Kia’s mid-size SUV has been around for a while and while it’s widely considered one of the best models in the class, the company doesn’t want to sit and wait but prepares more novelties for the next year. While the 2021 model came with the new Nightshade Edition, the 2022 model came with the new logo, larger touchscreen and a few more standard features. The 2023 Kia Telluride will represent the fourth production year of the generation and from what we can see, there is a big chance to see a mid-cycle refresh for this occasion.
At this point, this is still unofficial. However, many believe that this is a perfect time for a mid-cycle update, where this SUV would come with updates in various aspects. Of course, the focus would be on the styling, but we wouldn’t be surprised if we see novelties on the inside as well. On the other hand, things under the hood will probably remain the same.
We believe that the 2023 Kia Telluride could arrive sometime in the second half of 2022.
2023 Kia Telluride Design
The 2023 Kia Telluride will represent the fourth production year of the generation and we expect that it will receive a mid-cycle refresh. This update would include various novelties and the first thing that comes to mind is the styling. Some interesting rendering photos already appeared on the network and from what we can see, changes would be quite subtle. Most of them would come to the front end, where we would expect to see a new grille, new bumper and similar updates. Headlights would receive a new internal design, while we would expect the same from the taillights as well. Of course, there is always room for things like new color options, new wheels and similar things.
On the other hand, the mechanical aspect of the vehicle shouldn’t change. This model should continue in the same way, sharing most of its parts with Hyundai Palisade. The Telluride features a nice suspension setup, which is mostly about comfort and a smooth ride. This SUV is easy to drive and surprisingly maneuverable for a vehicle of this size.
Interior
The 2023 Kia Telluride interior could also receive some updates, though we don’t expect much from this aspect. Still, a few revisions to the dashboard and center console are possible. One of them is to see a new gear selector, which would replace the traditional lever that can be found on the current model. Of course, we also expect to see things like new color schemes, new materials and similar things, as well as more tech features.
On the other hand, the overall layout would remain the same. We would see three rows of seats, with plenty of space for the passengers. The first two rows are very generous in this aspect, while the third row is also very functional.
The cargo area doesn’t disappoint either. You may count on about 21 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats, 46 cubic feet behind the second and 87 cubic feet of the total cargo volume. That’s above-average for the segment.
Features
We expect to see some novelties in this aspect too. Still, keep in mind that the current model already stands pretty well in this aspect, as it comes standard with goodies like dual-zone climate control, remote start, keyless entry, a 10.25-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, navigation, Bluetooth, voice recognition, a six-speaker stereo, and six USB ports.
We presume that potential additions to the list of standard equipment would be those that are currently on the list of options. Some of them are goodies like wireless device charging, a 7-inch instrument cluster display, a rear-seat entertainment system, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo, a household-style power outlet, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal garage door opener, 64-color ambient interior lighting, a sunroof, and a dual-pane sunroof.
2023 Kia Telluride Engines
Although we can hear rumors about the hybrid version, we are pretty sure that the 2023 Kia Telluride will come without changes under the hood. Therefore, all models should come equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, which puts out around 291 horsepower. Driving dynamics are pretty good and we are pretty sure that more demanding drivers would be satisfied with this engine too. The engine comes in pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is smooth and refined.
When it comes to fuel economy, the Telluride returns around 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. That’s about average for the segment. Of course, models with all-wheel drive are slightly thirstier.
2023 Kia Telluride Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2023 Kia Telluride will hit the market sometime in the second half of 2022, with a starting price of around 34.000 dollars. Key competitors would be models like Chevrolet Traverse, VW Atlas, Subaru Ascent etc.