Instantly becoming one of the brand’s bestsellers upon introduction for the 2020 model year, the Kia “Selluride” continues to woo shoppers in droves with its combination of attractive pricing and luxury-level amenities. Now for its first refresh, the 2023 Telluride targets more adventuresome types with the debut of new X-Line and X-Pro trims.
2023 Kia Telluride
- All-Terrain Tires
- Added Ground Clearance
- Spacious Cabin
- Model: Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro
- Engine:: 3.8-Liter V-6
- Power Output: 291 HP @ 6000
- Torque: 262 LB-FT @ 5200
- Range: 395 miles
- Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
- Driveline: All-Wheel Drive
- MSRP: $35,690
- MSRP (As Tested): $55,120
- The Ability To Ao A Little Farther Off The Pavement
- Polished Ride Despite All-Terrain Tires
- Sky-High Feature-To-Price Ratio
- No Wireless Phone Projection
- Tepid Progress Into Off-Road Territory
- Not Offered With Power-Folding Seats
The X-PRO Advantage
Kia’s initial marketing campaign for the Telluride showed it driving through muddy fields in a proclamation of its off-road prowess which is why I was a bit surprised when none of the drive modes were dedicated to such four-wheeling. And now with this new range-topping X-Pro model flaunting a raised suspension and all-terrain tires, I was certain I’d see some sort of trail settings beyond the all-wheel drive lock mode but nope; just the standard five found on any Telluride equipped with all-wheel drive.
Don’t get me wrong; this isn’t a big deal, but I call attention to it because it’s indicative of Kia’s somewhat perfunctory approach to the boldly named X-Pro. An additional 0.39 inches of ground clearance, an upgraded traction control system and a tow mode with a 500-pound bump in towing capacity don’t exactly scream 'Hell’s Revenge!!'.
Regardless of trim, all Telluride models receive a revised headlamp design and new wheels to complement the updated fascias. Three new paint choices are also offered including this upcharge Midnight Lake Blue.
But it’s the X-Pro’s exclusive 18-inch off-road tires that provide the most tangible upgrade. Continental’s new TerrainContact A/T is molded with a mild all-terrain tread pattern that expands capability while also maintaining quiet highway travel, making this an excellent fitment for the Telluride.
All-Terrain Tires Plus AWD Lock Mode
Building off of the less aggressive X-Line trim (formerly known as the Nightfall Edition) the X-Pro further benefits from a slightly improved approach and departure angles. At speeds below 25 MPH pressing the AWD Lock mode button keeps the rear tires in play maximizing traction on unpaved, sandy, and muddy roads, otherwise, the Telluride is predominantly a front-wheel drive SUV.
Having just come off of a week with its equally freshened corporate cousin the Hyundai Palisade, I can say that the X-Pro’s smaller wheels and tires contribute to a more pleasing ride that also feels less brittle off the pavement. And it may look big but it fits in normal-size garages and never feels ungainly from behind the wheel.
V-6 Power
Across the board, power stems from a 3.8-liter V-6 that produces 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque working through a traditional eight-speed automatic. No turbo or funky transmission here; it’s very satisfying driving a vehicle with this level of organic feel. Smooth and linear - it’s a joy to drive with satisfying amounts of power.
A self-leveling rear suspension is also standard to enhance control and stability, particularly when towing of which the Telluride can handle up to 5,500 pounds. The combined fuel economy of 21 MPG is unchanged from last year’s all-wheel-drive Telluride though the city estimate has decreased from 19 to 18 MPG. The total driving range is 395 miles.
Exceeding Three-Row Expectations
It’s evident that Kia toiled over this vehicle to the nth degree making it holistically satisfying, from the way it looks to the way it simplifies life for a busy family. This particular Telluride is fitted with the gorgeous Terracotta Interior Color Package – a $295 option.
From the video screen rearview mirror, the head-up display, the heated and ventilated second-row seats; this SX-Prestige trim packs it all in and does it with a great degree of comfort and spaciousness for a vehicle technically classified as a small sport utility vehicle.
With a touch of a button the captain’s seats slide easily out of the way for access to the large third-row, there’s a system for communicating with the kids back there so that they can clearly hear your admonitions, and you can leave the owner’s manual in the glovebox because the electronics are so intuitive.
The “I wish Kia had done this differently” list is minimal but I’ve found a couple of things:
- The smart key system for locking and unlocking the vehicle should work on all doors, not just the front
- Just like all Hyundai/Kia/Genesis vehicles with the biggest infotainment screens, there’s no wireless phone projection here.
But overall, the cabin exceeds expectations of what a three-row SUV can deliver at this price.
Safety Matters
As for safety and driver assist systems, you get Kia’s full pantry of Drive Wise driver-assist technologies including Smart Cruise Control w/Stop & Go for traffic jam situations, Highway Driving Assist 2 that aids in lane changes, and Forward Collision-Avoidance including cyclist detection. The IIHS has given the Telluride its Top Safety Pick award.
Off-Road Swagger And Extended Capability
More than likely, it’s the X-Pro’s tougher front-end design, raised roof rails, and overall hardier stance that’ll amplify the Telluride’s appeal. Pricing for the 2023 Telluride starts at $37,025 for a front-drive LX and tops out here at $55,120 for the fully-loaded SX-Prestige X-Pro. That’s a few thousand dollars more than the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy which skews more on-road premium.
Because of its desirability, some dealers are tacking on big market adjustments to the Telluride. Available in 10 trim levels there is no shortage of build possibilities if this X-Pro’s $55,000+ MSRP is a little intimidating. Kia also sells an extensive catalog of Yakima accessories for this model including various style roof rack crossbars, a rooftop cargo basket, bike and kayak carriers, and more. A dual-screen rear entertainment system is also offered.
Whether you decide to go X-Line or all the way to X-Pro, these new additions to the Telluride lineup add a little off-road swagger and, with the meatier rubber, expand capability. The X-Pro treatment doesn’t turn the Telluride into a Land Rover but with a brand as ambitious as Kia I wouldn’t be surprised to see it continue to further this trail-ready narrative.