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)

By A.J. Hecht

A.J. Hecht is the managing editor of THE SHOP and host of the In Gear with THE SHOP podcast. Have an idea, a tip, or a question you’d like to see answered? Contact A.J. at ahecht@cahabamedia.com.