The three-row crossover SUV, Kia Telluride, stands out when juxtaposed with its counterparts such as the Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, and Subaru Ascent.
DESIGN
The SX Prestige X-Line enhances the luxurious SX Prestige Trim with advanced all-wheel drive, ensuring improved elevation, heightened ground clearance, and superior on/off-road capabilities. Seamlessly transitioning from city streets to off-road escapades, it incorporates a tow mode for handling heavy loads and features distinctive blacked-out exterior aesthetics.
Our Wolf Gray Telluride test car seamlessly blends road-ready sophistication with rugged capability. Taking cues from the design of trucks and premium SUVs, the Telluride’s interior features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, all the while retaining user-friendly climate controls. This creates a seamless fusion of style and functionality.
While the Telluride’s cabin design echoes the Hyundai Palisade’s functional approach, it distinguishes itself through thoughtful organization with metallic trim. Balancing practicality and a welcoming atmosphere, the interior exudes a timeless appeal, offering optional real leather enhancements for added luxury without compromising functionality.
PERFORMANCE
The 2023 Kia Telluride boasts a 3.8-liter naturally-aspirated V-6 and an 8-speed automatic transmission, seamlessly directing power to all four wheels via an active on-demand all-wheel-drive system. Despite the transmission’s adept handling of the V-6, intentional gear shifts contribute to a lack of agility, necessitating considerable throttle input for highway overtaking.
Generating 291 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 262 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 RPM, the Telluride boasts a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. While it operates quietly, it lacks the refined growl characteristic of rival V-6 engines, surpassing the smoothness of the turbo-4 in its counterpart.
Kia’s all-wheel-drive system ensures a direct 50:50 power split between the front and rear ends up to 40 mph, with the X-Line optimizing approach and departure angles for potential off-road adventures. That’s not to say most buyers will utilize this option, but nonetheless, it’s a good option to have if you ever find yourself wanting to go on off-road adventures.
In terms of ride quality, the Telluride distinguishes itself by lacking adaptive damping yet delivering excellent ride control over large bumps and a serene experience at highway speeds, thanks to extensive sound deadening. The steering maintains a clean track on the highway, providing just the right amount of weight for a tightly integrated feel that can create an illusion of nimbleness and speed.
VERDICT
At CarFanaticsBlog, we had the chance to test drive the 2024 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line V6 AWD, priced at an MSRP of $52,185. After factoring in $495 for the Wolf Gray paint, $225 for carpeted floor mats, and various additional options and fees, the overall total comes to $54,540.
Competition
The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade stand tall as beloved choices among consumers, with the Palisade emerging as a near mirror image of the Telluride. While the Telluride embodies rugged allure, the Palisade veers toward a more refined aesthetic, especially evident in its interior that elevates comfort to new levels.
Honda’s revamped Pilot shines with a cabin design that dazzles and robust power beneath the surface, effectively striking a seamless balance between style and performance.
Meanwhile, the Nissan Pathfinder asserts itself as a strong value contender, even if its interior doesn’t quite match the opulence found in its rivals. Nevertheless, for those seeking affordability without sacrificing too much quality, the Pathfinder remains an appealing choice.
The Subaru Ascent, acknowledged for its incredible value proposition, could benefit from a design update to align with the ever-changing trends in automobiles, as its current practical design shows signs of aging.
Lastly, the Ford Explorer, while pricier, distinguishes itself with a rear-wheel-drive platform that instills confidence in towing capabilities. This feature not only sets it apart from the Telluride but also from other competitors in its class.
