I finally got behind the wheel of the all-new 2020 Kia Telluride, this site is not on Kia's radar so I don't get invited out to their launch events or get access to press cars often, so when the Telluride popped up at the Texas Auto Writers Association Roundup last week I was excited to check out the Korean brand's first large SUV. I first saw the Telluride in person at the State Fair of Texas where a protoype restyled by designer Brandon Maxwell was on display, it was good, but how would a production model be?
The Telluride is moving into a crowded class and really needed to stand out, with seating for up to eight, a standard 291-hp 3.8-liter V6, available active on-demand all-wheel drive, and it's very handsome looks, I think they hit it out of the park. The Telluride was designed specifically for the US Market and classic SUV design language, performance, and utility were all required to break into a segment that has some legendary names like Explorer, Highlander, and Pilot. The Telluride nailed it.
The Telluride with the SX trim level has a high-end look that gives the Kia an upmarket feel, more on par with a Land Rover or Cadillac than its rivals that share its price point. The SX trim level includes all the style and features you would expect on a flagship SUV, including copious amounts of bright trim, rich Nappa Leather Upholstery, 10.25" touch screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In fact, the rest of the specifications on the Telluride are in line with all of its major competitors, Kia is simply replicating a winning formula. When looking at other SUVs that directly compete with the Telluride, they all have around 300hp, they all tow up to 5,000 lbs, they all seat at least 7, they all have about the same dimensions, they even all get about 23 MPG.
The Kia stands out from the competition by offering more cargo space and second/third-row space, lots of standard technology, and Kia's industry-leading bumper-to-bumper warranty 5 years/60,000 miles with an engine/powertrain warranty of 10 years/100,000 miles.
Driving the Telluride is what you would expect from a vehicle that is championed as their "flagship" smooth, comfortable, and surprisingly quiet. The interior materials and fit and finish on the SX model feel upscale and if you didn't have a Kia badge on the steering wheel it would be easy to believe you were in a more prestigious brand. The whole perception of Kia is starting to shift, while it is still seen as a "value brand" by many people, the carmaker has grown since the days I was selling Kia Rondos and Amantis. Kia is still a great value, but the value is in getting more equipment and a better warranty, not just a cheaper price. Surprisingly the Telluride also has a base price that is less than a comparable Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander and is $20,000 less than its upscale SUVs like the Lincoln Aviator or Land Rover Discovery.
If you are in the market for a full-size SUV the Telluride needs to be on your radar. For more info or to configure your own Telluride visit Kia.com.
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