The production version of the Kia Telluride was launched at the 2019 North American International Auto Show. The first public debut was a customized version inspired by fashion designer Brandon Maxwell's Texas-inspired collection, at New York Fashion Weekin September 2018. The overall design is similar to the 2016 concept except for the front end which was completely redesigned. The production model utilizes a larger 3.8L V6 and eschews the hybrid powertrain. Its width, height and wheelbase have been noticeably decreased when compared to the concept model. The Telluride shares some components and specifications with its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Palisade, including its engine, transmission, and wheelbase. With the Telluride, Kia hopes to take on its fellow American-built rivals, the Chevrolet Traverse, the Volkswagen Atlas, the Honda Pilot and the sixth-generation Ford Explorer in the mid-size 3-row crossover SUV segment. The Telluride is the largest vehicle Kia has ever produced for the United States.
Trim levels
The Telluride is offered in four trim levels: base LX, S, mid-level EX, and top-of-the-line SX. The latter is offered with an optional "SX Prestige Package," which includes all-wheel drive, Nappa leather trim, a head-up display, heated and ventilated second-row seats, and other premium features. All Tellurides feature three rows of seating and, regardless of trim level, are equipped with various luxury-oriented features that are otherwise optional in some of its competitors, such as "Sofino" -trimmed or leather-trimmed seating surfaces, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and Kia's suite of "Drivewise" advanced driver assistance technologies. All Tellurides are powered by a 291-horsepower, 3.8L Lambda II gasoline V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and either front-wheel-drive or Kia's "Dynamax" all-wheel-drive system. Higher trim levels of the Telluride also offer class-exclusive features not available in some of its competitors, including heated and ventilated first and second row bucket seats and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
Concept
The concept version was first introduced at the 2016 North American International Auto Show. A mid-size, three-row, seven-passenger SUV, the Telluride is based on a modified Sorento chassis, and powered by a transversely-mounted 3.5-liter gasoline direct injected V6 producing combined with an electric motor making, for an overall output of. Fuel consumption is claimed to be. The exterior was finished in dark pyrite paint and featured a squared off body riding on 22-inch rims, as well as an enlarged tiger nose grille and multiple LED headlamps, consistent with Kia's current design language. The car's suicide doors swung open 90 degrees in opposite directions, revealing a pillarless design. Some of the interior components were 3D printed, marking Kia's first usage of 3D printing technology.
