Three years after bursting onto the scene as one of the most in-demand and award-winning three-row eight-passenger SUVs in the U.S., the Kia Telluride returns for 2023 with an array of enhancements that build upon the success of the original. The Telluride has not only attracted over 75 percent of its buyers as new to the Kia family, but because of high customer satisfaction, Telluride owners have the most brand loyalty of any midsize SUV when returning to market for another vehicle. Big, capable, and powerful, the Telluride is as ready as ever for adventures of all kinds, from family road trips across the country to off-road excursions bound by few limits. Designed specifically for the U.S., Kia Telluride has been a head-turning proposition from the very start. Retaining its bold and sophisticated appearance, the Telluride undergoes some exterior restyling for a more rugged and refined look in the new model year: Revised vertical headlamp design (standard LED) and available foglamps. New bumpers and grille, Revised taillamps, New rear fascia and trim, Revised lower door garnish trim/side sills. New wheel designs for every trim, Three new exterior colors, Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red and Jungle Wood Green. The SUV that swept the “triple crown” of automotive accolades and claimed the most recent award for best resale value from JD Power now wears new design elements inside and out and brings an expanded list of ADAS safety technology for greater peace-of-mind and driver confidence. With class-leading passenger room, the Telluride arrives with two all-new trim levels for 2023: X-Line and X-Pro. These iterations exude a more rugged personality with features and capabilities that allow the Telluride to venture off the beaten path and explore new realms of wilderness.
The new Kia Telluride introduces two new trim levels – X-Line and X-Pro – for Kia owners who choose to go off the beaten path every so often. Both all-wheel drive models offer a roster of exclusive upgrades and enhancements over other Telluride trims. As seen below, the X-Pro model builds off the X-Line model. Furthermore, the X-Line model replaces the former Telluride Nightfall Edition.
Kia Telluride X-Pro (in addition to or in place of X-Line features)
Exterior
Exclusive 18-inch black wheels and 18-inch all-terrain tires (Continental)
“X-Pro” badging
Interior
“X-Pro” embossing on front seat upper backrest
110-volt inverter outlet (cargo area)
Chassis and Capability
Increased towing limit from 5,000 pounds to 5,500 pounds
Kia Telluride X-Line
Exterior
Unique radiator grille design
Bridge-type roof rails
Body-color door handles
Exclusive 20-inch wheels
“X-Line” badging
Interior
“X-Line” embossing on front seat upper backrest
Exclusive color packages
Chassis and Capability
Higher ground clearance (+10mm)
Improved approach and departure angles
Tow mode for optimized trailering performance (shift logic, sway control)
Upgraded Traction Control System (TCS)
The new Telluride continues to provide a capable and confidence-inspiring experience for driver and passengers, alike. Major mechanicals remain virtually unchanged, yielding the SUV’s composed ride and performance:
Atkinson Cycle LAMBDA II 3.8L V6 GDI engine producing 291 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb.-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm
8-speed automatic transmission
Four-wheel independent suspension
Rigid body structure due to the monocoque shell that is composed of 59.4 percent advanced high-strength steel
Available self-leveling rear suspension. Ride height is automatically calibrated depending on vehicle load to optimize control and stability
Choice of four drive modes – Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort
Available active on-demand all-wheel drive helps provide enhanced driving performance by actively distributing torque between front and rear wheels depending on road conditions and driver input.
Standard towing rated up to 5,000 pounds (5,500 pounds for X-Pro trim)
Newly added Downhill Brake Control (DBC) maintains a controlled descent on steep roads
Technology highlights carried over from the previous model year include:
Available 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system (AM/FM/SiriusXM)
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Available wireless smartphone charging
Up to six USB charging ports – two in each row. Five ports are standard (updated from A type to C type)
Multi-Bluetooth wireless connectivity allows two phones to connect simultaneously for audio streaming
Head-Up Display: Upgraded from 8.5-inches to 10-inches. Added information makes this system especially useful. Provides turn-by-turn navigation, speed, smart cruise control and blind-spot warnings (available)
Driver Talk: Uses a microphone to enhance communication with second- and third-row passengers
Quiet Mode: Cuts audio output in second and third row so the audio choices of the front occupants are only heard in that row
Rear Occupant Alert: Uses ultrasonic sensors designed to detect child or pet movement in the second and third row after the car’s doors have been locked and then can issue audible alerts to the driver
