U Spy The Kia Telluride As It Prepares To Battle The Chevy Traverse

The 2020 Kia Telluride has been snapped in the Florida Everglades by Carscoops reader Doug Hardy.

Set to become the spiritual successor to the unloved Borrego, the Telluride has better chances of success as the model will be a full-size crossover that features an upscale design.

Previewed by a concept at the 2016 North American International Auto Show, the production model will have familiar styling and a similar shape. However, some of the more of the adventurous styling elements have been toned down as the prototype adopts smaller wheels and less chrome trim. Previous spy photos have also shown the Telluride will have vertical headlights and a prominent grille.

The concept was based on a modified version of the Sorento’s platform and it measured 196.9 inches (5,001 mm) long, 79.1 inches (2,009 mm) wide and 70.9 inches (1,800 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spanned 121.3 inches (3,081 mm). The latter figure was an increase of 11.9 inches (302 mm) compared to the Sorento and it allowed for an extremely spacious interior.

Speaking of the cabin, we can expect an upscale cockpit with high-tech features. Spy photographers haven’t been able to snap pictures quite yet, but the concept’s interior was partially inspired by the Mercedes S-Class. The production model will be less ambitious, but the base model is expected to offer seating for up to eight people. There should also be a seven passenger variant with two individual captain’s chairs for the second row.

Less is known about what will power the Chevrolet Traverse competitor, but one possible candidate is the twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 engine that resides in the Kia Stinger and Genesis G70. The model could also be offered with a hybrid powertrain as well as the 2.2-liter diesel engine from the Hyundai Santa Fe. The latter produces 190 hp (141 kW / 192 PS) and 322 lb-ft (436 Nm) of torque.

There have been conflicting reports about when and where the Telluride will be unveiled, but the crossover could debut in Detroit this January.