KIA Telluride Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Kia developed the Telluride, especially for the U.S. market, and unveiled it in 2019 with high hopes for its flagship SUV. But unfortunately, the world pandemic and the chip shortage hurt the sales of this big rig.

Come 2022, the Korean carmaker unveiled a facelifted version for the Telluride, bringing more features and an improved design. Moreover, the interior received other upgrades that made it compete against the best premium SUVs on the market. Last but not least, their car was offered with two new trim levels: X-Line and X-Pro.

At the front, the carmaker introduced new LED headlights with a vertical design. They flanked the redesigned grille, which featured a fence-like pattern instead of the formerly used hexagonal one. In addition, the new logo took center stage instead of the former oval-shaped badge. Finally, in the lower bumper, in the apron, the carmaker added a pair of fog lights on each side.

Inside, the most significant upgrade was for the dashboard. Kia installed as an option two 12.3” screens seamlessly connected; one for the instrument cluster and the other, atop the center stack, for the infotainment unit. The new setup replaced the previously used one that sported a set of 10.3” screens. Moreover, with its improved infotainment unit, the Telluride allowed users to use digital keys installed on their Apple Watches, iPhones, or Samsung Galaxy phones.

Under the hood, the same 3.8-liter engine Atkinson Cycle that provided 291 horses paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Since it sent all the oomph in all corners, the Telluride, with its four-wheel independent suspension, was not afraid of some off-road expeditions.

The Kia Telluride was first presented in 2016 as a concept car, but the production of the five-door SUV started in 2019.

The car uses a 3.8L Lambda II gasoline V6 engine that develops 296 hp, connected with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Kia Telluride is available in four trim levels: base LX, S, mid-level EX, and top-of-the-line SX with the option of front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The interior of the Telluride includes a wide range of features, including simulated brushed metal and matte-finished wood, available heated and ventilated first and second-row seats, ceiling-mounted second-row climate control, HVAC diffusing ceiling vents for increased airflow and comfort, and leather-wrapped telescoping steering wheel.

The Telluride benefits from the latest automotive technology, such as the Kia drive wise suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, and a long list of standard and optional equipment, like blind-spot collision-avoidance assist-rear (BCA-R), and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist (an extension of rear cross-traffic collision warning - RCCW). Additionally, the car's safety is reassured with 7 airbags (dual front airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, driver's side knee airbag)

The customers can choose from four drive modes - Smart, Eco, Sport, and Comfort - each using different settings for powertrain and drivetrain.