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)
