The Kia Telluride receives a number of styling changes for 2023
The inside also receives some new touches, especially the screens
Two new trim levels are added: the X-Line and the X-Pro
The Kia Telluride is one of the most popular 3-row SUVs in North America and Kia is determined to ensure its continued appeal by giving it a modernised appearance for 2023.
The changes made to the new Telluride are most visible in the front, where the grill now features a satin chrome (or gloss black) surround that borders its entire perimeter instead of the two horizontal strips that where present on the previous model. The bumper has also been retouched to include a rectangular brightwork appliqué that integrates the available fog lamps. This gives the Telluride a more aggressive and rugged appearance than last year’s version. The headlamps are also new and the daytime running lights are now composed of two white vertical strips under a square projector instead of the orange rectangles that were used previously.
At the rear, similar changes have taken place since the taillamps have been reworked slightly, moving the reverse lights to the bumper, which is also different, mainly since it lost the bright metal accent that was carried by the last version.
Inside, the most noticeable difference is the new available digital instrument cluster which is integrated with the infotainment screen in a single panel that joins the two 12.3-inch screens. A new steering wheel is also present, as is an improved head up display and a couple of new features have appeared, such as the standard WiFi hotspot and the available digital key, which allows drivers to operate the vehicle by using their phone as the key.
The driver assistance systems have also been improved, with the Highway Drive Assist 2 now capable of performing automatic lane changes.
Two new trim levels are added for 2023, the X-Line and the X-Pro. Both of these models are focussed on ruggedness and off-road driving, which is why they come with a higher ground clearance and meatier all-terrain tires. To complete the package, raised roof racks and a downhill brake control are also added.
These new trims are not just for show either, since the X-Pro is capable of towing 500 pounds more than the other versions, with a rating of 5,500 pounds.
The mechanical elements have not been changed during this refresh, which means the Telluride will continue to be sold only with a 3.8L V6 engine under the hood that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an available all-wheel drive system.