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Just When We Thought the Telluride Couldn't Get Any Better - Kia's Flagship Soars to New Heights of Luxury and Adventure in 2023!

AutoNsider with Daryl Killian
By AutoNsider with Daryl KillianSep 30, 2023
AutoNsider with Daryl Killian
WAOK’s Daryl Killian is the “AutoNsider”… broadcasting each Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. 'til 12 Noon.Daryl is a home-grown, “Morehouse Man”……
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In its relentless pursuit of dominating the U.S. market, Kia has once again elevated the Telluride to new heights in the 2023 model year. This SUV, which has already earned its stripes as one of the most sought-after three-row eight-passenger vehicles in the country (much better as a seven-passenger, because who doesn't love captain's chairs on the second row?), now redefines the boundaries of style and comfort. Kia seems to have mastered the art of delivering 'Ritz Carlton Taste' on a 'Courtyard Budget,' making luxury accessible to a broader audience.

Three years after its introduction and claiming its stake as an award-winning SUV, the Telluride has returned with enhancements beyond mere updates—they build upon the original success story. Not surprisingly, over 75 percent of Telluride buyers are new to the Kia family, a testament to the vehicle's appeal. The high satisfaction levels among Telluride owners translate into unmatched brand loyalty, setting a new standard in the midsize SUV segment.

Big (but not too big), capable (kind of), and powerful, the Telluride may be a formidable companion for diverse adventures, from cross-country family road trips to off-road escapades with minimal limitations. Its triple crown of automotive accolades and the recent J.D. Power award for best resale value highlight its exceptional standing in the market.

Obviously designed for the American market, the Telluride captivates with its bold and sophisticated appearance. The exterior enhancements for the 2023 model year include a revised vertical headlamp design (they've changed this a lot), new bumpers and grille, redesigned taillamps, and new wheel designs for every trim. Three new exterior colors—Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Wood Green—further magnify the Telluride's visual appeal.

2023 Kia Telluride XDaryl Killian

Inside the cabin, the Telluride continues to provide a sense of near-luxury exploration within its spacious three-row, seven-passenger environment. The introduction of curved and seamless dual 12.3-inch display screens, a redesigned dashboard, a steering wheel, and new interior color packages showcase Kia's commitment to elevating the driving experience.

2023 Kia Telluride XDaryl Killian

For 2023, the Telluride introduces two new trim levels: X-Line and X-Pro, each adding a rugged personality to this versatile SUV. These trims cater to those with a taste for exploration, offering features and capabilities beyond the beaten path.

Let's break down the differences between the Telluride X-Line and the X-Pro trim levels (Credit: Kia):

Telluride X-Line:
Exterior:
Unique radiator grille design
Bridge-type roof rails
Body-color door handles
Exclusive 20-inch wheels "X-Line" badging

Interior:
"X-Line" embossing on the front seat upper backrest
Exclusive color packages

Chassis and Capability:
Higher ground clearance (+10mm)
Improved approach and departure angles
Tow mode for optimized trailering performance (shift logic, sway control) Upgraded Traction Control System (TCS)

2023 Kia Telluride XDaryl Killian

Telluride X-Pro (in addition to or in place of X-Line features):
Exterior:
Exclusive 18-inch black wheels and 18-inch all-terrain tires (Continental)
"X-Pro" badging

Interior:
"X-Pro" embossing on the front seat upper backrest
110-volt inverter outlet (cargo area)

Chassis and Capability:
Increased towing limit from 5,000 pounds to 5,500 pounds

Key Differences:
Wheels and Tires: X-Line has exclusive 20-inch wheels, while X-Pro features 18-inch black wheels and all-terrain tires, suggesting a more rugged off-road capability for the X-Pro.
Inverter Outlet: The X-Pro includes a 110-volt inverter outlet in the cargo area, providing additional utility, especially for activities like tailgating. Towing Capacity: The X-Pro has an increased towing limit from 5,000 pounds to 5,500 pounds compared to the X-Line. This might be a crucial factor if towing capacity is a priority for your needs.
Badging and Embossing: Both models have unique badging and embossing, contributing to their distinct identity.
Color Packages: The X-Line offers exclusive color packages, suggesting more customization options for the interior aesthetics.

For those of you who value a higher towing capacity, off-road capability with all-terrain tires, and the convenience of a 110-volt inverter outlet in the cargo area, the X-Pro might be the preferable choice, especially for tailgating (Go Falcons) and adventure-oriented activities. On the other hand, the X-Line focuses on a more refined design with exclusive 20-inch wheels and color packages.

In summary, the 2023 Kia Telluride, especially in the X-Line trim, maintains its commanding presence and pushes the boundaries of what a midsize SUV can offer. It's a testament to Kia's dedication to delivering a vehicle that resonates with the diverse needs and desires of the American consumer, ensuring that the Telluride remains a top choice for those seeking luxury, capability, and style in a single, accessible package.

