Big, three-row SUV are apparently one of the trends nowadays in the States, and Kia is looking to lure customers with the Telluride.
A sister model to the Hyundai Palisade, it goes against the Volkswagen Atlas, Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot, among others. The Telluride has a squared styling and a nicely finished and specced cabin, with all the features that one would expect from such a ride, from comfortable, leather-trimmed seats to rear climate controls, easy access to the third row and tons of cargo space in two-seat configuration.
Review: 2020 Kia Telluride Is Large, Luxurious And Here To Eat The Explorer’s Lunch
In spite of the somewhat rugged overall styling, the Telluride hasn’t been designed to do any serious off-roading. And that’s okay, because hardly anyone will ever leave the tarmac. Still, the four-wheel drive system and locking differential do improve traction on slippery surfaces, providing extra peace of mind in rain or snow.
Kia’s largest SUV is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 with 291 horsepower and a 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) towing capacity. It’s paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that does the job well. On the go, the suspension absorbs most bumps in the road, yet the comfort-oriented setup comes at the expense of sharp handling, as the body roll through corners is noticeable.
The Telluride is available in four trim levels named the LX, S, EX and SX, with prices ranging between $31,690 and $41,490. Consumer Reports recently drove the EX, and were mostly impressed by it; but you can see what they had to say about it in the following video.