Refreshed 2023 Kia Telluride Adds X-Line Trim, Fancy Tech
We knew from last week’s teasers that the Kia Telluride would be getting a significant mid-cycle update for 2023. Same thing for its cousin, the Hyundai Palisade, and both SUVs made their debut today at the 2022 New York Auto Show.
Let’s start with the exterior. The 2023 Telluride boasts new vertical LED headlights along with a revised grille and bumpers. Maybe some people will not like the updated look, but Kia designers are proving once again that they’re not afraid to go bold.
- Also: The Car Guide's Best Buys for 2022: Kia Telluride
- Also: 2023 Kia Telluride Teased With Bolder Looks, Radically Different Cabin
On the sides, the lower body is sculpted differently and each trim level gets new wheel designs. In the rear, we can see a slightly revised fascia and taillights. Three new exterior colours are available including Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red and Jungle Wood Green.
A beautiful transformation took place inside the 2023 Telluride. The dashboard and steering wheel feature a new, cleaner look, while additional colour packages are available. More importantly, a single, ultra-wide interface combining a pair of 12.3-inch digital displays emulates the cockpit in the EV6 electric crossover and the completely redesigned 2023 Sportage compact SUV.
Telluride X-Line
Another important change for 2023 is the addition of an X-Line model replacing the Nightfall Edition. Similar to the Sportage X-Line and Sorento X-Line, this new Telluride features a distinctive grille, bridge-type roof rails and unique 20-inch wheels, as well as “X-Line” badging inside and out.
Higher ground clearance (+10mm), improved approach and departure angles, a Tow mode for optimized trailering performance and upgraded traction control system should please drivers looking for a bit of off-road fun or needing to tow heavy loads.
An equally new X-Pro model taking adventure to yet another level will also be offered in the U.S. but sadly not in Canada.
More Technology and Safety
Beyond the new digital interface, the 2023 Kia Telluride gets many other state-of-the-art features and technologies. The list includes a digital rear-view mirror, 4G LTE hot spot for up to five devices, over-the-air software updates and the ability to use your compatible phone or smart watch as a virtual key or else Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to remotely control some functions.
Safety is enhanced quite a bit, too. Look for Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control – Curve, Highway Driving Assist 2 and Forward Collision Avoidance with Junction Turning and Evasive Steering Assist.
Unsurprisingly, the 3.8-litre V6 engine remains unchanged. It generates 291 horsepower, achieves a combined 11.3 L/100 km and can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Pricing and equipment details for the 2023 Kia Telluride in Canada will be announced at a later date.
