It is one of the best mid-size SUVs in the market. However, the 2023 Kia Telluride will be the last carry-over edition before the company redesigns its biggest vehicle. The SUV can take up to eight passengers and it is getting power from a potent V6 engine. The future will definitely bring another option. A hybrid SUV is a missing piece for the Telluride that can make it a perfect vehicle.
In 2021, the company introduced the Nightfall edition. Now, the new trim level is on the horizon. We don’t know too much about it, but our sources are telling us it will be a nearly premium package. The most expensive Telluride is the SX. Kia is also working on the premium brand and the pickup truck. But, the Telluride draw a lot of attention and became the flagship model. The future is bright for the mid-size three-row SUV, although the competition is fierce.
2023 Kia Telluride Specs
When the Korean company announced that three-row SUV is coming, we were wondering what kind of an engine it is going to use. Kia surprised everyone by delivering the vehicle with a 3.8-liter V6, good for 291 hp and 262 lb-ft. Compared to the competition, this unit is more than potent. It uses regular gasoline. Of course, you will find more powerful configurations, but the 2023 Kia Telluride doesn’t need more juice. The front-wheel drive is standard and this setup returns 23 mpg combined. The optional all-wheel drive consumes more gas. The cost for improved traction is 21 mpg range.
The SUV definitely needs an alternative, although the V6 engine seems to be perfect for this class. Again, we can take a look at what does the competition is using. The smaller and turbocharged unit can keep high outputs and improve the gas mileage a bit. But, don’t expect too much, since the 2023 Kia Telluride is going to weigh 4,200 pounds. A hybrid based on a V6 engine is something experts see as the perfect upgrade. Better outputs and fuel economy guarantee more buyers. Still, Kia is not confirming those plans. The Telluride Hybrid might arrive in 2024 when the big redesign is on schedule. We can say the same for the high-performance model. This is going to be the Turbo package like we can find in the rest of the Kia lineup.
Seating Capacity, Cargo Space
The 2023 Kia Telluride is a three-row SUV. This class is so popular at the moment, mostly because of its versatility. The Kia sets up eight passenger seats with the 2+3+3 layout. The third row is a bit tight. In the future, the Telluride might gain a few inches and be about 200 inches long. You can improve the comfort by replacing the bench in the middle row with captain’s chairs. There are 21 cubic feet behind the third row. With all seats folded, the SUV can create 87 cubic feet. If you don’t need the third row, the cargo space created by folding it can get up to 46 cu.ft.
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Packages and Prices
The base version of the SUV is still going to be the 2023 Kia Telluride LX. However, expect more features and some optional packages available for the final edition before the redesign. A set of 18-inch wheels will be standard. The center of infotainment system is a 10-inch screen. Smartphone integration is a must-have system all across the lineup. Sound system features six speakers. The MSRP of the LX package is around $33,000.
The Telluride S brings more serious equipment. Sunroof and 20-inch wheels are the most notable exterior upgrades. Tin exhaust tips are making the appearance more aggressive. A front skid plate is added, and it will protect the body during the off-road drive. Captain’s buckets are replacing middle-row bench, decreasing seating capacity to seven. The package costs $2,500 more than the base version.
The EX is another $2,500 investment. This time, buyers are getting power-folding mirrors, hands-free liftgate, leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, ventilated front buckets, more USB ports, and special interior details. Optionally, the EX Premium package adds unique wheels and LED headlights. The 2023 Kia Telluride SX is the high-end option with a price tag of $43,000. The company uses the best features to make this version competitive. Some of the things you are getting here are dual sunroof panels, all LED lights, Harman Kardon audio, blind-spot monitors, and parking sensors. There are even upgrades available for the SUV, such as Prestige bundle, Towing package, or the unique Nightfall edition.
2023 Kia Telluride Colors
The 2023 Kia Telluride is going to carry over existing color combinations. The SUV is available in those paintjobs: Everlasting Silver, Dark Moss, Ebony Black, Gravity Gray, Sangria, Black Copper, Glacial White Pearl, Wolf Gray. Buyers especially love numerous interior patterns. Of course, the SX offers the most combinations, which also depend on the material.
When is Telluride going to be available in blue!