2023 Kia Telluride has refreshed styling, more capability, enhanced tech



(April 14, 2022) NEW YORK — 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.

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.

Designed specifically for the U.S., 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
    
As before, the Telluride interior captures a feeling of upscale exploration in a spacious, three-row, eight-passenger environment with class-leading passenger room.  Thoughtful new updates include:

    •    Curved and seamless dual 12.3-inch display screens – gauge cluster (available) and navigation
    •    Redesigned dashboard with revised trim panels and HVAC vents
    •    Redesigned steering wheel
    •    New interior color packages



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 – each using different settings for powertrain, drivetrain, and steering effort mapping to provide the desired driving experience.

In addition to the four regular drive modes, in vehicles equipped with AWD, drivers can select from two different modes, “Snow” and “AWD Lock” for specific driving conditions