What’s New in 2023 Kia Telluride?

Moe R
November 27, 2022

The 2023 Kia Telluride’s success is hardly surprising, given the SUV’s attractive design and affordable price. The Telluride has a lot of nice extras even on the base model, and the top trim is on pace with luxury SUVs costing twice as much. The Telluride exudes an air of sophistication on the road thanks to its refined V-6 engine, peaceful cabin, and assured driving dynamics. The Telluride’s 5500-pound towing capacity makes it suitable for towing a small boat or camper, and the vehicle’s roomy and comfortable cabin makes it an excellent choice for long-distance driving. The Telluride not only accomplishes its goals with flying colors, but it also raises the bar for its competition in the mid-size crossover segment.

Engine, Drivetrain, and Efficiency

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. Standard configuration has an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels; all-wheel drive is available. We timed a Telluride X-Line going from zero to sixty miles per hour, and it took just 6.8 seconds. The huge Kia, though, didn’t feel as responsive to throttle inputs at lower speeds as some of its turbocharged competitors. The Telluride has a rough ride, and the three-row SUV can be easily thrown off course by poorly maintained roads. It’s also possible to get a rear air suspension that automatically adjusts the height. The braking system is top-notch, and the steering is responsive and weighty. The Telluride has a towing capacity of 5500 pounds and a ground clearance of up to 8.4 inches, making it ideal for off-road adventures.

Fuel Consumption and MPG

Contrary to other three-row SUVs, the Telluride is only available with a V-6 engine. The front-drive model is the most fuel-efficient option, with EPA estimates of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the interstate. Models with all-wheel drive get 19/24 mpg city/highway, which is better than the Volkswagen Atlas and the Honda Pilot’s V-6 engines, but worse than the Atlas’s. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, the all-wheel-drive Telluride returned 24 mpg, which is in line with the EPA’s rating.

Cabin, Leisure, and Space

The interior of the Telluride is both classy and comfy, regardless of what anyone thinks of its daring exterior. The craftsmanship is top-notch, the materials are aesthetically pleasing, and there is no shortage of useful functions. The SX model stands out from the others with the most luxurious standard features, such as a memory-setting driver’s seat, a head-up display, heated and ventilated back seats, a premium headliner, and leather upholstery.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All Tellurides include cutting-edge infotainment systems with 12.3-inch touchscreens, popular apps like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in GPS and Wi-Fi, and more. In addition, there is a 110-volt power inverter, wireless phone charging, and a 10-speaker sound system. The driver’s voice is amplified through speakers in the back two seats so that he or she may more easily communicate with those passengers.