Telluride

Make
Kia
Segment
SUV

The Kia EV6 is only the beginning of Kia's EV lineup. By 2025, it's possible the South Korean automaker will launch as many as seven pure battery electrics, one of which is expected to be an electrified version of the subcompact Seltos crossover, due in 2022. But it's the opposite end of the SUV crossover size spectrum that's now coming into more precise focus.

The Korean Car Blog claims inside sources are indicating a full-size SUV is planned to debut for either the 2023 for 2024 model year. Expected to be called the EV7 or EV8, the SUV should be around the same size as the extremely popular Telluride. This means three rows of seats and an abundance of cargo space.

At around the same time, its sister ship, the Hyundai Ioniq 7, is also due to arrive. The pair will have the same relationship as the Hyundai Palisade and Telluride, so expect completely unique sheetmetal and interiors but their general bones and E-GMP platform will be the same. It's still a bit too early to see prototypes out testing but overall design details are being finalized right now.

However, we already know some specific details thanks to Hyundai releasing information in May about the Ioniq 7. As previously noted, the large size will enable three rows of seats with optional second-row captain's chairs. Only a dual-motor setup will be offered with total output coming to around 308 horsepower.

A 100-kWh battery pack comes standard that's capable of enabling over 300 miles of range. It's no coincidence these specs are similar to those of the Tesla Model X. Hyundai and Kia are gunning directly for Tesla's largest SUV and will do so with the usual affordability factory. The cheapest Model X starts at nearly $90,000. There's no way the EV8 or Ioniq 7 will come anywhere close to that amount, even when fully loaded. The most expensive Telluride comes to only about $51,000.

Expect more details regarding Kia's Model X fighter in the near future as the EV SUV wars are about to enter a new phase.