2020 Kia Telluride

2020 Kia Telluride – Automotive Review

What’s in a name? The KIA Telluride is an SUV that is new to the market. The question is what is Telluride?

Is it

  1. Motorcycle slang for I can tell you ride
  2. A new attraction at Disneyland
  3. Lyrics in a Rap Song
  4. A small town in Colorado

If you answered 4, you are correct.

Telluride is located in the Southwest portion of Colorado and was once a silver mining camp. It is now known as a popular ski destination. 

What better vehicle to take the family on a ski trip, than the 2020 KIA Telluride with available seating for eight and a very well-appointed interior. Now KIA could have just extended the length of the Sorento and given it a new name, but no, KIA has reinvented the SUV and given it some unique features and modern tech that sets it apart from others.  The interior features wood grain trim with soft-touch material throughout. The center dash features a 10.25” multimedia screen with navigation, easily reached by both driver and passenger. Select the quite mode, and the system mutes the sound in the second and third-row seats; anybody with young children will appreciate this feature. There is also a grandparent mode, it alerts the grandchild’s parents when the child is crying and informs them that they need to come a deal with it, ok maybe that last one isn’t available, but one can hope. Available heated and cooled premium leather seats, one-touch walk in side access slides the second row forward to enter the third row. Driving the Telluride over different road conditions is a breeze by activating Drive/Terrain Mode and lets you comfortably navigate mud, snow, rain or any other challenges you’ll meet on the road with the integrated all-wheel drive.  There are four different drive modes; Smart, Eco, Sport, and Comfort. Snow, mud and sand terrain modes increase traction control to handle any road conditions. The standard all-wheel-drive adds two additional drive moves. AWD Lock that transfers the power evenly to all four wheels, giving you total control on off-road conditions.

Looks

The moment you first look at the Telluride, the front grille and badging stand out giving the frontend an aggressive look. LED headlights are surrounded by an amber led light strip that creates day time running lights. The rest of the body has smooth sweeping lines to the back where it meets the LED taillights and the contoured rear spoiler.

Engine

A 3.8L V6 GDI engine produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination of power, size, and weight have given this vehicle a tow rating of 5000lbs.

Safety

A total of 7 airbags including dual front, dual side, and dual front side seat are standard. Blindspot collision avoidance, lane follow assist, driver attention warning, advance forward collision avoidance assist are also included

 

The Drive

Everything about this SUV screams comfort, from the moment you enter the cabin, the seats are comfortable and supportive while all the functions a laid out in front of you. The heads up display keeps your eye on the road while quickly glancing at speed and navigation. Driving down the street feels like you are driving your living room couch, smooth and comfortable, lots of power to accelerate up hills and very responsive brakes. Overall I would have to say “a very enjoyable ride.”

Fuel Economy

  • 12.5L/100km City
  • 9.5L/100KM Highway

MSRP CND

  • EX   $44,995
  • SX   $49,995
  • SX Limited   $52,995
  • SX Limited with Nappa  $53,995
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