargo space compared to the RX's generous 29.6 cu ft, making size a trade-off.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus RX

The 2025 Lexus RX wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus RX

Families will prefer the Lexus RX for its significantly larger 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Telluride's 21 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Telluride

The 2025 Kia Telluride appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher 291 hp output compared to the RX's 275 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride offers exceptional base value, saving buyers $12,735 at the entry price point.

Choose the Kia Telluride if...

You need to keep the initial purchase price under $40,000, as the Telluride starts at $36,390.
You prefer maximizing horsepower with 291 hp delivered through a standard 8-speed automatic transmission.
You want to avoid the higher running costs associated with premium unleaded fuel, as the Telluride takes regular.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

You prioritize maximum cargo hauling, benefiting from the RX's substantial 29.6 cu ft of space.
You value slightly better efficiency, as the RX achieves 25 MPG combined versus 22 MPG in the Kia.
You prefer the feel of higher low-end grunt, as the RX provides 317 lb-ft of torque compared to the Telluride's 262 lb-ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Telluride	Lexus RX
Length	196.9"	192.5"
Width	78.3"	75.6"
Height	68.9"	67.3"
Wheelbase	114.2"	112.2"

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	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	291 hp @ 6000 rpm	275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm	317 lb-ft @ 1700 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	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	376.0/488.8 mi.	391.6/516.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 gal.	17.8 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	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
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	12
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Lexus
Front Head Room	40.9 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.6 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	58.9 in.	56.7 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
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Lexus
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.4 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.2 in.	56.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.0 in.	55.9 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	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P245/60R18	✓
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓

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 RX.

What is the biggest practical difference in size between the 2025 Telluride and RX?

The Kia Telluride is longer at 196.9 inches compared to the Lexus RX's 192.5 inches, but the RX compensates by offering significantly more vertical storage space. The RX boasts 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, whereas the Telluride only manages 21 cu ft behind the rear seats.

Is the higher price of the Lexus RX justified by better fuel costs?

The Lexus RX costs $12,735 more upfront but does achieve better fuel economy at 25 MPG combined versus the Telluride's 22 MPG combined. However, the Telluride uses regular unleaded, while the RX recommends premium, which can offset some of those efficiency savings over time.

Which crossover is mechanically stronger based on these specs?

For sheer horsepower, the Kia Telluride leads with 291 hp; however, the Lexus RX offers superior pulling power with 317 lb-ft of torque compared to the Telluride’s 262 lb-ft. Both utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission for power delivery.

Are either of these vehicles smaller for city parking?

The Lexus RX is slightly more compact overall, measuring 192.5 inches long and 75.6 inches wide. The Kia Telluride is wider at 78.3 inches and slightly taller, which might make maneuvering in tight city spots marginally easier in the RX.

What is the horsepower difference when comparing the base models?

The 2025 Kia Telluride provides 291 hp from its engine. In comparison, the 2025 Lexus RX offers 275 hp, meaning the Kia has a distinct 16-horsepower advantage in its base FWD configuration.