2023 Kia Telluride First Look Review: The Best Made Better

2023 Kia Telluride First Look Review: The Best Made Better

by Sebastian Cenizo

The Kia Telluride is arguably one of the best SUVs available in the USA. Scratch that – it’s simply the best. Rivals like the Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, and Toyota Highlander often fall short of our favorite three-row family hauler, and if the Kia EV9 is anything to go by, an all-electric future will do little to change that. Still, one must innovate and improve to retain one’s footing in a highly competitive market that includes the likes of the Hyundai Palisade, a fine alternative from the Korean company’s sister brand. Kia is aware of this and has just revealed the 2023 Telluride. Is it still worth all our praise? Let’s find out.

2023 Kia Telluride Models

See trim levels and configurations:

When is the 2023 Kia Telluride Coming Out?

A specific launch date for the new 2023 Kia Telluride SUV is yet to be revealed, but it is expected to hit American dealer floors in the fall, although a late summer Kia Telluride release date is also possible. The Hyundai Palisade will likely be coming out at the same time.

2023 Kia Telluride Price and Competition

The 2023 Kia Telluride price is yet to be revealed too, but its MSRP will likely not stray too far from the current 2022 range, which starts at just over $33,000.

New Kia Telluride Exterior

This is a major update rather than an all-new model, so the styling will be familiar to those who already own a Telluride. Still, it has a new front bumper and the graphics of the LED headlights have been updated. The Tiger Nose grille has also been reworked, while the rear shows off refreshed taillights, a new bumper, and a customary roof spoiler. Three new Kia Telluride colors are on offer with Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Wood Green. New wheel designs, some of which are wrapped in an all-terrain tire – have been added to every trim too, with the X-Line model – which replaces the Nightfall Edition – benefitting from exclusive 20s.

Kia Telluride Dimensions

Kia has not given us specifics besides to say that ground clearance has increased by 0.4 inches, which improves approach and departure angles. The 2022 model’s other specs likely haven’t changed much. For that vehicle, length was rated at 196.9 inches with the wheelbase measured at 114.2 inches and the height measured between 68.9 and 69.3 inches, depending on trim. Width was 78.3 inches while weight was notable at between 4,112 and 4,482 pounds. The 2023 Kia Telluride’s dimensions will almost certainly be only lightly altered.

Kia Telluride Engine and Performance

The Kia Telluride engine under the hood of the 2023 model is the same one found under the hood of the 2022 model, meaning a 3.8-liter V6. This naturally aspirated unit develops 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the ground via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. That means that we should be able to see 0-60 mph in around 7.5 seconds, although acceleration and top speed are of little importance to buyers. What does matter is towing ability, and this new model increases its capacity in this regard by 500 pounds, now capable of towing 5,500 lbs thanks to a new Tow Mode.

Kia Telluride Interior and Cargo

Inside, the Kia Telluride interior benefits from new color options and a restyled steering wheel. This sits among a redesigned dashboard that boasts refreshed trim panels and HVAC vents, along with a pair of 12.3-inch screens, up from 10.3-inch units in the 2022 model. As before, the Kia Telluride seats seven, and we expect the cargo area to offer the same 21 cubic feet of volume with all seats in place. With the third row folded, the so-called trunk space of the Kia Telluride expands to 46 cubes. Fold all three rear rows and you get 87 ft³. A dual-level cargo floor adds to the practical appeal of the Telluride. Each row once again has a pair of cupholders, and center consoles and a spacious glovebox make it easy to empty your pockets. A Smart Power Liftgate with Auto Close functionality is new.

Kia Telluride Popular Comparisons

The most popular competitors of 2023 Kia Telluride: