It's one of the hottest-selling SUVs on the market and has been since it arrived in 2019. (And yes, we've been fans of it here at the Car Pro Show since the beginning. ) Now, new for 2023, the Kia Telluride gets tweaked looks, updated technology, more standard and available driver's assistance features, and two new geared-for-adventure trims, X-Line and X-Pro, which add towing capability, higher ground clearance and more. All are important updates for a vehicle that Kia says has attracted over 75 percent of its buyers as new to the Kia brand.
New for 2023
New for 2023, you'll find new styling in the front. Updates include a new vertical headlamp design and available foglamps, new bumpers and grille, revised taillamps, new rear fascia and trim, and new wheel designs for all trims. Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red and Jungle Wood Green join the color palette.
2023 Kia Telluride. Credit: Kia.
Cabin updated include available dual 12.3-inch curved and seamless display screens – gauge cluster (available) and navigation, a redesigned dashboard with revised trim panels and HVAC vents, steering wheel and new interior color options. New options include an optional Full Display Mirror with HomeLink functionality and available Smart Power Liftgate with "Auto Close" functionality.
There are two new advanced driver assistance features offered for 2023: Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) and Forward Collision Avoidance – Junction Turning (FCA-JT).
2023 Kia Telluride X-Pro. Credit: Newspress USA.
Also new for 2023, two new trims: X-Line and X-Pro. Both all-wheel drive models offer a roster of exclusive upgrades and enhancements over other Telluride trims. The X-Pro model builds off the X-Line model and the X-Line model replaces the former Telluride Nightfall Edition.
X-Line
The X-Line model exterior features a unique radiator grille design, bridge-type roof rails, body-color door handles, exclusive 20-inch wheels and "X-Line" badging. The interior features "X-Line" embossing on front seat upper backrest and exclusive color packages.
Chassis and Capability
- Higher ground clearance (+10mm)
- Improved approach and departure angles
- Tow mode for optimized trailering performance (shift logic, sway control)
- Upgraded Traction Control System (TCS)
X-Pro (in addition to or in place of X-Line features)
The X-Pro rides on exclusive18-inch black wheels and 18-inch all-terrain tires (Continental) and wears "X-Pro" badging. You'll also find "X-Pro" embossing on front seat upper backrest and a 110-volt inverter outlet in the cargo area.
Chassis and Capability
- Increases towing limit from 5,000 pounds to 5,500 pounds.
Powertrain
The lineup continues to be powered by a 3.8-Liter V6 engine producing 291-horsepower and 262 lb.-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic with a choice of four drive modes: Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort. All-wheel drive equipped vehicles add "Snow" and "AWD Lock" for specific driving conditions. Available self-leveling rear suspension automatically calibrates ride height depending on vehicle load to optimize control and stability
Standard towing is rated up to 5,000 pounds (5,500 pounds for X-Pro trim). This year newly added Downhill Brake Control (DBC) maintains a controlled descent on steep roads.
2023 Kia Telluride X-Pro. Credit: Newspress USA.
ADAS Features
Kia's suite of ADAS features grows for 2023 adding two new standard systems (ISLA, FCA-JT):
- NEW: Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA): Maximum speed sign recognition that alerts driver and also limits the speed of the car depending on the settings (standard)
- Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control – Curve (NSCC-C): Leverages the navigation system to lower the vehicle's speed proactively before upcoming curves in the road (available)
- Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2): A driving convenience system that maintains the distance from the vehicle in front and the lane position on the highway, and also assists in lane changes (available; HDA 1.5 is standard on Telluride)
- NEW: Forward Collision Avoidance – Junction Turning (FCA-JT): Detects oncoming vehicles while turning left at an intersection (junction). If a collision appears likely, the system applies the brakes to stop the car (standard)
- Forward Collision Avoidance – Junction Crossing (FCA-JC): Detects crossing vehicles while passing through an intersection. If a collision appears likely, the system applies the brakes to stop the car (available)
- Forward Collision Avoidance – Lane Change Oncoming (FCA-LO): Assists in preventing collision with oncoming vehicles while passing other vehicles by providing steering input (available)
- Forward Collision Avoidance – Lane Change Side (FCA-LS): Assists in preventing collision with cycles/vehicles in the front of the car while changing lanes by providing steering input (available)
- Forward Collision Avoidance – Evasive Steering Assist (FCA-ESA): Assists in preventing collision with obstacles/pedestrians/vehicles in front of the car while driving straight by providing steering input (available)
2023 Kia Telluride. Credit: Kia.
Carryover ADAS (standard and available) systems include:
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA)
- High Beam Assist (HBA)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist-Rear (BCA-R)
- Blind Spot View Monitor (BVM) (available)
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
- Parking Distance Warning – Forward (available) and Reverse
- Surround View Monitor (SVM) (available)
- Highway Driving Assist (HDA) (HDA 1.5 – standard; HDA 2.0 – optional)
- Lane Following Assist (LFA)
- Safe Exist Assist (SEA)
Technology
Kia Connect services provide advanced embedded connectivity:
- Digital Key: Allows customers to use their compatible iPhones, Apple Watches, and Samsung Galaxy smartphones as a virtual vehicle key to lock, unlock and drive. Furthermore, these keys can be shared with friends and family over text messages on available devices
- In-vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot connects up to five devices to 4G LTE-based internet
- Map and Infotainment Over-The-Air (OTA) updates: Keeps maps and infotainment system updated automatically with the latest functionalities to deliver the best driving experience
- Kia Access App with smartwatch compatibility through Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy smart watches to access features like remote climate control, door lock/unlock and more
- Stolen vehicle tracking and immobilization capability
- Connected Routing: The server-based system calculates the optimal route by using real-time and predicted traffic information based on past information and AI that has learned the user's preferred route.
- Smart Speaker Integration lets customers use Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant enabled smart speakers or devices to remotely control some functions (such as remote start)
Technology highlights carried over from the previous model year include:
- Available 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system (AM/FM/SiriusXM)
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Available wireless smartphone charging
- Up to six USB charging ports – two in each row. Five ports are standard (updated from A type to C type)
- Multi-Bluetooth wireless connectivity allows two phones to connect simultaneously for audio streaming
- Head-Up Display: Upgraded from 8.5-inches to 10-inches. Added information makes this system especially useful. Provides turn-by-turn navigation, speed, smart cruise control and blind-spot warnings (available)
- Driver Talk: Uses a microphone to enhance communication with second- and third-row passengers
- Quiet Mode: Cuts audio output in second and third row so the audio choices of the front occupants are only heard in that row
- Rear Occupant Alert: Uses ultrasonic sensors designed to detect child or pet movement in the second and third row after the car's doors have been locked and then can issue audible alerts to the driver
Photo Credit: Kia.