Kia’s SUV Line Grows Up!
The 2020 all-new Kia Telluride is Kia’s largest vehicle to date, and they nailed it! Besides its size, the Telluride is the first Kia specifically designed in the U.S. and for the U.S. market. Crafted out of the imaginations in Kia’s Design Center in Irvine, CA., the goal was to create a big, bold, and boxy SUV suitable for on and off-road adventures. The American roots continue with the Telluride being assembled in Georgia.
Pricing and Trims
The 2020 Kia Telluride is available in four trim levels: LX 2WD ($31,890), LX 4WD ($33,890), S 2WD ($34,290), S 4WD ($36,290), EX 2WD ($37,290), EX 4WD ($39,290), SX 2WD ($41,790), and SX 4WD ($43,790).
What’s New for 2020?
2020 is the launch of the Kia Telluride, so everything is new!
Interior Highpoints
My test vehicle was the Telluride SX AWD that included the SX Prestige package containing the following: Heads Up Display, 110v inverter, double-stitched quilted and extra-padded Nappa leather trim upholstery, premium cloth headliner & sun visors, heated & ventilated 2nd row seats, 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system (AM/FM/SiriusXM), and rain-sensing front windshield wipers.
Standard features on the Telluride that stand out are the USB charging ports, push-button start, ceiling-mounted second-row climate control, simulated brushed metal and matte-finished wood, smart cruise control with stop & go feature, rear occupant alert with ultrasonic sensors, 10-inch touchscreen(optional on some models), tri-zone automatic climate control, wireless smartphone charging (optional on some models).
Getting past the interior features list, I must admit it was beautifully designed and executed, and provided a premium ride experience. The interior was designed for style, luxury, and comfort. The three rows of seats hold 8 people with plenty of leg room for everyone.
Exterior Highlights
The Telluride has a big, bold exterior with a powerful stance that screams I can go anywhere! The side views hint of Ford Explorer at the front and the rest, Jeep Grand Cherokee. It’s a meaty looking mid-size SUV with a long, broad hood and wide grille lined with stacked headlamps. The rear inverted “L” shaped tail lamps are illuminated with LED stripes (standard on the EX and SX trims).
The rims come standard in alloy ranging from 18 to 20 inches. In the higher priced trim levels, a power liftgate and sunroof are available. The Telluride’s length measures in at 196.9 inches, stands around 69-inches, has a maximum width of 78.3-inches and a ground clearance of 8-inches.
Performance Specs
Power is delivered in one engine option – a 3.8-liter V6 gasoline direct injection mated to an 8- speed automatic transmission. The V-6 delivered plenty of power – enough to bolt to 60 mph in around 7.5 seconds and has the capacity to tow up to 5,000 lbs. The 3.8L produces a respectable 291 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft of torque at 5,200 RPM.
The Telluride has self-leveling rear suspension where the ride height is automatically calibrated depending on vehicle load to optimize control and stability (optional on EX and SX). There are 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.
Cool Features:
- Heads Up Display
- 110v inverter
- Harman/Kardon audio system
Safety & Integrity
The safety feature list on the 2020 Kia Telluride is long enough to be an article by itself. Here are a few that stand out and haven’t already been mentioned: Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision – Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Safe Exit Assist, 7 airbags, Downhill brake control, Hill-start assist control, “Kia Drive Wise” Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist-Rear, and Driver Attention Warning.
In Summary – If an 8-passenger SUV with style and performance inside and out is on your shopping list, then a trip to Kia is worth taking. Get introduced to the all-new 2020 Kia Telluride and experience the luxury of its cabin, the bold presence of its exterior, and the performance of its V-6 motor. Who knows, the Telluride could zoom to the top of your list!
Specifications.
2020 Kia Telluride SX AWD with SX Prestige package
| Base price: | $43,790 as driven: $47,555 (including destination & optional features) |
| Engine: | 3.8-liter V-6 6-Cylinder |
| Horsepower: | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque: | 262 lb. – ft. @ 5,200 rpm |
| Transmission: | 8-speed automatic transmission |
| Drive: | All Wheel Drive |
| Seating: | 8-passenger |
| Cargo Volume: | 46 cu. ft. |
| Curb weight: | 4,317 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity: | 18.8 gallons |
| Fuel Economy: | 19 MPG City, 24 MPG Highway |
| Turning Radius: | 19.4 feet |
| Wheelbase: | 114.2 inches |
| Warranty: | 10 years/1000,000-miles |
| Also Consider: | Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Volkswagen Atlas |
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