2025 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Lexus NX
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the rugged utility of the 2025 Kia Telluride and the fuel-sipping refinement of the 2026 Lexus NX boils down to prioritizing size versus efficiency. If your budget stretches only to $36,390, the Telluride offers significantly more raw power, boasting 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque compared to the NX's 240 hp, though it demands a higher fuel budget with a 22 combined MPG, versus the Lexus's impressive 40 combined MPG. Families needing space will appreciate the Telluride’s larger footprint (196.9 inches long), even though the NX technically offers slightly more primary cargo space at 22.7 cu ft versus the Kia's 21 cu ft. The $7,785 MSRP gap is substantial, making the Telluride the accessible, high-horsepower choice, while the NX leans heavily on hybrid efficiency and a premium badge.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Lexus NX
The 2026 Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its significantly superior 40 combined MPG efficiency, drastically cutting fuel costs over daily driving routes.
2025 Kia Telluride
The 2025 Kia Telluride is better for larger families due to its superior size, measuring 196.9 inches in length compared to the shorter Lexus.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is the enthusiast's choice because it delivers 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, far outpacing the Lexus's 240 hp output.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride offers superior power and size for its $36,390 MSRP, representing a $7,785 saving over the starting price of the Lexus.
Choose the Kia Telluride if...
- You prioritize raw horsepower, as the 2025 Telluride puts out 291 hp.
- Your budget requires a lower entry price, starting at $36,390.
- You need maximum cabin length and prefer regular unleaded fuel for running costs.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, boasting an exceptional 40 combined MPG rating.
- You prefer the smaller, more maneuverable size, measuring only 183.5 inches long.
- You are willing to pay a $7,785 premium for the expected Lexus luxury and hybrid efficiency.
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 | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 240 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 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 | continuously variable-speed 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 | 42/38 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 40 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 376.0/488.8 mi. | 609.0/551.0 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Telluride and 2026 Lexus NX.
How much more expensive is the 2026 Lexus NX than the 2025 Kia Telluride?
The 2026 Lexus NX has a higher starting MSRP of $44,175, which is exactly $7,785 more than the Kia Telluride’s $36,390 base price.
Which crossover is better for long highway commutes regarding fuel costs?
The 2026 Lexus NX is far better for minimizing fuel stops, achieving 38 MPG on the highway compared to the Kia Telluride's 26 MPG highway rating.
Is the Telluride's bigger engine worth the extra gasoline expense?
If you frequently tow or desire spirited driving, the Telluride's 291 hp might feel more satisfying, but its 22 combined MPG means you spend more at the pump compared to the NX's 40 combined MPG.
Does the larger Kia Telluride offer significantly more storage than the Lexus NX?
Surprisingly, no; the smaller Lexus NX actually holds slightly more, offering 22.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the seats versus the Telluride's 21 cubic feet.
What is the primary difference in power output between these two SUVs?
The Kia Telluride produces 291 horsepower, giving it a notable 51 hp advantage over the 240 hp generated by the 2026 Lexus NX.
Which vehicle uses cheaper fuel for its powertrain?
The 2025 Kia Telluride is designed for regular unleaded fuel, whereas the 2026 Lexus NX recommends premium unleaded, affecting long-term running costs.
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