Intelligent individuals have frequently explained that one should not mess with an now fantastic point, a piece of good guidance routinely overlooked in the automotive environment and almost everywhere else. Luckily, Kia has decided on not to go that route with the 2023 Telluride mid-sizing SUV, alternatively remaining close to the authentic winning method — and that is a extremely excellent point.
Linked: 2023 Kia Telluride Review: Much more of a Incredibly Very good Thing
When the Telluride arrived as a 2020 design, it generated rave reviews and potent product sales many thanks to its mix of virtues, including a great deal of room for family members and their equipment, a perfectly-geared up and cozy cabin, and a affordable rate tag — if you could locate a single that hadn’t now been snapped up by yet another eager purchaser.
For 2023, Kia has carried out very little to modify that, limiting revisions to cosmetic updates together with a new grille, common LED headlights, obvious taillight lenses and not substantially additional. There are also two new quasi-off-street trims with far more rugged appearances. Over and above that, the Telluride stays mostly the exact same. Maybe the most significant information is that getting a single may well be simpler, as the brand has elevated output capacity at its assembly plant in Ga.
Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman not too long ago sampled two flavors of the 2023 Telluride and identified it remains a worthy contender in the class with few faults. Hit the website link earlier mentioned to examine Bragman’s complete critique. For a more rapidly search at 6 points we like about the 2023 Kia Telluride and two points we really do not, maintain on looking through.
Issues We Like
1. New Off-Road (ish) Offers
New X-Line and X-Pro trims include a additional rugged, blacked-out search and improved capability thanks to taller springs and shocks, resulting in an enhanced 8.4-inches of ground clearance. X-Line variants get 20-inch gloss-black wheels, although X-Pros get extra aggressive all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels. On the other hand, the deals quit limited of introducing severe off-highway machines like underbody skid plates and electronic modes for rough disorders.
2. Powerful Powertrain
The sole powertrain continues to be the very same 291-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine that has driven the Telluride because its debut it’s mated to an 8-pace automated transmission and will come with either front- or all-wheel generate. We’re alright with that due to the fact the powertrain provides refined and potent acceleration, even if it doesn’t really feel all that quick less than light throttle. Set your foot into it, and the Telluride responds with sleek shifts and a pleasing exhaust take note. Towing capability is a respectable 5,500 kilos when adequately equipped.
3. Good Dealing with
There’s no receiving all-around that the Telluride is a significant 3-row SUV, but it rides and handles nicely for its size. The experience is comfortable with possibly 18- or 20-inch wheels and tires, and steering is nicely weighted with far more responses than is typically observed in the class. While sporty is not a phrase we’d use, the Telluride can keep its possess on twisty roads, and its brakes are a lot more than up to the occupation of bringing it to a end.
4. Tech and Comfort Upgrades
Tech upgrades for 2023 contain a new 12.3-inch touchscreen mounted atop the dash and an optional second 12.3-inch display for the instrument panel. Fortunately, Kia has picked out to keep easy-to-use knobs and buttons for some climate and audio functions. Other available new options include a rearview digital camera mirror, a 360-diploma digital camera technique with 3D perspective, entrance seats with a mild therapeutic massage function on prime trims, and second-row captain’s chairs that can now be heated and ventilated.
5. Masses of Room
The Telluride’s cabin stays a solid accommodate and is amazingly roomy for its sizing with an superb driving situation and very good visibility all all around. Seats in the initially two rows are huge and snug, with lots of leg- and hiproom, and there’s a lot of headroom even with the optional panoramic moonroof. The third row is additional accommodating than numerous and even has enough home for grown ups.
6. Sound Value
A base 2023 Telluride LX with FWD commences at just about $37,000 (all price ranges include things like a $1,335 location cost). That makes it an impressive and nicely-geared up price amongst mid-dimension three-row SUVs. What’s even additional notable is that the prime SX-Prestige X-Pro comes to $54,120, a flat-out cut price in comparison to some loaded competition, and the SX-Status X-Line starts at $53,120.
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Issues We Do not Like
1. Highway Sound
As significantly as we like the Telluride’s ride and handling general, a major total of street sound finds its way into the cabin with possibly tire choices. In addition, the all-terrain tires have a tendency to wander some on the highway.
2. Tread Flippantly
Although there is definitely nothing mistaken with the new X-Line and X-Pro trims and their much more rugged visual appearance, neither should really be regarded as actually off-road deals. There’s no question that elevated ground clearance and all-terrain tires can support with capability, but the lack of a proper very low array and underbody protection implies the Telluride is superior suited to gravel streets and deep snow than authentic off-roading.
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