2023 Kia Telluride Review
2023 Kia Telluride Review
2023 Kia Telluride Review - It's no surprise that the 2023 Kia Telluride SUV is so popular, what with its convenient features, reasonable pricing, and attractive design. The Telluride has a wide variety of available trims, each of which offers a high level of standard equipment and a driving experience on par with luxury SUVs costing twice as much. The Telluride has an air of sophistication on the road because to its refined V-6 engine, quiet cabin, and competent driving. The Telluride's large and luxurious interior is perfect for long-distance cruising, and its 5500-pound towing capability makes it suitable for dragging around a small boat or camper. The Telluride not only succeeds brilliantly in its intended role, but it also raises the bar for its rivals in the mid-size crossover segment.
In 2023, what's new?
The Telluride receives a facelift for 2023 that improves its aesthetics by modernizing its grille, headlights, and front bumper. Inside, Kia installed a brand new digital dashboard with a pair of 12.3-inch screens for displaying information and analog gauges. Kia appears to be drawing a cue from the layouts of higher-end vehicles like the BMW iX, Cadillac Escalade, and Mercedes-Benz GLS-class. All models now come equipped with navigation and some even have their own Wi-Fi hotspot! The Telluride's maximum towing capacity is increased from 4500 to 5500 pounds when upgrading to the more rugged-looking X-line or X-Pro trim.
It's with great regret that we have to suggest the SX version. There are all the trimmings of a high-end event, yet the price tag is surprisingly low. The SX has many luxurious options as standard equipment, such as a power driver's seat that adjusts 12 different ways, blacked-out 20-inch wheels, a premium Harman/Kardon sound system, sunroofs in both the front and back, and captain's seats in the second row. All-wheel drive is available for an additional $1900 for those who want the extra peace of mind it provides. With the addition of the SX Prestige package, we can upgrade our Telluride with features like a head-up display, heated and ventilated second-row seats, nappa leather upholstery, and more.
Powertrain, Efficiency, and Results
All Tellurides are powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that is naturally aspirated, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with a front-wheel-drive configuration that is fed by the engine and transmission, although all-wheel drive is available. The fastest model of the Telluride SX we tested reached 60 mph in in 7.1 seconds. The large Kia, on the other hand, didn't feel as responsive to throttle adjustments at lower speeds as some of its turbocharged competitors. The Telluride has a firmer-than-average ride, and the three-row SUV can be jarred off course by poorly maintained roads. An optional rear air suspension that adjusts its own height is also on offer. The braking system is top notch, and the steering is responsive and weighty. The Telluride can tow up to 5500 pounds and has a ground clearance of 8.0 inches, making it ideal for off-road adventures.
Economy on both Gasoline and in Actual Use
Unlike competing three-row SUVs, the Telluride is only available with a V-6 engine. Front-wheel drive is the most fuel efficient, with an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway from the Environmental Protection Agency. When compared to V-6-powered competitors like the Volkswagen Atlas and the Honda Pilot, all-wheel-drive vehicles get somewhat higher fuel economy in the city but worse fuel economy on the highway. On our 75 mph highway fuel-economy route, the all-wheel-drive Telluride achieved 24 mpg, which is in line with the EPA's rating. Furthermore, in our real-world test, the Atlas achieved 24 mpg while the Pilot achieved 27 mpg. The EPA's website has further details concerning the Telluride's gas mileage.
Cabin, Leisure, and Storage
There's no denying the Telluride's interior is high-end and comfy, regardless of what you may have heard about the car's daring exterior. High-quality construction, aesthetically pleasing components, and an abundance of useful extras are all hallmarks of this product. The SX grade comes standard with the most luxurious features, such as a memory-setting driver's seat, a head-up display, heated and ventilated back seats, a premium headliner, and nappa leather upholstery. The Telluride's interior is even more roomy than that of the seven-seat Kia Sorento, particularly in the very rear row, because it is longer by several inches. With the second-row bench seat in place, the vehicle can accommodate eight people, while the two available captain's chairs reduce it to seven. We were able to fit 35 carry-on bags in total, including four behind its third row and with both back rows folded flat.
Integration of Connectivity and Entertainment
A 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, in-dash navigation, and an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot are just some of the goodies standard on every Telluride. Also included are a 110-volt power inverter, wireless phone charging, and a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system. With the help of a technology called Driver Talk, the driver's speech can be amplified and broadcasted to the rearmost two rows of seats.
Systematic Measures for the Protection of Passengers and Facilitation of the Driver
All Telluride models come standard with a full suite of driver assistance systems. Kia also offers a Blind-Spot View Monitor and a 360-degree video system as optional extras. This innovation utilizes a camera to display a visual representation of the blind area in the instrument cluster. Results from crash tests can be found on the websites of the NHTSA and the IIHS. These are some of the most important safety features:
- Automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning systems are now standard.
- Lane-keeping assistance and lane-departure warning systems are becoming the norm.
- General blind spot detection
- Protection from Breakdowns and Warranties
The Kia powertrain warranty is the longest in the industry, and it's also one of the longest in general. However, unlike competitors like the Toyota Highlander and the Chevrolet Traverse, it does not come with complimentary planned maintenance.