The Korean manufacturer is getting crossover market extremely serious, so we have seen several brand-new models recently. While some of the previously-introduced models were focused on compact and subcompact segments, the 2020 Kia Telluride is the biggest Kia vehicle ever made. Although based on the mid-size Sorento, this crossover is actually notably longer, with several more inches in wheelbase.
The Korean company wanted to offer an ultimate family-friendly crossover, which would feature spacious and functional interior but wouldn’t be as inefficient as traditional body-on-frame SUVs. Therefore, many experts see this model with different eyes. Some see it as a natural competitor to other large crossovers like the new Explorer or Traverse. Others even compare it with truck-based models like Tahoe, Armada or even Expedition. In any case, the new model has a lot of things to show. Also, it is already available for sale in most markets around the world.
2020 Kia Telluride Design
In terms of base design characteristics, we should mention first that this is a crossover. Despite its boxy, Escalade-like aesthetics, this is actually a unibody SUV. As you may presume, it shares a lot with its corporal sibling, another brand-new model, Hyundai Palisade. That means it rides on the same platform as Sorento, though it is notably bigger. It features several more inches in wheelbase and overall lengths, which provides a notably more spacious cabin.
In terms of the cabin, the 2020 Kia Telluride doesn’t look too similar to other models from the brand’s lineup. Moreover, the company came up with a completely different approach, characterized by a super-boxy styling, which makes this crossover look like a real truck-based SUV, with sharp edges, the boxy overall shape and other design characteristics that are typical for old-school SUVs. However, things are completely opposite under the skin.
Interior
The main attribute of this SUV is an extremely spacious cabin. There are many mid-size crossovers on the market that offer such amount of space. This model accommodates eight passengers with ease. All three rows are very spacious and adult-friendly. Also, you can opt for the second-row captain’s chairs, which reduce capacity to seven. The cabin design is great. It looks clear that the company wanted to put the focus not just on practicality but also on style and luxury. The dashboard looks very luxurious. It features clean, horizontal lines and it is full of soft-touch, hi-quality materials.
Higher trims are easily comparable with premium crossovers, thanks to wood accents and similar materials, as well as to a full load of standard equipment. When it comes to cargo capacity, you can count on pretty impressive 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The total capacity goes up to 87 cubic feet, which is almost on par with full-size SUVs.
Features
When it comes to standard equipment, this SUV has a lot of things to offer. In terms of tech goodies, base models come with things like 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker sound system, Bluetooth etc. Also, there are six USB ports in this SUV. In higher trims, you can also get things like 10.25-inch touch screen, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, navigation etc.
When it comes to safety, this SUV features one of the most impressive lists of standard features on the market. Things like rearview camera, rear parking sensors, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, a blind spot collision avoidance system, forward collision warning, brake assist, pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver attention monitor and adaptive cruise control are all standard. Additionally, you can get things like surround-view parking camera, highway driving assist, and blind spot monitoring, automatic high beams etc.
2020 Kia Telluride Engine
When it comes to 2020 Kia Telluride engine specs, there is no place for surprises. The new SUV comes with the company’s familiar 3.8-liter V6, the same one that can be found under the hood of Hyundai Palisade. This unit features a max output of around 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Of course, the transmission is an 8-speed automatic, which provides a pretty smooth and convenient ride. FWD is standard, but you can get 2020 Kia Telluride AWD as well, for additional 1.500 dollars.
When it comes to fuel economy, count on typical numbers for the class, around 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Max towing capacity goes around 5.000 pounds.
2020 Kia Telluride Price
The 2020 Kia Telluride base price goes around 31.700 dollars, while top-range models could cost you almost 44.000 dollars. Like with other models from this manufacturer, the 2020 Kia Telluride Competitive Bonus Program is also available.
When it comes to the competition, we expect that the key rivals will be models like Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Toyota Highlander etc.