Refreshed 2023 Kia Telluride Dazzles Manhattan

Since its launch three years ago, the Kia Telluride has seen demand far outstrip supply. Add in COVID-19 restrictions and semiconductor chip shortages, and the wait for some customers has lasted for months.

It has been a quick and eventful three years for Kia’s range-topping Telluride utility vehicle. Within that timeframe, several new competitors have emerged. Others have undergone extensive updates.

Doubtlessly, Kia would still find it difficult to meet demand even with an aging model. But Kia does not work that way. Instead, this Korean manufacturer has a reputation for regular updates and complete overhauls. Thus, the company boasts one of the newest fleets available.

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2023 Telluride at the NY International Auto Show

2023 Kia Telluride rear

This summer, the 2023 Kia Telluride arrives for a fourth year. The updates, though, are significant and are worth mentioning. Kia introduced its latest model during a press event ahead of the start of the 2022 New York International Auto Show.

After a two-year pandemic-related break, the Jacob K. Javits Center is once again the host of an event first held in November 1900.

Read Also2022 Kia Telluride Review

New Trims

 

Two new trim lines join the Telluride product range. New X-Line and X-Pro models underscore this vehicle’s rugged persona and capabilities. And with that comes greater towing capacity when operated in mode along with higher ground clearance, roof rails, downhill brake control, and Continental all-terrain tires.

Telluride X-Line

The all-new X-Line comes with several design features of note. To begin, it has a unique radiator grille design. Also, it comes with bridge-type roof rails, body-color door handles, trim-exclusive 20-inch wheels, and special badging. Inside, this model has special “X-Line” embossing on the front seat upper backrest. It also comes with color packages exclusive to this line.

The changes, though, are not all cosmetic. A slight boost to ground clearance, 0.4 inches, accompanies this trim. With that comes improved approach and departure angles. The tow mode sounds like a welcome addition too as it comes with shift logic and sway control. An upgraded traction control system rounds out the modifications.

2023 Kia Telluride profile

Telluride X-Pro

Building on the X-Line, the Telluride X-Pro has certain features of note. This one comes with 18-inch black wheels set within Continental All-Terrain tires. Specific X-Pro badging and internal embossing are included.

The X-Pro is also this model line’s towing champ. Where all Tellurides pull up to 5,000 pounds, the X-Pro garners a 5,500-pound tow rating. Lastly, a 110-volt inverter outlet is found in the cargo compartment.

Overall Changes, Inside and Out

2023 Kia Telluride interior

Designed with the US market in mind, the Kia Telluride offers features pleasing to the American consumer. For 2023, the Telluride gains new front and rear bumpers, an updated grille, standard LED headlamps, and available fog lamps.

Moreover, revised lower door garnish, new wheel designs across every trim, updated taillamps, and a freshened rear fascia round out the updates. Lastly, three new exterior patinas arrive for 2023.

Inside, the Telluride features dual 12.3-inch display screens with an available gauge cluster and navigation. Among the redesigned elements are the steering wheel and the dashboard, the latter including revised trim panels and HVAC vents.

Also available is an optional full display mirror with HomeLink functionality and a “smart” power liftgate.

Under the Hood

Some things stay the same for the Telluride. Among the carryovers are the engine and transmission. As before, this model comes with a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.

It works with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Power routes to the front wheels or all four wheels.

Arriving This Summer

Just ahead of the Telluride’s summer arrival, we should have additional details about all the trims and pricing. We expect a modest bump in price. More importantly, will Kia make enough of them to assuage customer demand?


See Also – Kia Telluride: Opulent, Large Crossover

Photos courtesy of Kia America.

Matthew Keegan
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