Capabilities (Credit: Kia)
The new Telluride continues to provide a capable and confidence-inspiring experience for drivers and passengers alike. Major mechanicals remain virtually unchanged, yielding the SUV's composed ride and performance:

- Atkinson Cycle LAMBDA II 3.8L V6 GDI engine producing 291 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb.-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Four-wheel independent suspension
- Rigid body structure due to the monocoque shell that is composed of 59.4 percent advanced high-strength steel
- Available self-leveling rear suspension. Ride height is automatically calibrated depending on vehicle load to optimize control and stability
- Choice of four drive modes – Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort – each using different settings for powertrain, drivetrain, and steering effort mapping to provide the desired driving experience. In addition to the four regular drive modes, in vehicles equipped with AWD, drivers can select from two different modes, "Snow" and "AWD Lock," for specific driving conditions
- Available active on-demand all-wheel drive6 helps provide enhanced driving performance by actively distributing torque between the front and rear wheels depending on road conditions and driver input. The system utilizes electro-hydraulic AWD coupling to precisely activate the multi-plate clutch, constantly redistributing the amount of power transferred to the front and rear wheels. During normal driving, power is distributed according to the drive mode selected. "Eco" and "Comfort" modes can deliver up to 20 to 35 percent of the power to the rear wheels, respectively. "Sport," "Smart," and "Snow" modes can deliver up to 50 percent of the power to the rear wheels. "AWD Lock" mode delivers power evenly to all four wheels
- Standard towing rated up to 5,000 pounds (5,500 pounds for X-Pro trim)5 - - Newly added Downhill Brake Control (DBC)1 maintains a controlled descent on steep roads

A New Level of Convenience Technology

The 2023 Telluride adds new technology features that make ownership easier and more convenient:
- Upgraded 12.3-inch navigation screen (increased from 10.3 inches)
- Optional Full Display Mirror with HomeLink functionality (replacing standard rearview mirror)
- Available Smart Power Liftgate with "Auto Close" functionality Kia

Connect services provide advanced embedded connectivity:
- Digital Key: Allows customers to use their compatible iPhones, Apple Watches, and Samsung Galaxy smartphones as a virtual vehicle key to lock, unlock and drive. Furthermore, these keys can be shared with friends and family over text messages on available devices
- In-vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot connects up to five devices to 4G LTE-based internet
- Map and Infotainment Over-The-Air (OTA) updates: Keeps maps and infotainment system updated automatically with the latest functionalities to deliver the best driving experience
- Kia Access App with smartwatch compatibility through Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy smartwatches to access features like remote climate control, door lock/unlock and more
- Stolen vehicle tracking and immobilization capability
- Connected Routing: The server-based system calculates the optimal route by using real-time and predicted traffic information based on past information and AI that has learned the user's preferred route.
- Smart Speaker Integration lets customers use Amazon Alexa10 or Google Assistant-enabled smart speakers or devices to remotely control some functions (such as remote start)

Technology highlights carried over from the previous model year include:
- Available 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system (AM/FM/SiriusXM)
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Available wireless smartphone charging
- Up to six USB charging ports – two in each row. Five ports are standard (updated from A type to C type)
- Multi-Bluetooth wireless connectivity allows two phones to connect simultaneously for audio streaming
- Head-Up Display: Upgraded from 8.5-inches to 10-inches. Added information makes this system especially useful. Provides turn-by-turn navigation, speed, smart cruise control and blind-spot warnings (available)
- Driver Talk: Uses a microphone to enhance communication with second and third-row passengers
- Quiet Mode: Cuts audio output in second and third rows so the audio choices of the front occupants are only heard in that row
- Rear Occupant Alert: Uses ultrasonic sensors designed to detect child or pet movement in the second and third row after the car's doors have been locked and then can issue audible alerts to the driver

Expanded ADAS Suite
As Kia's flagship SUV, the new Telluride is brimming with technology to keep occupants safe. The long list of ADAS4 features grows for 2023 with several new additions, including two new standard systems (ISLA, FCA-JT):

- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA): Maximum speed sign recognition that alerts the driver and also limits the speed of the car depending on the settings (standard)
- Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control – Curve (NSCC-C): Leverages the navigation system to lower the vehicle's speed proactively before upcoming curves in the road (available)
- Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2): A driving convenience system that maintains the distance between the vehicle in front and the lane position on the highway and also assists in lane changes (available; HDA 1.5 is standard on Telluride)
- Forward Collision Avoidance – Junction Turning (FCA-JT): Detects oncoming vehicles while turning left at an intersection (junction). If a collision appears likely, the system applies the brakes to stop the car (standard)
- Forward Collision Avoidance–Junction Crossing (FCA-JC): Detects crossing vehicles while passing through an intersection. If a collision appears likely, the system applies the brakes to stop the car (available)
- Forward Collision-Avoidance – Lane Change Oncoming (FCA-LO): Assists in preventing collision with oncoming vehicles while passing other vehicles by providing steering input (available)
- Forward Collision-Avoidance – Lane Change Side (FCA-LS): Assists in preventing collision with cycles/vehicles in the front of the car while changing lanes by providing steering input (available)
- Forward Collision-Avoidance – Evasive Steering Assist (FCA-ESA): Assists in preventing collision with obstacles/pedestrians/vehicles in front of the car while driving straight by providing steering input (available)

The Telluride's long list of carryover ADAS (standard and available) systems include:

- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA)
- High Beam Assist (HBA)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist-Rear (BCA-R)
- Blind Spot View Monitor (BVM) (available)
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
- Parking Distance Warning – Forward (available) and Reverse
- Surround View Monitor (SVM) (available)
- Highway Driving Assist (HDA) (HDA 1.5 – standard; HDA 2.0 – optional)
- Lane Following Assist (LFA)
- Safe Exist Assist (SEA)

Trim levelsKia

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