For the latest Kia Telluride pricing and information:
https://www.kbb.com/kia/telluride/

On Kia’s press materials they break out the updated stuff on the 2023 Telluride into three categories, refreshed styling, more capability and enhanced technology. Okay, Kia, we’ll play along.


As for styling there are some things instantly recognizable; for example, new bumpers and the grille, revised taillights, I don’t know about you but I always saw these on the road and knew exactly what it was, and a new rear fascia and trim.


It also gets three new paint colors called Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red and Jungle Wood Green. The blue is great, but, and I’ve only seen a rendering of the green, but whoa. That’s a who lotta refresh.


Some updates for the interior include curved dual 12.3-inch display screens, a redesigned dashboard and HVAC vents as well as steering wheel. Small changes to both outside and in, but nicely executed.


There are two additional trim levels, the X-Line and X-Pro. This takes us into the improved capability segment of our program. Sort of. Both of these are more rugged looking.


That ruggedness goes a little beyond just looks. The X-Line gets slightly improved ground clearance, with 10mm more, which means slightly better approach and departure angles. Not a lot but I’ll take whatever I can get over uneven terrain.


In addition to what the X-line upgrades, the X-Pro does a bit better in the actual off-road department. It gets increased towing capacity (5,000 lbs max) 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. These are Continentals, though the new Kia Sportage X-Pro gets BFGoodrich tires, which I always think is the better all-terrain tire. Would have been great to see those here as well.


Mechanicals stay the same with the 291 horsepower 3.8L V6 and 8-speed automatic transmission, independent suspension, and drive modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport and Snow and AWD lock for those with optional power at four corners.


When it comes to the enhanced tech, Kia isn’t fooling around. This is a laundry list of new features, some standard, some not, but all impressive.

I already mentioned the larger screen which has always gotten CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are now options as well.

You can also get an optional full display rear view mirror, I’m not a fan of these, but if there are people and gear in the back they can be very useful.

The power liftgate also gets an “auto close” function. That’s nice.

Digital key, WiFi hot spot for five devices, over-the-air navigation updates as well as stolen vehicle tracking and optimized routing that takes traffic into account are all new features.


The Telluride gets updated in the safety tech department, too. No, I am not going to stand here and try to remember them all.

But some of them include speed limit assist, navigation-based smart cruise control, a driving assist feature that maintains distance from the car in front of you, collision avoidance that detects other vehicles in front, behind, and even when you’re changing lanes and the Telluride will steer you out of trouble. Those features all come standard and usually come with quite a premium. Always, please remember to stay alert and keep those hands on the wheel!


Well, that’s plenty to call a mid-cycle refresh I think. Seems like the editor agrees. We loved the Telluride so much when it first appeared we named it our Best New Model of 2019. I’d say Kia’s still heading in the right direction.

00:00 2023 Kia Telluride
0:31 Exterior
1:07 Interior
1:27 Trim Levels
2:21 Engine
2:38 Tech Features