~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

At less than four years old, the Kia Telluride has earned its status as an automotive phenomenon. Since its introduction as a 2020 model, it has received praise from reviewers everywhere as the best, or one of the best, of the abundant crop of midsize crossover sport utility vehicles.

Usually trailing close behind is the Hyundai Palisade—no surprise because the two South Korean SUVs are nearly identical. Hyundai owns about a third of Kia and the two companies share engines, transmissions and other internal parts but do their own styling and tuning.

One example of the kinship came from an analysis by Car and Driver, an enthusiast magazine, which ranked its selection of 25 midsize crossovers and SUVs. The Telluride received first place, with the magazine saying “its top trim delivers an elevated experience that’s comparable to SUVs that cost twice as much.”

The Palisade came in second. Moreover, Consumer Reports selected the Telluride as one of its 10 top picks for 2023 among more than 200 vehicles tested.

Driven for this review was the 2023 Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro V6 AWD, the most expensive of 10 versions, called trim lines in the industry. It had a base price of $54,120 and, with only a few options because it was well equipped to begin with, a tested price of $55,120. The least expensive front-drive LX had a base price of $37,255.

The Telluride gets its moxie from a smooth-running 3.8-liter V6 engine that makes 291 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque, or twisting force. Power makes its way to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, which has a manual driving mode but no steering-wheel paddles. Zero to 60 miles an hour acceleration is in the six-second range.

Though commonly anointed by the automotive cognoscenti as a midsize, the Telluride is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a “small sport utility vehicle.” Yet it is 16 feet 5 inches long, 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 4,522 pounds. The EPA rates its city/highway/combined fuel consumption on regular gasoline of 18/24/21 miles to the gallon.

With three rows of seats for seven passengers, the SX-Prestige X-Pro delivered 157 cubic feet of space for passengers and 21 cubic feet for cargo behind the third row. On this model, the second row had separate captain’s chairs; other versions can accommodate eight passengers with a second-row bench seat.

The third row, with three seatbelts, offers tight space for very skinny people. All second and third row passengers have ample head room but to get enough knee room in the third row, the second-row seats can be moved forward. They also fold for access to the third row—a tough crawl for all but nimble young people. The space between the captain’s chairs also can be used to access the third row.

Overall, the interior was an inviting place with seats upholstered in perforated brown nappa leather, augmented by premium appointments, including an all-new digital instrument panel with dual 12.3-inch screens for instruments and infotainment functions.

The infotainment system includes navigation, onboard Wi-Fi, Apple Car Play, Android auto, premium audio with SXM satellite radio, and the Kia/Hyundai Blind Spot monitor. It displays blind spots on both sides when the turn signal is operated. The views temporarily substitute for the speedometer and tachometer displays.

There’s also a head-up display and a Driver Talk feature, which amplifies the driver’s voice through speakers to better converse with passengers in the back rows.

A suite of active and passive safety equipment includes forward collision avoidance with cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and parking distance and collision avoidance assist front and rear.

Because of its size and presence, the Telluride also feels like a safe cocoon. Other vehicles do not flee from it but it does command a degree of respect.

On the road, the tested SX-Prestige X-Pro proved to be an amiable and willing companion during long-distance highway travel or urban maneuvering, despite not being the quickest of the line. It is not hyperbole to say that the experience was pleasurable because of the mostly silent running, responsive handling, solid braking, decent ride on most surfaces and supportive seat comfort.

Given the avalanche of crossover SUVs now available, it’s extremely difficult for any brand to stand out. The Telluride has made its mark.

Specifications

  • Model: 2023 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro V6 AWD four-door crossover utility vehicle.
  • Engine: 3.8-liter V6; 291 hp, 268 lb-ft torque.
  • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with manual shift mode and all-wheel drive.
  • Overall length: 16 feet 5 inches.
  • Height: 5 feet 11 inches.
  • EPA/SAE passenger/cargo volume: 157/21 cubic feet. (46, 87)
  • Weight: 4,522 pounds.
  • Towing capability: 5,500 pounds.
  • EPA city/highway/combined fuel consumption: 18/24/22 mpg.
  • Base price, including destination charge: $54,120.
  • Price as tested: $55,120.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©Kia