- What is it? 2023 Kia Telluride three-row SUV, a family hauler with unexpected capability.
- Why should you consider it? New features, and a pair of trim levels with beefed up looks and more off-road and towing capability.
- How much will it cost? Prices range from $35,690 to $52,785, excluding $1,335 destination charge.
- When can you buy it? On sale late.
Kia’s hot-selling Telluride three-row SUV gets a host of new features for 2023, including a pair of trim levels with tougher looks and some upgraded ability. The stylish SUV also adds a host of new convenience and driver assist features, which rather surprisingly abandons the recognizable amber running lights that surrounded its big, rectangular headlights.
Prices are up about $2,000 across the line, more when you consider higher priced new models: the SX-Prestige and off-road oriented X-Line and X-Pro. Those increases may be painful, but they’re not much of a surprise. Tellurides were flying off dealer lots even before supply chain disruptions erased shoppers’ negotiating power.
The 2023 Telluride is in dealerships now.
Style, room, value
The Telluride’s shape was an instant classic when it arrived as Kia’s biggest and most expensive vehicle as a 2019 model. The profile is unchanged but the front view has narrower, more vertical headlights and a madly reshaped grille in addition to the new white running lights.
The Telluride’s interior remains roomy and comfortable, with available heated and ventilated front and second-row seats.
The new digital instrument cluster — digital versus mechanical gauges, that is; the display still offers traditional dial-style displays — is attractive and soothing to the eye. The 12.3-inch touch screen presents clear video when backing up or negotiating challenging trails, and responds reasonably quickly.
The Telluride has welcome buttons and dials for frequently used climate and audio functions. The center console has plenty of storage space, with a new optional wireless charging pad that’s both quicker and cooled to keep phones from getting uncomfortably warm on long drives.
The drivetrain is unchanged. Front- and all-wheel drive models are available, a 291-hp 3.8L V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission are standard. AWD adds $2,000 to prices across the line. The top models — SX-Prestige, X-Line and X-Pro only come in AWD.
All trims get new wheel designs.
What’s new for 2023?
- AWD-only X-line and X-Pro packages
- Available LED headlights
- New tail lights
- New grille, front and rear fascia
- 12.3-inch digital instrument screen
- 12.3-inch touch screen
- Standard navigation system
- Redesigned dashboard and steering wheel
- New interior and exterior colors
Driving impressions
Most Tellurides will never venture off paved surfaces, but AWD versions are surprisingly capable off-road. With the drivetrain locked in AWD, the big SUVs easily negotiated trenches, dips and hills few automakers subject their family haulers to. Traction was steady, and the chassis was stable and creak-free even with one or two wheels — on opposite corners, natch — in the air.
On the road, the Telluride has plenty of power for everyday jaunts and is quiet and comfortable at highway speed.
The second- and third-row seats provide plenty of space and comfort. Cargo space is good, with a wide opening that makes it easy to load large objects.
Safety and driver assistance features
- Automatic high beams
- Adaptive cruise control, with navigation-based speed
- Traffic sign recognition and speed limit response
- Driver attention warning
- Surround view monitor
- Forward collision warning with assist for oncoming vehicles
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure and lane keeping assist
- Lane following assist
- Rear seat safe exit assist
- Blind spot and rear cross traffic alerts
- Available high-def video mirror
- Evasive steering assist
New X-Line and X-Pro models
The Telluride’s X-Pro and X-Line models are available only with all-wheel drive. They have 8.4 inches of ground clearance, 0.4-inch more than other Tellurides, and unique front and rear fascia for slightly improved approach and departure angles.
Retuned shocks, springs and traction control systems for better off-road performance. The top X-Pro model can tow 5,500 pounds, 500 more than other AWD Tellurides.
The X-Pro has 18-inch all-terrain tires. The X-Line gets 20-inch wheels.
2023 Kia Telluride at a glance
Base price: $35,690 (all prices exclude $1,335 destination charge)
Front/all-wheel drive three-row 7/8-passenger SUV
On sale now
Specifications as tested:
Primary model tested: Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro AWD
Price as tested: $52,785
Engine: 3.8L V6
Output: 291 hp@6,000 rpm; 263 pound-feet of torque@ 5,200 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy estimate: 18 mpg city/24 highway/21 combined. Regular gasoline.
EPA estimated annual fuel cost: $2,700
Wheelbase: 114.2 inches
Length: 196.9 inches
Width: 78.3 inches
Height: 70.5 inches (including roof rails)
Cargo volume: 21.0 cubic feet behind rear seat; 46 behind middle; 87 behind front
Passenger volume: 157 cubic feet
Ground clearance: 8.4 inches
Curb weight: 4,378-4,524 pounds
Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
Assembled in West Point, Georgia
Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.