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Kia goes large with all-new, eight-seat SUV for North America that majors on space, quality and refinement

What is it?

Kia continues the SUV revamp of its North American line-up with the new Telluride, a mid-size, three-row crossover. It’s a hotly contested, growing segment that includes US-made family transport staples such as the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.

You’d be right in thinking that Kia already has a seven-seat SUV in the line-up, but the Kia Sorento is not large enough to compete in this class. The new Telluride – named after a Colorado ski resort – is 200mm longer, 100mm wider and 65mm taller.

Under the bonnet is a 3.8-litre, direct-injection petrol V6 that runs on the Atkinson cycle to mitigate the two-tonne SUV’s appetite for fuel. Its 291bhp is par for the course in a class where powerful, large-capacity V6s remain the norm. We drove the Telluride in Canada, where all-wheel drive is standard; it’s optional in the US.

The Telluride hit the market for the 2020 model year and will be joined this summer by its platform sibling, the Hyundai Palisade. Neither will be sold in the UK.

3 Kia telluride 2019 fd hero rear

What's it like?

There’s no mistaking the Telluride for anything else. Its size is accentuated by distinctive, squared-off styling that gives it plenty of presence, and finished with nice detailing like the unusual orange, trapezoidal running lights.

The exterior style is matched by a classy interior, at least on the mid-range SX model that we drove. The wood and satin-metal dashboard and door trim look the part, and everything feels well screwed together. The front seats are comfortable and offer plenty of adjustment. A 10.25in touchscreen with sat-nav and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity is standard across the range.

You won’t be short of space, wherever you sit. Seating for up to three in the back takes the Telluride’s passenger capacity to eight, depending on whether you specify a second-row bench or two captain’s chairs. It’s still only children who will want to occupy those rearmost seats for anything longer than a short run in town, however.

With the third row down, the huge, flat-floored boot will swallow everything the average family will throw at it. With it up, Kia claims the 601-litre luggage capacity is still class leading.

On the move, the smooth-shifting auto’s ratios are well matched to the big V6, which is quiet unless pushed hard. Natural aspiration and a conventional auto remain our powertrain combination of choice for an SUV of this size, and Kia has nailed the calibration here.

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The Telluride’s dynamics are nicely judged, too. Despite the 20in rims, the ride quality is good for this segment, which tends to be plagued with the lose-lose combination of soft body control and hardness over secondary inputs. We had no issues with the steering or braking performance, either.

8 Kia telluride 2019 fd dashboard

Should I buy one?

Time was when Kia offered a dependable, value-priced alternative to mainstream Japanese and US domestic brands. It’s come a long way in a short time, though, as anyone who’s driven the excellent Kia Stinger will testify. The Telluride’s sharp styling, premium interior and good road manners are priced accordingly – bang in line with the Pilot, Highlander and Explorer, in fact.

It’s a very different vehicle from the Stinger, but the Telluride is another success for Kia. Attractive inside and out, spacious and refined, it has the measure of its rivals, for now. Aside from the Hyundai Palisade, Ford’s new Explorer will also arrive shortly, followed swiftly by the 2020 Toyota Highlander – both riding on new platforms. The competition among family SUVs is set to get even tougher.

Kia Telluride SX specification

Where Calgary, Canada On sale Now Price C$49,995 (£28,700); not on sale in UK Engine V6, 3778cc, petrol Power 291bhp at 6000rpm Torque 262lb ft at 5200rpm Gearbox 8-spd automatic Kerb weight 2018kg 0-62mph 7.5sec (est) Top speed na Economy WLTP figures tbc CO2 WLTP figures tbc Rivals Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander

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18 Kia telluride 2019 fd sand

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QuestionEverything 23 November 2019

Inspirational design....

The article states that there's "no mistaking the Telluride for The anything else". Really? How about a Volvo from the rear, Caddy from the from front, BMW from the side & from the inside? The "designers" must've spent a whole lunchtime coming up with this greatest hits package. Despite that, it does look strangely appealing & at least they haven't got an ergonomic disaster of an iPad-esque Tesla-style touchscreen on the dashboard.
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Awesome really great Car... Hope this is top car of this year...

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Thanks for sharing info...

 

AnotherBrother 26 June 2019

This thing is freaking lush

I live in the GCC and am getting one.

 

:)