2023 Kia Telluride

　　

Kia Telluride Video Shorts

by zzdcar Test Team

　　

2023 Kia Telluride Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　The Kia Telluride is quite simply the best three-row SUV you can buy today. Since its debut in 2020, the Telluride has impressed us enough to award it an zzdcar Top Rated award every year since. In particular, the Telluride rises above the rest of the class with a smooth ride quality, luxurious interior, and a third row of seats that can accommodate adult-size passengers. On top of all that, you get a lot of features for the money as well as a generous warranty.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Kia Telluride LX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$169/mo  for Telluride LX

　　Telluride LX

　　LX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $35,890 MSRPLX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $37,890 MSRPS 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $37,790 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $39,790 MSRPEX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $41,490 MSRPEX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $43,490 MSRPEX X-Line 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $45,685 MSRPSX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $45,690 MSRPSX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $47,690 MSRPSX X-Line 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $49,085 MSRPSX X-Pro 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $50,085 MSRPSX-Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $50,590 MSRPSX-Prestige X-Line 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $51,985 MSRPSX-Prestige X-Pro 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $52,985 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Kia is also making a few updates to the 2023 Telluride, most notably introducing two new subtrim levels to the Telluride lineup: the X-Line and the X-Pro. Think of these more like option packages that can be added to a few of the existing trim levels to make them more rugged. The X-Line is offered on the EX, SX and SX Prestige, while the X-Pro is only offered on the SX and SX Prestige.

　　The X-Line features a slightly higher ride height and a reworked traction control system to better help the Telluride make its way over rough terrain. It also gains some exterior styling tweaks that include a distinctive grille, body-color door handles, bridge-type roof rails and 20-inch wheels. The lifted stance gives the Telluride X-Line about 8.4 inches of ground clearance, 0.4 inch more than the regular Telluride. That improves approach and departure angles very slightly, but at least gets in the conversation with the similarly outdoorsy Subaru Ascent (8.7 inches). The X-Pro's all-terrain tires are what gives it most of its added capability, and they are wrapped around 18-inch black-painted wheels. Additionally, the X-Pro adds a 110-volt power inverter in the cargo area and increases the Telluride's tow rating 500 pounds to a maximum of 5,500 pounds thanks to a more powerful electric fan for greater engine cooling.

　　Beyond the two new trims, the rest of the Telluride lineup gets a new set of displays, one for the instrument panel and another for the infotainment display, both measuring 12.3 inches and lined up side by side atop an updated dashboard. The updated infotainment display comes standard, while the larger instrument panel display is limited to SX models and above. Kia has also updated some of the driver assistance systems on the Telluride, making intelligent speed warning (a system that alerts the driver to changing speed limits and slows the car if necessary) standard and offering a front collision avoidance system that works at intersections and can track oncoming traffic as an optional extra. There's also an upgraded Highway Drive Assist system that can make automatic lane changes if the driver taps the turn signal while the system is activated, once again standard on the SX and above. Wrapping everything up is revised front and rear styling.

　　These changes only add to this SUV's appeal and help it continue to be an excellent choice for a three-row midsize SUV. Other possible models to consider include the popular Honda Pilot, the Hyundai Palisade (it's related to the Telluride) and roomy Volkswagen Atlas. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below for a full report on the Telluride's comfort, utility and more.

　　

What's it like to live with?

We added a 2020 Telluride SX V6 AWD to the zzdcar long-term test fleet, where we lived with the vehicle for a full year to get the full ownership experience. While many test vehicles show their weaknesses, the Telluride reinforced our admiration. Note that while we tested a 2020 Telluride, most of our observations also apply to the 2023 model. Read our Telluride's 20,000-mile long-term test for more real-world impressions.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Telluride drive? The Telluride is a satisfying SUV to drive. Its V6 engine is responsive, though outright acceleration is ultimately average for a three-row SUV. In zzdcar' testing, our Telluride test vehicle sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which is similar to the acceleration of the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade. The brakes are strong and can bring the Telluride to a halt in a hurry. We recorded consistent stops from 60 mph in 123 feet, which is a bit shorter than average for the class. The brakes are also easy to control for consistent and smooth stops on the street.

　　The steering is light at parking lot speeds and weights up naturally in turns. The Telluride is stable when going around turns and doesn't exhibit excessive body roll. We also like that the engine's fuel-saving stop-start feature works smoothly and quietly. Transmission upshifts can be a little rough under hard acceleration, and the transmission can hunt around on certain grades, but these are pretty small concerns overall.

　　

Comfort

9.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Telluride? The Telluride is quite comfortable. The seats are supportive and nicely contoured, with almost pillow-like headrests. Outside noise barely works its way inside, making for a luxury-car-quiet cabin even at freeway speeds. Engine noise is present, but it's never unpleasant or intrusive. For a three-row SUV, the Telluride is generally smooth-riding, although it can get a little rough over uneven pavement. The off-road-oriented X-Pro turns out to be great on pavement as well, providing another layer of ride comfort and insulation from potholes and road seams.

　　The climate control system is easy to use and properly regulates temperature in all three rows. While the seat heating and ventilation aren't the strongest on the market, it's nice to see them available for both first- and second-row passengers.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below