2020 Kia Telluride First Look
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Date: 2019-05-30
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Comments and reviews: 10
Stephen Hendricks
KIA and Hyundai continue to offer closely related vehicles meant to appeal to slightly different market segments. The Genesis G70 is a smaller sports sedan closely related to the GT sized KIA Stinger. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a two row, four cylinder turbo version of the Kia Sorento. And now the Telluride appears to be a somewhat more adventurous version of the near luxury Hyundai Pallisade. All share many components while being different enough to avoid looking like re-badged versions of the same vehicles. The Telluride allows KIA to offer a three row crossover firmly in the midsize category compared to the Goldilocks size of the Sorento. Alex doesnt mention the torque figures for the Telluride but I suspect that KIA chose to move from the 3. 3L V6 in the Sorento to the 3. 8L displacement in the Telluride to increase the low end torque. (The HP figures are identical) KIA and Hyundai (along with Toyota) believe that a naturally aspirated, rather than a turbo version of the V6 is more appropriate in this category due to the smoother, more linear power delivery it offers. And despite complaints from internet fanboys who think every crossover should be designed for stoplight drag racing, I suspect theyre right. The same applies to the FWD vs RWD issue. Actually, the most appropriate comparison is between the bias (FWD vs RWD) of the AWD systems. KIA apparently believes that the advantages of a FWD-biased AWD system including more efficient allocation of interior space and the opportunity to site the assembly of the Telluride in West Point, Georgia outweighs the potential handling and towing advantages of a RWD-biased system. Had KIA opted to base the Telluride on the KIA 900 platform, I suspect they would have had to build it in Korea. From a cost and marketing perspective, I suspect theyre right. The Sorento offers remarkably good specs for third row seating considering its overall size (189 inches. More legroom, for example, than the Highlander or the much larger CX-9. But the Sorento sacrifices cargo capacity behind the third row and easy access to those seats. Once seated, the Sorentos third row is not a bad spot for a couple of passengers, even adults. But its suitable only for local destinations. The Sorento is too small for six or more passengers AND their gear on a trip. The Telluride appears to be specifically designed to remedy that limitation. Of course, it sacrifices the advantages of the Sorentos tweener size in the process. As for the Telluride versus the Pallisade, I suspect a blindfolded driver wont be able to tell the difference in driving dynamics (before killing himself/herself or removing the blindfold) For many buyers it will come down to personal preferences in terms of exterior design, brand, and overall vibe. Personally I prefer the less fussy overall styling of KIA products compared to Hyundais but others will differ.
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KIA and Hyundai continue to offer closely related vehicles meant to appeal to slightly different market segments. The Genesis G70 is a smaller sports sedan closely related to the GT sized KIA Stinger. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a two row, four cylinder turbo version of the Kia Sorento. And now the Telluride appears to be a somewhat more adventurous version of the near luxury Hyundai Pallisade. All share many components while being different enough to avoid looking like re-badged versions of the same vehicles. The Telluride allows KIA to offer a three row crossover firmly in the midsize category compared to the Goldilocks size of the Sorento. Alex doesnt mention the torque figures for the Telluride but I suspect that KIA chose to move from the 3. 3L V6 in the Sorento to the 3. 8L displacement in the Telluride to increase the low end torque. (The HP figures are identical) KIA and Hyundai (along with Toyota) believe that a naturally aspirated, rather than a turbo version of the V6 is more appropriate in this category due to the smoother, more linear power delivery it offers. And despite complaints from internet fanboys who think every crossover should be designed for stoplight drag racing, I suspect theyre right. The same applies to the FWD vs RWD issue. Actually, the most appropriate comparison is between the bias (FWD vs RWD) of the AWD systems. KIA apparently believes that the advantages of a FWD-biased AWD system including more efficient allocation of interior space and the opportunity to site the assembly of the Telluride in West Point, Georgia outweighs the potential handling and towing advantages of a RWD-biased system. Had KIA opted to base the Telluride on the KIA 900 platform, I suspect they would have had to build it in Korea. From a cost and marketing perspective, I suspect theyre right. The Sorento offers remarkably good specs for third row seating considering its overall size (189 inches. More legroom, for example, than the Highlander or the much larger CX-9. But the Sorento sacrifices cargo capacity behind the third row and easy access to those seats. Once seated, the Sorentos third row is not a bad spot for a couple of passengers, even adults. But its suitable only for local destinations. The Sorento is too small for six or more passengers AND their gear on a trip. The Telluride appears to be specifically designed to remedy that limitation. Of course, it sacrifices the advantages of the Sorentos tweener size in the process. As for the Telluride versus the Pallisade, I suspect a blindfolded driver wont be able to tell the difference in driving dynamics (before killing himself/herself or removing the blindfold) For many buyers it will come down to personal preferences in terms of exterior design, brand, and overall vibe. Personally I prefer the less fussy overall styling of KIA products compared to Hyundais but others will differ.
