2023 Kia Telluride Interior, Exterior and Performance
The 2023 Kia Telluride’s popularity is not surprising given the SUV’s well-rounded package, attractive style, and affordable price. The Telluride comes with a substantial selection of standard amenities across the board, and its top model offers a raised ride that rivals that of SUVs costing twice as much. The Telluride has a refined driving experience because to its quiet cabin, refined V-6 engine, and assured handling.
The Telluride’s towing capability of 5500 pounds makes it practical for moving a small boat or camper, and its roomy and comfortable interior is great for long-distance cruising. Not only does the Telluride expertly complete its task, it also sets the bar for the other mid-size crossover vehicles in its class.
What has changed for 2023 Kia Telluride?
The Telluride receives a style upgrade for 2023 that makes it even more appealing. This update includes a new grille, new headlamps, and a new front bumper. Kia has included a new, all-digital instrument panel inside with two 12.3-inch panels that serve as gauge and infotainment displays. Similar layouts have been found on luxury vehicles like the BMW iX, Cadillac Escalade, and Mercedes-Benz GLS-class, so it appears Kia is pulling design cues from the higher-end segment.
Both navigation and an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot are now standard across the lineup. The Telluride’s maximum 5500-pound towing capacity is unlocked by the more ominous-looking X-line and X-Pro trims, which join the crew.
We can’t help but suggest the SX trim. At a still affordable price, it provides a nearly luxurious experience including all of the bells and whistles. High-end features along with a 12-way power driver’s seat, 20-inch wheels painted in black, a Harman/Kardon audio, front and rear sunroofs, as well as second-row captain’s chairs are included as standard equipment with the SX. All-wheel drive can be added for an additional $2000 if you want the sense of security it brings.
Performance – Engine, Transmission, and Other
Every Telluride has a naturally aspirated V-6 engine under the hood that produces 291 horsepower & 262 pound-feet of torque. Its engine is paired with an eight-speed paddle shifters that sends power to the front wheels only when needed; all-wheel drive is always an option. The best Telluride SX we drove reached 60 mph in 7.1 seconds.
At slower speeds, the large Kia didn’t feel as sensitive to throttle inputs as some of its turbocharged competitors did. The Telluride’s ride is located on the firm side, and rough pavement can occasionally cause the three-row SUV to veer off course. There is also an identity rear air suspension available. The steering is tight and has a great weight to it. The brakes are also excellent. For off-road adventures, the Telluride has 8.0 inches of ride height and a 5500-pound towing capacity.
Fuel efficiency and actual MPG
The Telluride is the only three-row SUV available with a V-6 engine, in contrast to several competitors. According to the EPA, the front-drive model is the most economical, getting 20 mpg in the city & 26 mpg on the interstate.
The fuel economy of all-wheel-drive vehicles drops to 19 city mpg and 24 highway mpg, which is marginally better than V-6 rivals like the Volkswagen Atlas and slightly worse than the Honda Pilot. On our 75 mph highway fuel-economy route, the all-wheel-drive Telluride we tested returned 24 mpg, which was in line with its official figure. During our actual test, the Atlas likewise achieved 24 mpg and the Pilot achieved 27 mpg.
Cargo, Comfort, and The Interior
Regardless of how people feel about the Telluride’s striking exterior, there is no denying that its inside is classy and comfy. The construction quality is first-rate, the components are lovely, and there are lots of appealing features. The most expensive options, including as heated and ventilated rear seats, a head-up display, a luxury headliner, and nappa leather upholstery, are found on the top-tier SX variant.
The Telluride’s cabin is even roomier than the seven-passenger Kia Sorento since it is several inches longer. This is especially true for people in the way back seat. Eight people can sit in the second-row bench seat, or seven people can use the optional captain’s chairs.
Connectivity and Information
Every Telluride comes equipped with a capable entertainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and popular features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, in-dash navigation, and onboard Wi-Fi. A 110-volt power inverter, a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon music system, and bluetooth smartphone charging are further offered. To better interact with the passengers in the back rows, a technology dubbed Driver Talk enhances the driver’s voice over speakers in the back two rows.
Features for Driver Assistance and Safety
All Telluride variants come equipped with a full complement of driver aid technology as standard equipment. Additionally, a number of enhanced assistances are offered, such as automatic high lights, a 360-degree video system, and what Kia refers to as a Blind-Spot View Monitor. With this technology, the gauge cluster display will provide a camera image of the vehicle’s blind spot.
