The Kia Telluride 2023 takes center stage as a formidable contender in the three-row SUV segment. This stylish and spacious vehicle boasts a commanding presence on the road, offering a blend of luxury, practicality, and capability that appeals to a wide range of drivers.
From its bold exterior design to its well-appointed interior and advanced technology features, the Telluride is a compelling option for families, adventurers, and anyone seeking a comfortable and versatile ride.
This in-depth guide delves into the 2023 Kia Telluride, exploring its design, performance, technology, safety features, and value proposition. We’ll compare it to its key rivals, examine its strengths and weaknesses, and provide insights to help you determine if the Telluride is the right SUV for your needs.
2023 Kia Telluride: A Comprehensive Overview
The 2023 Kia Telluride is a three-row SUV that offers a blend of style, comfort, and practicality, making it a compelling choice for families and individuals seeking a spacious and capable vehicle. Positioned as Kia’s flagship SUV, the Telluride sits atop the brand’s lineup, competing with other popular three-row SUVs like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer.
Design and Exterior
The Telluride’s design is characterized by a bold and modern aesthetic, emphasizing a sense of strength and sophistication. Its signature “tiger nose” grille, flanked by sharp headlights, creates a distinctive front end. The Telluride’s profile is defined by a long wheelbase, a sloping roofline, and a sculpted body, giving it a sporty yet elegant appearance.
The rear features taillights that wrap around the sides, adding to the Telluride’s overall visual appeal.
Compared to previous model years, the 2023 Telluride retains its core design language while incorporating subtle updates. These include a redesigned grille, new wheel options, and updated interior trim materials. When compared to its competitors, the Telluride stands out with its more assertive and commanding presence, particularly in its higher trim levels.
| Dimension | Kia Telluride | Honda Pilot | Toyota Highlander | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.9 inches | 195.4 inches | 194.9 inches | 198.4 inches |
| Width | 78.9 inches | 77.9 inches | 76.6 inches | 78.8 inches |
| Height | 69.4 inches | 69.3 inches | 68.9 inches | 69.3 inches |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 inches | 109.3 inches | 109.8 inches | 112.2 inches |
Interior and Technology
The Telluride’s interior is a testament to Kia’s commitment to providing a luxurious and comfortable driving experience. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with high-quality materials throughout. The dashboard is driver-focused, featuring a large touchscreen infotainment system and a clear instrument cluster.
The Telluride’s seats are comfortable and supportive, providing ample legroom and headroom for all passengers.
The Telluride comes equipped with a range of technology features, including a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a premium sound system, and a suite of driver assistance features. Higher trim levels offer an upgraded 10.25-inch touchscreen, a head-up display, a premium sound system, and advanced driver assistance features.
| Trim Level | Key Interior Features |
|---|---|
| LX | 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloth upholstery, heated front seats |
| S | 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, power driver’s seat |
| EX | 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, premium sound system, heated and ventilated front seats, power driver’s seat and passenger seat |
| SX | 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, premium sound system, heated and ventilated front seats, power driver’s seat and passenger seat, panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery |
| SX Prestige | 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, premium sound system, heated and ventilated front seats, power driver’s seat and passenger seat, panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, head-up display, surround-view camera, driver assistance features |
Performance and Handling
The Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Telluride delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience, with ample power for highway merging and passing.
The Telluride’s handling is well-balanced, providing a comfortable ride while still feeling agile and responsive. The Telluride’s fuel economy is competitive for its class, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for the front-wheel drive model.
Compared to its competitors, the Telluride offers a well-rounded performance package, striking a balance between power, efficiency, and comfort. While it may not be the most sporty or fuel-efficient SUV in its class, the Telluride provides a comfortable and capable driving experience that caters to a wide range of driving needs.
Safety and Reliability, Kia telluride 2023
The 2023 Kia Telluride comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor.
The Telluride has received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, demonstrating its commitment to occupant protection.
In terms of reliability, the Kia Telluride has earned a reputation for its durability and dependability. Kia’s overall reliability has improved significantly in recent years, and the Telluride has consistently ranked highly in reliability surveys. While it is too early to assess the long-term reliability of the 2023 model, its track record suggests that it will continue to be a reliable and dependable vehicle.
Pricing and Value
The 2023 Kia Telluride starts at an MSRP of around $36,000 for the base LX trim level. Higher trim levels, such as the SX and SX Prestige, can reach upwards of $50,000. The Telluride’s pricing is competitive with its rivals, offering a compelling value proposition for its features, technology, and overall quality.
The Telluride’s target customer profile includes families and individuals who prioritize space, comfort, and technology. Its spacious interior, versatile seating configuration, and advanced safety features make it an ideal choice for families on the go. Its sleek design and luxurious features also appeal to individuals who desire a premium driving experience.
Final Thoughts: Kia Telluride 2023
The 2023 Kia Telluride stands out as a well-rounded SUV that delivers on its promise of comfort, practicality, and capability. With its impressive design, advanced technology, spacious interior, and strong performance, the Telluride is a compelling choice for families and individuals seeking a versatile and enjoyable driving experience.
Whether you’re navigating city streets or embarking on a weekend adventure, the Telluride offers a confident and comfortable ride, making it a top contender in the highly competitive three-row SUV market.