2023 Kia Telluride Introduces New Trims

Telluride’s X-Line and X-Pro trims encourage even more outdoor experiences with added ruggedness and capability.

The new X-Line has higher ground clearance, a new raised roof rails, and Downhill Brake Control. The X-Pro adds increased towing capacity with Tow Mode, and 18-inch wheels wearing Continental All-Terrain tires.

Design enhancements further elevate its distinctly upscale and commanding presence with new front and rear fascias, lighting, and wheels. The X-Line trim replaces the former Night Fall Edition.

Recently Kia was back in Texas to introduce these two new trims. In 2019 the new Kia Telluride was recognized as the “SUV of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association. As a member of that organization I got to vote for the Telluride myself.

Telluride is assembled at the new Georgia Assembly Facility alongside the K5, Sportage, and Sorento.

Just because Telluride has retained its bold and sophisticated appearance doesn’t mean the new 2023 model’s exterior styling hasn’t been upgraded for an even more rugged and refined look.

You can tell the new Telluride at the approach by the unique radiator grille design and raised bridge-type roof rails.

The body-color door handles are the attention-getters, along with the posturing of the exclusive 20-inch wheels that provide higher ground clearance.

The revised vertical headlamps (available LED type), available fog lamps, and new rear fascia are now complemented by the new wheel design for every trim.

There are three new exterior colors: Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green.

The new Telluride has a beautiful, almost majestic interior. The spacious three-row seats serve seven or eight passengers. The space provides class-leading second-row legroom and also adequate knee room.

Upon entrance, you notice immediately the curved, seamless 12.3-inch display screen (once 10.3-inches) with an all-digital gauge cluster. Pillow-like head rests and wide seats fit perfectly into the spacious and roomy cabin, providing 21 cubic feet of storage behind the third row which expands to 87 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

Modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Easy to use climate controls are available for 2nd and 3rd rows.

The Atkinson Cycle LAMBDA II 3.8-liter V6 GDI engine produces 291 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm, and the power is passed through an 8-speed automatic transmission. I did 0-60 in 6.8 seconds, including automatic adjustable cruise control.

To help enhance control and and adjust driving feel, you have four drive mode choices: Smart, Eco, Sport, and comfort. Each mode uses a different setting for powertrain and steering effort mapping to the desired driving experience. When equipped with AWD, drivers can select the two additional modes of “Snow” and “AWD Lock” for specific driving conditions.

In terms of fuel economy, Telluride achieves 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway for a combined average of 21 mpg.

This new Telluride SUV is brimming with safety technology to provide the driver with alerts and assistance. The systems can even intervene in certain situations to help avoid a collision.

• Here are examples:
  Forward Collision Warning
  Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cycle detection
  High Beam Assist
  Lane Departure Warning
  Lane Keeping Assist
  Blind Spot Collision Warning
  Blind Spot View Monitor
  Driver Attention Alert
  Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go
  Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist

To look at the new Telluride, you might think that it is just another contender for the fast, beautiful, sophisticated Town Car category, but you would be wrong. Telluride is a state of mind. It sets the example of how you want to feel about yourself.

Telluride allows you to participate in the experience of driving a quality car. Now with two new trims (X-Pro and X-Line) the experience you have will be off-road, visiting places that other brands may fear to tread. Impressive braking and features like Hill Descent Control helped in my journey.

I had the opportunity recently to drive the Telluride on a very challenging off-road course. I was greatly impressed with how this luxury SUV could tread. An average guy driving an above superb car, yet feeling successful in the adventure of the experience.

Price Range $34,385-$44,285.

WARRANTY
5 years/60,000 miles Basic Warranty
10 years/100,000 miles Powertrain Warranty
5 years/100,000 miles Anti-Perforation Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles Roadside Assistance

Durhl Caussey writes a car column around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or [email protected].