Kia is pitching their new mid-size SUV to be your family’s next adventure-ready hauler. Paying homage to the original SUVs with their big, boxy designs (minus the gas-guzzling attributes), the 2020 Telluride retains that large footprint with exploration in mind.
Related – Hyundai Palisade vs. Kia Telluride: A Clash of Comfort and Style
Confident SUV Design
With seating for up to eight, the Telluride is the Korean automaker’s first product designed specifically for the North American market; built in Georgia, USA and designed in California out of the Design Center in Irvine, the new sport ute boasts burly-shouldered shapes, a prominent front design with a broad hood and wide grille, and a windshield sitting upright rendering a more muscular stance.
In a sea of new SUVs, frankly, beginning to all look alike, it’s good to see a throwback to the boxier design. Sure, the sportier, slender look works in its own right, but there’s room for some beef and brash, too.
2020 Telluride Pricing:
| Trim | Canada (CAD) | U.S. (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Telluride LX | – | $33,690 |
| Telluride S | – | $35,990 |
| Telluride EX | $44,995 | $39,090 |
| Telluride SX | $49,995 | $43,490 |
| Telluride SX Limited (arriving later this spring) | $53,995 | – |
More Than a Pretty Face: How Capable Is the Telluride Off-Road?
To get the adventure going, Kia planted a 291-hp 3.8L V6 making 262 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,200 rpm. To ramp it up, all-wheel drive is optional.
But Kia’s gone a little further to justify the Telluride’s ‘off-road’ ambition they’re pitching: firstly, they’ve strengthened the body structure with a monocoque shell that is composed of 59.4 percent advanced high-strength steel.
The rear suspension is self-leveeing with automatically calibrating ride height depending on vehicle load to optimize control and stability — these are optional on the EX and SX trims. Plus, drive modes to handle various conditions: these include Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort.
Related – 2020 Kia Telluride Review
Rugged luxury Ready to Go
We got our first glimpse of the new 2020 Telluride as a one-off, ranch-ready edition by fashion designer Brandon Maxwell, unveiled at the New York Fashion Show last year. Nothing wrong with seeing a glammed-up version sitting idle on stage, propped up like a costume party — but seeing it in action, actually hitting the dirt like in these photos, gives a little more comfort in its ability. And puts a smile on our faces.
