The Telluride has been a roaring success for Kia and the company is hoping to keep that momentum going by launching a facelifted crossover.
Introduced earlier this year, the 2023 Telluride will arrive at dealerships later this month with a base price of $35,690. That’s a pretty sizable jump considering last year’s crossover began at $33,390.
So what does the extra $2,300 get you? An updated exterior with a revised grille that is flanked by new headlights. Designers also gave the model a new front bumper, revised side skirts, and updated wheels. They’re joined by new taillights, an updated rear fascia, and a revised color palette that now includes Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red Jungle, and Wood Green.
Also Read: 2023 Kia Telluride Gets Refreshed Looks And New Tougher Off-Road Trims
The changes continue in the cabin as the 2023 Telluride has an updated steering wheel and a new dashboard with slimmer air vents. Eyes will also be drawn to the new 12.3-inch infotainment system, which replaces last year’s 10.25-inch display.
That being said, the real showstopper is the curved display in SX and above trims. It consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a matching 12.3-inch infotainment system.
While that’s just a brief overview of the updates, the big news is the addition of X-Line and X-Pro variants which come standard with all-wheel drive. X-Line models have a unique grille, “bridge-type” roof rails, body-color door handles, exclusive 20-inch wheels, and “X-Line” embossing on the front seats.
However, X-Line variants are more notable for featuring improved approach and departure angles as well as an extra 0.4 inches [10 mm] of ground clearance. Buyers will also find a tow mode and an upgraded traction control system.
X-Pro variants build on the X-Line and swap 20-inch wheels for black 18-inchers that are wrapped in Continental all-terrain tires. Buyers will also find “X-Pro” embossing on the front seats, a 110-volt outlet in the cargo compartment, and an increased towing capacity of 5,550 lbs [2,517 kg].
Regardless of which trim is selected, all Tellurides are equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that develops 291 hp [217 kW / 295 PS] and 262 lb-ft [355 Nm] of torque. It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which can be paired to an optional all-wheel drive system.
Note: Prices exclude a $1,335 destination charge
PHOTO GALLERY
more photos...
The redesigned Kia Telluride made a smashing debut at the 2022 New York International Auto Show. We figure the 2023 Telluride’s impending arrival is why Kia held back in significantly updating the outgoing variant’s proven styling cues. The “designed-for-America” Kia Telluride remains a brilliant family SUV that prioritizes comfort, space, decent off-road manners, and a premium interior for less money than an equivalent German, Japanese, or American offering.
2023 Kia Telluride: What’s New?
The outgoing 2022 Telluride received a handful of updated standard equipment like automatic climate control, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a new Kia logo, and TELLURIDE rear badging. As expected, the 2023 Telluride takes it a step further with new vertically-oriented LED headlight clusters, redesigned front and rear bumpers, a reshaped “tiger nose” front grille, revised taillights, new wheel designs, and fresh paint colors [Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Wood Green].
Inside the 2023 Kia Telluride has a redesigned dashboard with new trim panels and vents. You’ll also find dual 12.3-inch display screens, a four-spoke steering wheel, and revised interior color combinations. The new Telluride remains a family SUV to the core by offering adequate room for up to eight passengers and 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row.
New Telluride X-Line & X-Pro
Despite its outdoorsy countenance, the Kia Telluride was never about hardcore off-roading, so we found it puzzling why Kia gave the 2023 Telluride a pair of off-road-ready trim variants called the X-Line and X-Pro. Kia claims the new X-Line and X-Pro are for “Kia owners who choose to go off the beaten path every so often” with standard all-wheel-drive and bespoke wilderness-approved equipment. The X-Line also replaces the Telluride Nightfall Edition for 2023.
The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line has unique 20-inch wheels, body-color door handles, bridge-type roof rails, X-Line badging, and a bespoke front grille. Inside, the X-Line has new interior color packages and embossed X-Line badges on the front seats. Other features include a 10mm higher ground clearance, a new Tow mode, and a reconfigured traction control system to better cope with slippery or loose terrain.
Meanwhile, Telluride X-Pro has exclusive 18-inch wheels wrapped in chunkier Continental all-terrain tires, X-Pro badging, a 110-volt inverter in the cargo bay, and X-Pro embossed seats. All trim variants have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, five USB charging ports, and a 10-inch heads-up display [HUD], to name a few. The X-Line and X-Pro can tow up to 5,500 lbs., 500 more than before.
2023 Kia Telluride: Engine & Powertrain
We find it surprising Kia has resisted the urge to hybridize or electrify its best-selling Telluride, but we understand it’s not easy messing with a proven formula. The 2023 Telluride remains steadfast to its 3.8-liter V6 gas engine with direct injection, pumping out 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of torque. The engine pairs with a slick-shifting eight-speed automatic that turns the front or all four wheels.
The Telluride’s four-wheel independent suspension keeps the sunny side up when turning corners, while an available self-leveling rear suspension automatically calibrates the ride height depending on vehicle load. Furthermore, the Telluride’s active on-demand AWD system has an electro-hydraulic coupling that constantly redistributes engine torque to the front and rear wheels for steadier grip.
More Advanced Safety Tech
The 2023 Kia Telluride has its fair share of advanced driving aids. It now has an intelligent speed limit assist feature on top of other standard safety features like lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, smart cruise control, forward collision avoidance, and blind-spot monitoring. Of note is Kia’s “Forward Collision Avoidance – Junction Turning” safety feature. It detects oncoming vehicles while turning left at an intersection [junction]. If a collision appears likely, the system applies the brakes to stop the Telluride.
2023 Kia Telluride Warranty
New Kia vehicles have the best warranties in the industry, and the Telluride is no exception. All Tellurides leave the factory with a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
If you are concerned about long-term maintenance costs, an extended warranty may provide you with some extra peace of mind. This helpful guide will give you more insight into Kia extended warranties and whether or not they are suitable for you.
2023 Kia Telluride: Pricing & Availability
The 2023 Kia Telluride starts at $37,025 for the LX FWD, $38,925 for the S FWD, and $42,625 for the EX FWD. Add an extra $2,000 to any of those trim levels for all-wheel drive. The Telluride SX will start above $46,000, while the SX Prestige will begin north of $51,000. All pricing figures here reflect the $1,335 destination fee.
Our free and easy search tools* will narrow down which dealers in your area offer the best pricing on a new Kia Telluride.
Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog feature columnist and an expert in sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
Photos & Source: Kia Motors America.
*Although always free for you, Automoblog and its partners may receive a commission when you use the services provided through that link. MSRP figures are subject to change.