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Al13n1nV8D3R
Kia has improved their quality and reliability over the years. But since they had a rocky start 20 years ago its hard for me to get over that stigma that Kia is unreliable. About over 20 years ago my father was interested in buying a brand new Kia Accent. This was when they didnt have the 10 year guarantee yet. The salesman took us on a test drive and while on the freeway 5 miles away from the dealership we heard a loud bang, it sounded like a small explosion. The engine had a catastrophic failure. Smoke started venting from the hood. We pulled over and took a look. The radiator blew spewing coolant everywhere and also motor oil was spewing everywhere too. The salesman appologized and he then called the dealership to send someone to pick us up. Then he called the tow truck to tow the car. This car was brand new and only had like 18 miles on the odometer. When we got back to the dealer they ask me if we wanted to test drive another car. We quickly declined and then proceeded to leave the dealership as fast as we can. Needless to say this had left a bad taste in my mouth. I have loved the designs of Kia cars lately but just cant push myself to buy one even though I know they are better built today than they were 20 years ago.
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Kia has improved their quality and reliability over the years. But since they had a rocky start 20 years ago its hard for me to get over that stigma that Kia is unreliable. About over 20 years ago my father was interested in buying a brand new Kia Accent. This was when they didnt have the 10 year guarantee yet. The salesman took us on a test drive and while on the freeway 5 miles away from the dealership we heard a loud bang, it sounded like a small explosion. The engine had a catastrophic failure. Smoke started venting from the hood. We pulled over and took a look. The radiator blew spewing coolant everywhere and also motor oil was spewing everywhere too. The salesman appologized and he then called the dealership to send someone to pick us up. Then he called the tow truck to tow the car. This car was brand new and only had like 18 miles on the odometer. When we got back to the dealer they ask me if we wanted to test drive another car. We quickly declined and then proceeded to leave the dealership as fast as we can. Needless to say this had left a bad taste in my mouth. I have loved the designs of Kia cars lately but just cant push myself to buy one even though I know they are better built today than they were 20 years ago.
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H. J. Babilonia
Ive been waiting for this suv for the past few years. The design itself is borderline elegant. However, the engine selection is such a disappointment. This is where KIA will fall behind all of its competitors. The base engine should be the twin-turbo V6 used in the Stinger and Genesis (G90) V8 should be an option. Ill be surprised if it can tow more than 3K lbs with that wimpy engine. KIAs chance to compete with larger and more powerful/expensive suvs just went down the drain. Absolutely disappointed. After being a KIA loyalist and having owned a 2011 Sportage EX, a 2011 Sorento SX and a 2009 V8 Borrego EX this was going to be my next suv. emphasis in was. Time to look at other brands.
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Ive been waiting for this suv for the past few years. The design itself is borderline elegant. However, the engine selection is such a disappointment. This is where KIA will fall behind all of its competitors. The base engine should be the twin-turbo V6 used in the Stinger and Genesis (G90) V8 should be an option. Ill be surprised if it can tow more than 3K lbs with that wimpy engine. KIAs chance to compete with larger and more powerful/expensive suvs just went down the drain. Absolutely disappointed. After being a KIA loyalist and having owned a 2011 Sportage EX, a 2011 Sorento SX and a 2009 V8 Borrego EX this was going to be my next suv. emphasis in was. Time to look at other brands.
