The Kia Telluride is one of the best-selling mid-size crossover SUVs that came to the United States market back in 2019. Being a stylish model that also ticks all the boxes for a comfortable and capable family SUV, the Telluride has been one of the go-to choices for buyers. With the launch of the 2023 Kia Telluride for a base selling price of $35,000, the model keeps all the qualities of the outgoing model while implementing a lot of updates to make it better.
Coming in six trim configurations, with new X-line and X-Pro trims to the list, it still retains the capable naturally aspirated V6 motor that could tow up to 5,500 lbs and offers one of the best 0-60 mph times of its segment, and the ride and handling are great too. The changes come in the form of updated styling, a new digital gauge display connected with the 12.3" infotainment system, and more standard infotainment features. Competing with the Hyundai Palisade, Ford Bronco, and Jeep Grand Cherokee, here are 10 things you need to know before buying the 2023 Kia Telluride.
10 Beautiful Design Inside Out
The attractive styling of the outgoing model years of the Kia Telluride had always attracted many Americans, and with the minor front-end tweak of this 2023 iteration, it became even more handsome. The upgraded LED headlights, a new bumper design, and a classier grille with the redesigned Kia logo neatly incorporated will turn heads.
We also love the masculine hood and the best-in-class ground clearance of 8", both of which gives it a proper SUV stance. The elegant lines of the profile coupled with neatly integrated cladding, roof rails, LED taillights, and the 20" alloy wheels complement the overall design language. The newly launched X-line and X-Pro trims make the Telluride more rugged, too.
9 A Comfortable Cruiser
We have always admired the Telluride for its comfortable ride quality and effortless cruising ability. Even this updated Telluride retains both characteristics, making it an excellent tool for hitting the freeways. The comfortable suspension setup makes it perfect for seven passengers to travel in utmost comfort.
The top-notch refinement level of this SUV and the punchy powertrain on offer are a boon to the driver and passengers too. The comfortable cabin is complemented by premium materials and plush seats, and the long list of standard interior and infotainment features add to the comfort factor considerably.
8 Offers A Spacious Cabin
Step into the cabin of the 2023 Kia Telluride and you would be felt at home when it comes to the space and comfort on offer. The front row seats are well-bolstered and offer excellent support, helping the passengers to go on long road trips with less fatigue. The higher trims come in premium leather as well. Even the rear seats are comfortable.
Both the front and second-row seats offer excellent headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, and even the taller passengers would have no problems fitting in. You could also get the second-row seat in either captain chairs or a single bench seat. Even though the third-row seat is not going to be very spacious, it is on par with the rivals in the segment. Multiple cabin storage spaces and one of the best cargo capacity of 21 cu ft improves the versatility.
7 All The Driver-Assistance Features Are Standard
The Kia Telluride has always come with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance techs as standard, and this 2023 iteration is no different. The standard features include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a blind-spot monitoring system.
The solid build quality coupled with all the basic safety features coming in as standard also adds to the resume of this family crossover SUV. Even though the 2023 Telluride hasn't been crash-tested yet, the outgoing model received 5-star crash safety in the NHTSA crash test and the top safety pick title in the IIHS crash test.
6 SX Trim Offers Excellent Value For Money
The SX trim used to be the most expensive trim of the outgoing model years, and we have always recommended it over all the other trims due to the excellent list of standard features it came with, making it a much more desirable proposition than the cheaper trims. With the arrival of the 2023 Telluride, even though the X-Pro trim turned out to be the most expensive trim, we would still recommend you to get the $4,000 cheaper SX trim.
The standard features include heated and powered seats, 20" alloy wheels which are blacked-out, a punchy Harman Kardon audio system, dual sunroof, and a captain's chair for the second row. You could also get the optional AWD drivetrain for an additional $1,900 and the SX Prestige package gives you even more bells and whistles for not so much more money.
5 Superb Refinement
The naturally aspirated V6 motor under the hood of the 2023 Kia Telluride has seen some minor tweaks, and it turned out to be one of the most silent motors around the price point. Even when you mash on the throttle for a quick overtake, the sound doesn't creep into the cabin too much like that of the Ford Explorer or the Toyota Highlander.
We also felt the sound deadening to be much superior to the rivals, especially the Ford Explorer, and the external noises are filtered well. Even the trims that come with 20" alloy wheels do no produce too much road noise and tire noise, which is very evident when you take back-to-back test drives with the segment rivals.
4 Not As Exciting To Drive As Some Of The Rivals
Even though most of the offerings in the mid-size crossover SUV segment are not going to thrill you with sharp handling, we found the 2023 Kia Telluride to be a bit more watered down than the competitors, which ultimately makes it one of the comfiest of the segment. The steering lacks feel and feedback, and it doesn't give the needed confidence at higher speeds.
Being a front-heavy SUV, there is quite a bit of understeer when taking corners a bit too fast. The high ground clearance and height also make the center of gravity slightly higher than the rivals, and that makes it a tad less stable on the highways when compared to the Highlander.
3 Fuel Efficiency Could Have Been Better
With no forced induction and a mild hybrid system for the V6 motor, the 2023 Kia Telluride might disappoint those who want a frugal daily driver. This mid-size SUV returned 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highways with the FWD drivetrain variants.
If you get the optional AWD drivetrain, the fuel efficiency sees a minor dip to 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. This SUV could do 451 miles on the highways with a full tank of gas (18.8-gallon fuel tank capacity). In comparison, both the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander offered a slightly superior combined gas mileage of 24 MPG.
2 Solid Braking Performance
The 2023 Kia Telluride is one of the lightest models in the mid-size SUV segment, with just 4,112 lbs. Even then it comes with one of the biggest braking hardware consisting of 13.4" front ventilated rotors and 12" rear solid discs, along with all the other braking features like ABS with EBD, automated emergency braking, and brake assist.
The firm pedal with the superb initial bite is going to be appreciated by the owners. The braking progression is excellent and the 70-0 mph braking distance of 177 feet is decent too. Our only gripe is that the 2023 Kia Telluride has more than average front-end dive under hard braking.
1 Smooth And Torquey V6 Motor
The powertrain sees no changes and the 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6, producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to the 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission, is the only option with the Telluride. This SUV can be had in either FWD or AWD drivetrain layouts, and it has a maximum towing capacity of 5,500 lbs.
The brisk acceleration of the V6 motor from as low as 2,000 RPM is going to be appreciated, and the mid-range is adequately punchy for a naturally aspirated motor. It is a smooth powertrain even at the higher revs and the automatic transmission does the job perfectly well. The 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds makes it faster than the Highlander, but slower than the Explorer and Traverse.