It’s finally here! The Kia Telluride might have started life as a concept car back in 2016, but the production model of this crossover SUV has hit the streets and taken the world by storm. Here’ show the newest addition to the Kia lineup shakes out.
Big, Burly, and Best-In-Class
The 2020 Kia Telluride is a big boy indeed. It’s got three rows of seats providing it space for eight in addition to lots of cargo space, ranging from 21 cubic feet behind the third row of seats to a monstrous 87 cubic feet if you fold those second and third rows down and away. There’s plenty of power to haul all that gear or guests with this big boy though, as it comes standard with an all-aluminum 3.7-liter DOHC V6 that spits out 291 horsepower, 262 lb.-ft. of torque, and rated to tow an additional 5,000 pounds. All of this comes with some respectable fuel efficiency for a crossover SUV: a combined 23 MPG in front-wheel-drive mode and 21 MG in AWD.
The Kia Telluride’s drivetrain and suspension match its engine, as all levels of trim come with an electronically-controlled 8-speed automatic transmission and on-demand automatic all-wheel drive for when you go offroad or encounter poor driving conditions. Drivers can lock AWD or set the Telluride in Snow mode manually as well if you want to do a bit more fine-tuning while dealing with inclement weather. Top it off with independent MacPherson strut-front suspension and stabilizer bar and independent multi-link rear suspension provide excellent responsiveness and comfort no matter what terrain you’re traversing.
The Full Package, No Matter The Package
The 2010 Telluride has four levels of trim to choose from, ranging from the entry-level LX, the S, the EX, and the top-of-the-line SX. No matter what level you go with, there are plenty of standard touches that provide a touch of luxury; in addition to engine, transmission, and drivetrain being standard across all four, you’ll also get a touchscreen infotainment system that works with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto right out of the box, SiriusXM Satellite radio, and Kia’s Drivewise system of driver assistance technologies. You’ll also get some nice Sofino-leatherette trimming on surfaces to add a touch of class.
Higher levels of trim up the ante even further, with the premium features topping out with the optional SX Prestige Package. This adds Nappa leather trim, heating and ventilation to the second row of seats, and a state-of-the-art heads-up display so that you never have to take your eyes off the road. If you’re thinking you’ll have to pay a premium for these high trim levels, though, you’ll be surprised — all of these bells and whistles are remarkably affordable, with the base SX price less than ten grand more than the LX’s $31,690 MSRP. This puts the Telluride in striking distance of its competitors in the mid-size crossover SUV category.
The 2020 Telluride: Turning Heads and Raising Hell
With its healthy price point, bevy of standard features, and solid performance no matter what trim level, the 2020 Telluride is shaping up to be a welcome addition to Kia’s product line going forward. Is it the perfect crossover SUV for you? Take one for a test drive and judge for yourself!