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WarriorOf Christ
I definitely see a lot of gmc looks on the front end and rear end (think gmc Yukon Denali) And I also see a huge amount of that one top of the line Mercedes Benz car (the one that has all of the interior lighting all over the car to where you can change the colors, lean the rear seats back, has fold down trays etc, sorry cant recall the exact name of it right now) but if definitely see a huge amount of that cars dash in this dash. To be honest almost identical. What I see is kia used/borrowed that cars dash and quite a bit of the GMC Yukon Denalis front end and rear end.
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I definitely see a lot of gmc looks on the front end and rear end (think gmc Yukon Denali) And I also see a huge amount of that one top of the line Mercedes Benz car (the one that has all of the interior lighting all over the car to where you can change the colors, lean the rear seats back, has fold down trays etc, sorry cant recall the exact name of it right now) but if definitely see a huge amount of that cars dash in this dash. To be honest almost identical. What I see is kia used/borrowed that cars dash and quite a bit of the GMC Yukon Denalis front end and rear end.
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Painted Bird
Alex, now on, we should call you Lightening Alex. How do you edit and upload so fast. Great review. I really like this brand new Telluride, inside and out. The design is so original. It just Tell me to ride. Tell-U-ride People talk about Telluride being underpowered. Actually, It has one more horse than 2019 MDX and has bigger engine displacement. Should drive fine. I have a MDX and it drives fine, never underpowered.
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Alex, now on, we should call you Lightening Alex. How do you edit and upload so fast. Great review. I really like this brand new Telluride, inside and out. The design is so original. It just Tell me to ride. Tell-U-ride People talk about Telluride being underpowered. Actually, It has one more horse than 2019 MDX and has bigger engine displacement. Should drive fine. I have a MDX and it drives fine, never underpowered.
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Donald Ducko
Going right after the explorer. Which I would buy over this. Cant wait for all these SUV buyers to freak when gas prices go back up and they will go up. Obamas EPA nazi wanted gas prices at 10/gallon and those crazy liberals havent gone anywhere. Would love to know who can afford this when supposedly Americans cant afford health insurance or child care or food or cell phones or high speed internet or college tuition.
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Going right after the explorer. Which I would buy over this. Cant wait for all these SUV buyers to freak when gas prices go back up and they will go up. Obamas EPA nazi wanted gas prices at 10/gallon and those crazy liberals havent gone anywhere. Would love to know who can afford this when supposedly Americans cant afford health insurance or child care or food or cell phones or high speed internet or college tuition.
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Michal Klucz
taillamps are hideous. I dont mean bad or could be better, but hideous. while I like large vertical part for stop and turn signals, pairing them with such small reversing light is tragic. and this frame of the infotainment screen? I am not sure what is bigger, screen or the bezel.
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taillamps are hideous. I dont mean bad or could be better, but hideous. while I like large vertical part for stop and turn signals, pairing them with such small reversing light is tragic. and this frame of the infotainment screen? I am not sure what is bigger, screen or the bezel.
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T Ritchie
I like the look of it. And that cargo area looks nice. Im a big fan of that in the floorboard storage myself. I wonder if they can have that AND rear wheel drive? Or is that a compromise they have to make in order to have that storage?
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I like the look of it. And that cargo area looks nice. Im a big fan of that in the floorboard storage myself. I wonder if they can have that AND rear wheel drive? Or is that a compromise they have to make in order to have that storage?
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Matt Smith
Hate the name but love the design and tail lamps, very premium and almost land rover looking appearance. Really like the new Soul design as well. Kia is on the right track Hope to see more polarizing design cues in their future models.
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Hate the name but love the design and tail lamps, very premium and almost land rover looking appearance. Really like the new Soul design as well. Kia is on the right track Hope to see more polarizing design cues in their future models.
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Cameron Woody
They need a better engine option, keep the 3. 8 as standard but they should have offered the 3. 3TT or the V8 they already have in their line up. The 3. 8 alone is enough to make me not want it, was so excited for this as well.
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They need a better engine option, keep the 3. 8 as standard but they should have offered the 3. 3TT or the V8 they already have in their line up. The 3. 8 alone is enough to make me not want it, was so excited for this as well.
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