The Kia Telluride experience is one not to overlook
Don’t look now but the holidays are just around the corner! A time when families seek more room in their vehicles, especially when it comes to the hustle and bustle of the season. Fortunately, KIA may have the perfect SUV for the job (or sleigh, if you so choose).
Since 2020, the KIA Telluride has been one of the more popular choices among families who enjoy versatility, storage, attractive design and all-terrain drivability. It is also a favorite for the more than 100 Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) journalists who named it the “Favorite Family Vehicle” of 2023.
“The Telluride has been a favorite among our members since it debuted with impressive styling, interior space, and technology,” said Jim OBrill, MAMA Communications Director. “Showcasing this year’s 2023 X-Pro model on both the off-road course and street drives highlighted that Kia is focused on evolving the Telluride’s capabilities and maintaining its position in this segment amongst new and refreshed competitors.”
That’s not the only recognition either. The Telluride is the only SUV to sweep the 2019 NACTOY “Vehicle of the Year,” Motor Trend’s “SUV of the Year” and Car & Driver’s “10 Best” awards in the same year. The newest edition – it is even better.
With two versions -- the X-Line and X-Pro -- the Telluride is built for the U.S. family, with versatility to shine in urban, suburban, off-road and ranch terrains. Many of the latest upgrades focus on exterior restyling, where designers revised the vehicle’s vertical headlamp design, available fog lamps, front fascia and grille, tail lamps, rear fascia and trim. Changes that added eye-catching features and model differentiation to an already popular formula.
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Powering Through
Powered by a 3.8-liter, V6 engine with direct injection and 291 horsepower at 6,000 rpms, this full-size SUV affords a lot of heft for the money. An eight-speed transmission, on-demand all-wheel-drive and four-wheel independent suspension make for efficient and comfortable driving in all conditions.
The AWD actively distributes torque from the front to the rear through its hydroelectric coupling system, which redistributes real time power among the wheels. During normal conditions however, drive settings regulate torque via drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart and Snow each providing different settings for powertrain delivery. For instance, Eco and Comfort modes swing 20 to 35 percent of the vehicles power to the rear wheels, while the others offer more of a balance. Self-leveling suspension further enhances ride control.
Standard towing is up to 5,000 pounds, and the X-Pro can carry as much as 5,500 total pounds. Easily taking on the task of your favorite weekend ATV or boating adventures. The vehicles newly devised braking control system helps regulate proper towing speeds in challenging downhill conditions, so drivers aren’t overwhelmed with the rear weight they are managing.
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Tech Center
Technology is also a centerpiece to the Telluride experience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto lead with entertainment options while up to six USB ports are available, two for each row. Wireless smartphone charging, multi-Bluetooth connectivity, which allows two phones to connect at the same time, and a curved 12.3-inch infotainment display is one of the bigger offerings within the category.
A Smartwatch compatible app gives owners access, with the ability to lock and unlock the vehicle, remote climate control settings via Apple and Samsung watch settings. It also includes stolen vehicle tracking and immobilization capability.
The Telluride also comes with a plethora of driver assistance and safety features, which include; intelligent speed assist, navigation-based smart cruise control, highway driving assist and forward collision avoidance with the ability to help drivers avoid collisions at turns, intersections and corresponding lanes. Forward collision avoidance systems are also available.
Plenty of Room
There is plenty of room inside the Telluride, with third-row seating and 46 cubic feet of total cargo space available when the third row is folded. Additionally, if you decide to fold every rear seat, an impressive 87 cubic feet of cargo area opens up.
All in all, while it’s not a traditional luxury nameplate, the KIA Telluride is a worthy competitor.
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