Kia Telluride

Kia Telluride Rear

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 Week in September 2018.[4] 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.[5]

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.[6][7]

The Telluride is the largest vehicle Kia has ever produced for the United States.

The Telluride is offered in four trim levels: base LX, S, mid-level EX, and top-of-the-line SX.[8] 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.[9]

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" (leatherette)-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,[8] and either front-wheel-drive (FWD) or Kia's "Dynamax" all-wheel-drive (AWD) system (the latter is similar to the same system found in the smaller Kia Sorento).

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.[10]

Kia Telluride Concept
Overview
Manufacturer	Kia Motors
Production	2016
Designer	Tom Kearns (KCDA)[11]
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size crossover SUV[12]
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	3.5 L Lambda II V6 GDi
Electric motor	Electric motor (130 hp)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,081 mm (121.3 in)
Length	5,000 mm (196.9 in)
Width	2,010 mm (79.1 in)
Height	1,800 mm (70.9 in)[13]

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 270 hp (201 kW) combined with an electric motor making 130 hp (97 kW), for an overall output of 400 hp (298 kW). Fuel consumption is claimed to be 30 miles per US gallon (7.8 L/100 km).[14]

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 (as of 2016).[15] The car's suicide doors swung open 90 degrees in opposite directions,[16] revealing a pillarless design.[13] Some of the interior components were 3D printed, marking Kia's first usage of 3D printing technology.[17]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kia Telluride.

• Official website
• Official press release (concept)