The award-winning Kia Telluride reaches a new elevation for 2023 with a stylish new makeover including refreshed design elements, enhanced technology features, and two new trims to complement the lineup. Three years after its 2019 debut as a 2020 model, the three-row mid-size crossover SUV makes a statement on and off the road with an array of enhancements that builds upon the success of the original!
The new 2023 Kia Telluride includes two new rugged trim levels, the X-Line and X-Pro models, delivering an elevated experience that helps track further through urban, suburban, off-road and ranch-style landscapes. The adventure-oriented X variants are aimed at off-roading with a taller ride height, unique wheels, new roof rails, and all-terrain tires. The combination enhances crossover appeal to drivers who enjoy going off the beaten path and seek more off-road capability.
With more head-turning style and enhanced ruggedness, the new Telluride added off-road and towing capability and is well equipped for both family road trips across the country or challenging off-road excursions. Its spacious and comfortable cabin is ideal for long-distance cruising with both the quiet operation and compliant ride of a sedan for a refined feel on the road, plus the go-anywhere utility of an SUV with eight inches of ground clearance for off-roading. Plus, it can tow up to 5500 pounds, perfect for a small camper or boat.
The inside is impressive with a refreshed interior, upgraded convenience technology that includes a standard WiFi Hotspot, new dashboard with dual 12.3-inch digital panoramic display screens serving as infotainment, gauge displays and navigation. A new rearview mirror has been added that can toggle between being a rearview mirror and a screen for rear-facing cameras. The Telluride is also be the first vehicle in the lineup to receive Digital Key 2 Touch, taking convenience to a whole new level. This feature lets owners use their compatible Apple smartphone as the key to both lock/unlock the vehicle and to start it.
Further elevating the driver and passenger experience, the second-row seats can be heated and ventilated, plus reconfigured to a captain’s chair arrangement. Additionally, lumbar stabilization has been added for the driver with seat support customization to subtly shift every 30 or 60 minutes to reduce back stress.
Exterior cosmetic updates include a new grille design, a re-shaped front bumper and revised headlamp enclosures with standard LED illumination. The rear fascia gets fresh styling elements and updated taillamps and trim bits. Additionally, the entire line benefits from new wheels designs, and three new exterior colors joining the pallet including Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red and Jungle Wood Green.
The Telluride delivers an intuitive driving experience with advanced semi-autonomous driver assistance features such as Highway Drive Assist 2 with lane change assist technology. New standard items include Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), which, depending on settings, recognizes traffic signs, alerts the driver and also limits the speed of the car. Also included is Forward Collision Avoidance-Junction Turning (FCA-JT), which detects oncoming vehicles while turning left at an intersection.
A styling refresh for 2023, the new Telluride is elevated and continues to be capable, ruggage and powerful on the road and beyond with best-in-class cargo space, upscale interior and roomy seating for up to eight people.
By Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY
Photo Credit: Tim Denin
