Refreshed Kia Telluride Debuts Ahead of New York Auto Show

The Kia Telluride returns for 2023 with a refreshed design and two new trim levels, X-Line and X-Pro, offering improved capability and features, the automaker announced.

Designed specifically for the U.S., the Telluride underwent some exterior restyling for a more rugged and refined look in the new model year, the company said.

New features include:

• Revised vertical headlamp design (standard LED) and available foglamps
• New bumpers and grille
• Revised taillamps
• New rear fascia and trim
• Revised lower door garnish trim/side sills
• New wheel designs for every trim
• Three new exterior colors: Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red and Jungle Wood Green

Interior updates for the three-row, eight-passenger SUV include:

• Curved dual 12.3-inch display screens – gauge cluster (available) and navigation
• Redesigned dashboard with revised trim panels and HVAC vents
• Redesigned steering wheel
• New interior color packages

The new Telluride introduces two new trim levels – X-Line and X-Pro. Both all-wheel drive models offer a roster of exclusive upgrades and enhancements over other Telluride trims, Kia said. The X-Pro model builds off the X-Line model, while the X-Line model replaces the former Telluride Nightfall Edition.

Telluride X-Line

Exterior

• Unique radiator grille design
• Bridge-type roof rails
• Body-color door handles
• Exclusive 20-inch wheels
• “X-Line” badging

Interior

• “X-Line” embossing on front seat upper backrest
• Exclusive color packages

Chassis and Capability

• Higher ground clearance (+10mm)
• Improved approach and departure angles
• Tow mode for optimized trailering performance (shift logic, sway control)
• Upgraded Traction Control System (TCS)

Telluride X-Pro (in addition to or in place of X-Line features)

Exterior

• Exclusive 18-inch black wheels and 18-inch all-terrain tires (Continental)
• “X-Pro” badging

Interior

• “X-Pro” embossing on front seat upper backrest
• 110-volt inverter outlet (cargo area)

Chassis and Capability

• Increased towing limit from 5,000 pounds to 5,500 pounds

Major mechanical features for all Telluride trim levels remain virtually unchanged, Kia said.

Powertrain and performance specifications include:

• Atkinson Cycle LAMBDA II 3.8L V6 GDI engine producing 291 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb.-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• Four-wheel independent suspension
• Monocoque shell that is composed of 59.4 percent advanced high-strength steel
• Available self-leveling rear suspension with ride height automatically calibrated depending on vehicle load
• Available active on-demand all-wheel drive
• Choice of four drive modes – Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort – as well as Snow and AWD Lock with AWD
• Standard towing rated up to 5,000 pounds (5,500 pounds for X-Pro trim)
• Newly added Downhill Brake Control (DBC)

The 2023 Telluride also adds new technology features:

• 3-inch navigation screen (increased from 10.3 inches)
• Optional Full Display Mirror with HomeLink functionality (replacing standard rearview mirror)
• Available Smart Power Liftgate with “Auto Close” functionality

Kia Connect services provide advanced embedded connectivity:

• Digital Key compatible with iPhones, Apple Watches and Samsung Galaxy smartphones
• In-vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot connects up to five devices to 4G LTE-based internet
• Map and Infotainment Over-The-Air (OTA) updates
• Kia Access App with smartwatch compatibility through Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy smart watches
• Stolen vehicle tracking and immobilization capability
• Connected Routing
• Smart Speaker Integration with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant enabled smart speakers or devices

Technology highlights carried over from the previous model year include:

• Available 10-speaker Harman/Kardon12 audio system (AM/FM/SiriusXM)
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Available wireless smartphone charging
• Up to six USB charging ports – two in each row. Five ports are standard (updated from A type to C type)
• Multi-Bluetooth wireless connectivity
• Head-Up Display: Upgraded from 8.5-inches to 10-inches
• Driver Talk: Uses a microphone to enhance communication with second- and third-row passengers
• Quiet Mode: Cuts audio output in second and third row so the audio choices of the front occupants are only heard in that row
• Rear Occupant Alert

The Telluride is also equipped with a full ADAS suite, including the following new features:

• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)
• Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control – Curve (NSCC-C)
• Highway Driving Assist (HDA)
• Forward Collision Avoidance – Junction Turning (FCA-JT), Junction Crossing (FCA-JC), Lane Change Oncoming (FCA-LO), Lane Change Side (FCA-LS) and Evasive Steering Assist (FCA-ESA)