BMW X3 vs Kia Telluride

Since its inception in 2003, the BMW X3 has grown to become one of the brand’s top sellers. And starting with its second generation (circa 2010), the luxury compact crossover has been built at BMW Spartanburg—the automaker’s only manufacturing facility north of the Mexican border. Incidentally, because Spartanburg is the global producer of every gas-powered BMW crossover besides the X1 and X2, the plant also boasts the highest production numbers of any BMW plant worldwide. One can speculate that the popular X3 has a lot to do with that.

Last redesigned for 2018, the X3 receives a rather hefty mid-cycle refresh for 2022. Updates include design tweaks, new engines, more technology, and an expanded suite of safety features. (Interestingly, while the BMW X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid has been dropped from the lineup in the United States, it continues in 2022 in Canada. This model is not covered in this review.)

The 2024 Telluride is one of those rare vehicles that’s almost perfect right off the drafting table. A midsize, three-row crossover SUV, the Telluride was transformational for Kia when it debuted in 2020. Five years later, Kia hasn’t messed with its success, following last year’s refresh with minor detail changes for 2024, including gloss-black exterior detailing for the X-Line and X-Pro versions. All it’s missing for near perfection is a more efficient hybrid powertrain.

Verdict: To say we recommend buying the 2024 Kia Telluride isn’t the whole story. This is a midsize SUV we would buy ourselves, and we test-drive and evaluate scores of new vehicles each year. Stylish and safe, roomy and rugged, and loaded with surprise-and-delight details, the 2024 Telluride is worthy.