2024

Named after a ski resort in Colorado, the Telluride marked 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. Self-levelling rear suspension is optional.

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.

With L.E.D. headlights, fog lights, a sunroof, power driver’s seat, heated seats and steering wheel, navigation, blind spot and rear cross traffic warnings, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking, rain sense wipers and wireless cellphone charging, the base EX trim is well equipped. The SX trim adds front parking sonar, a blind view monitor, a fixed glass panel over the middle row seat, leather seating, a Harmon-Kardon audio system, a 360 degree camera system and a plethora of minor items, as is priced to reflect the value of the additional content. Though it features Nappa leather, heated and ventilated middle-row seats and a head-up display system, the SX Limited upgrade is overpriced. The X-Line trim loses the Nappa leather and fancier headliner of the SX Limited but is more expensive, making it look like a lot of money for less content. The X-Pro does add extra tow capacity.

Average reliability predicted during the warranty period. Hyundai V6 engines seemed to be immune to the failures experienced with its 2L and 2.4L engines, however, failures of the 3.3L-V6 may not auger well for the 3.8L V6 powering the Telluride.