Named after a ski resort in Colorado, the Telluride marks a return to the large three-row segment that Kia abandoned with the demise of the ill-fated Borrego in 2011. It is a twin under the skin of the new Hyundai Palisade. Unlike the Palisade, which looks overstyled, the designer of the sleek Telluride knew when to “lift the pen.”
Inside, the dashboard, with conventional gauges and a German style free-standing info screen at the top of the centre stack, eschews the “right now” computer tablet used on the Hyundai Palisade. Like the Palisade, the Telluride’s cabin is quite plush. Kia’s new three-row is very roomy in the first two rows and has abundant cargo space with the third row seat folded down. The Telluride is equipped with an in-car intercom system Kia calls Drive Talk, a rear occupant sensor so nobody gets left behind and second-row passengers are warned not to open their doors if another vehicle is approaching from the rear.
The Telluride is positioned right at the heart of the three-row segment, like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Power is derived from a 3.8 L-V6 Kia calls Lambda II, and is unusual is that it is a non-hybrid that Atkinson Cycle combustion system. Power reaches all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard, but a drive system called Active on-demand 2, which actively splits torque from front to rear depending on driving conditions, is optional. Its default mode is 80 percent front, 20 percent rear, but goes to 65-35 when in Sport mode and will distribute torque 50-50 when placed in the Lock setting. Self-levelling rear suspension is optional. Kia Drive Wise, with forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane departure, blind spot, rear cross traffic and driver awareness warnings, adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane following assist, a basic semi-autonomous drive mode which will centre the vehicle in its lane, are available.
Driven briefly, the Telluride is a tour-de-force in terms of fit and finish, logical controls and lavish equipment for the price. The 3.8L V6 is strong, smooth, flexible and very quiet except for when pushed, when it sounds symphonic. The conventional eight-speed automatic transmission works very well overall but can delay downshifts more than some drivers appreciate. The ride is very absorbent. Good visibility for a giant bus. Very quiet operation.

With L.E.D. headlights, fog lights, a sunroof, power driver’s seat, heated seats and steering wheel, navigation and an auto-dim rearview, the base EX is very well equipped. Stepping up the SX includes a panoramic sunroof, four extra power seat directions for the driver, a power passenger seat, more soft-touch cabin fittings, a larger TFT gauge cluster, a Harman-Kardon audio system, front parking sonar, emergency steer assist and leather seating, at a bargain price. The SX Limited adds second-row captains chairs, Nappa leather, heated second-row seats, ventilated second-row seats, a head-up display system and a number of minor items, at a price that reflects the additional content. The X-Line and X-Pro models offer little of value for the money asked.

Average to above average reliability predicted during the warranty period.