2023 Kia Telluride Review: Everything To Everyone
Kia's Telluride has been on the market in the USA for just three years and, in that time, racked up a firm fanbase, loads of awards, and the appreciation of family-oriented buyers who love that you can get something practical and safe without compromising on style and class. The Telluride doesn't hold back from the fight, and when going up against big names such as the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and its own corporate cousin that is the Hyundai Palisade, it needs to come out swinging - and it does. Not just with a well-suited 291-horsepower V6 engine, but also with updated styling, a plush cabin that suggests a much higher price than what's on the sticker, and a list of standard features longer than your arm. And now, with a ten-model lineup that features off-road-oriented trims, there's even more to love about this hulking SUV.
What's the Price of the 2023 Kia Telluride?
The Kia Telluride's price is one of its key selling points. This Korean SUV is a seriously good bang-for-your-buck buy and offers near-German levels of luxury and comfort for much, much less money. The 2023 Telluride's MSRP starts at $35,690 for the entry-level LX. This price excludes tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,335. The S costs $37,590 and rises to $41,290 for the mid-range EX. The off-road-focused EX X-Line costs $45,485, and the SX is yours for $45,490. The SX X-Line creeps closer to $50k with an MSRP of $48,885, and the SX X-Pro sells for $49,885. The SX Prestige breaks the $50k mark with an MSRP of $50,390, and the SX Prestige X-Line costs $51,785. The most expensive of the lot is the $52,785 SX Prestige X-Pro.
2023 Telluride Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
196.9 in | 114.2 in | 68.9 in | 78.3 in | 67.2 in | 67.6 in | 4,134.0 lbs |
2023 Telluride Performance
2023 Kia Telluride Handling and Driving Impressions
The excellence of the Telluride is in its ability to do many things well, and when it comes drive and handling, it's no less impressive. Despite it's size and weight, it handles with aplomb and feels agile. There's a particular gracefulness and sense of elegance about it, and while it prioritizes refined comfort over anything else, it's not a dead weight beneath your fingertips. In Comfort mode, steering is light and the driving feel is perfectly suited to daily trips between home and school, but switched to Sport mode makes things feel a little tighter. It doesn't matter where you take it, you'll get the same dependable, smooth ride and confident handling - it never loses its composure and, with new off-roading trims, will do even better when you decide to tackle some off-roading adventures with the family. It's not trail-rated Wrangler, but it won't let you down over a couple of ruts and on some mildly awkward terrain.
2023 Telluride Interior
2023 Telluride Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 10 Years / 100,000 Miles | 5 Years / 100,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is The 2023 Kia Telluride A Good SUV?
The Kia Telluride is an easy vehicle to recommend because it ticks so many boxes and does so many things well. Most will be sold on it's reasonable price tag alone, and with ten models to choose from - with around $17k differentiating base from top trims - there truly is something for everyone in the lineup. And yet, even opting for a lower-rung model won't leave you disappointed because you still get everything the Telluride presents itself to be: a safe, comfortable, and capable family car. Mid-range models offer the best of both words, and for under $50k, you're likely to find a car that can do everything you want it to, and more. This is truly one of those great all-rounders that make recommending it a pleasure.
What 2023 Kia Telluride Model Should I Buy?
With a massive ten trims on offer, finding the perfect configuration shouldn't be that difficult. The Telluride starts at $35,690 and tops out at just over $50k, which means there's something for every budget too. The best part is that the Telluride is great even in its lower-spec configurations. If we were shopping around, we'd happily settle for the EX X-Line. This mid-range model adds the new rugged X-Line off-road features such as a raised ride height and a plethora of additional features not found on your more basic spec Telluride models. The EX X-Line costs just over $45k and gets leather seats, wireless charging for your smartphone, and a sunroof.