Used 2023 Kia Telluride

Three years after its debut, the Kia Telluride remains one of the best choices in midsize SUVs. This big Kia can take up to eight occupants in comfort, tackle a dirt road, and help keep the family safe with a comprehensive set of standard driver assistance features.

Although it still feels like a newcomer, the Telluride receives a mid-cycle refresh this year. This brings new designs for the body and wheels, two new trim levels (X-Line and X-Pro), and fresh paint choices. It’s the technology, however, that deserves a special mention.

The infotainment system is now capable of over-the-air updates. It also gains Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant compatibility, a larger touchscreen in the base trim (now 12.3 inches), and a dual-screen display. Fresh tech includes a digital key function where certified users’ smartphones or smartwatches can access the Telluride, standard Wi-Fi, USB-C ports, and Connected Routing — where the navigation system factors in real-time and predicted traffic information.

Even the safety array gains a couple of new features (see the Driving section below). The head-up display increases in size from 8.5 to 10 inches. And the tailgate can now close automatically.

The Telluride is our 3-row Midsize SUV Best Buy for 2023. As it was for 2022, 2021, and 2020, its very first year on the planet. It’s also a Best Resale Value award winner. Everyone in the market for a new midsize 3-row SUV needs to take a serious look at the 2023 Kia Telluride.

No changes in the engine bay of the revised 2023 Telluride SUV means the same naturally aspirated (no turbochargers or the like) 3.8-liter V6 delivering a more than respectable 291 horsepower. It’s smooth and refined, although fuel economy leaves a couple of miles per gallon to be desired. However, the entire powertrain enjoys a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty (whichever occurs first), so that’s a plus.

The 20-inch wheel/tire combination of some trims will affect ride quality to a degree, but generally, the Telluride is comfortable with the right amount of control and a pleasant weight to the steering. An optional self-leveling rear suspension brings even more cushioning.

All-wheel drive is naturally part of the 2023 Telluride mix. It comes with Snow and AWD Lock modes for the trickiest of conditions. One new feature this year is Downhill Brake Control. And the new X-Line and X-Pro variants have slightly higher ground clearance (nearly half an inch) above the usual 8 inches, while the X-Pro rolls on 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires.

All versions enjoy a standard set of driver assistance features, with Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Forward Collision Avoidance — Junction Turning coming on board this year.

This year’s updates to the 2023 Telluride SUV extend into the cabin. Like a redesigned steering wheel (it’s still round) and a revised dashboard. Kia is also offering a dual-screen arrangement along with new interior color schemes.

The rest of the interior is as comfortable and spacious as ever, with the ability to accommodate up to eight occupants. The Telluride has what’s known as stadium seating, where each row is a tad higher than the one in front. But there’s still more than enough headroom to go around. Adults of average size can also fit in the third row and not complain.

Behind the third row is a relatively spacious luggage area of 21 cubic feet. With that row folded down, there’s 46 cubic feet. Fold down row two as well to achieve a maximum cargo volume of 87 cubic feet.

Two little standard details are much appreciated. Driver Talk puts the driver’s voice through the rear speakers, so there’s no need to shout at those in the third row (unless they’ve been really mischievous). And Quiet Mode allows those up front to enjoy the radio (or whatever) with just the front speakers.

Styling tweaks at both ends, including new LED headlights and taillights, mark the 2023 Telluride SUV as different from the year before. But the essential character remains.

Kia also offers fresh designs for alloy wheels across the range. New paint choices are Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Wood Green.

The first of the two new trim levels, X-Line, pushes the rugged envelope a little further with its own take on the grille and roof rails, plus exclusive 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro takes that attitude and makes it muddier, fitting 18-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tires.

Otherwise, the 2023 Telluride is its usual imposing, chunky self, which has attracted a lot of buyers during its first three years of existence.

DUAL-SCREEN DASHBOARD
Available in higher trims of the 2023 Telluride, this is similar to screens found in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. It contains two 12.3-inch displays — one for driver information, the other for infotainment — set into one elegantly curved unit.

SMART POWER LIFTGATE W/AUTO CLOSE
Another new feature further up the 2023 Telluride range, this powered rear cargo door offers hands-free opening and self-closing.

At the entry level is the LX trim. This comes with seating for eight, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights/daytime running lights/taillights, simulated leather upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Safety systems include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, rear parking sensors, rear occupant alert, and Safe Exit Assist.

The infotainment system sees upgrades this year. A 12.3-inch unit replaces the previous 10.1-inch touchscreen. The USB ports (at least five in every new Telluride) go from Type-A to Type-C. You also get Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant compatibility, and Wi-Fi becomes standard.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration is included, along with satellite radio, Bluetooth, navigation, and a 6-speaker sound system.

Apart from all-wheel drive, actual extras are not especially significant — things like a self-dimming rearview mirror and a cargo cover in the lower trims, or a rear-seat entertainment system or side steps. The big stuff comes in the higher trim levels.

For 2023, these are S, EX, X-Line, SX, SX Prestige, and X-Pro. Offered in various models across the range are things like 20-inch alloy wheels, aerodynamic wiper blades, a dual-pane sunroof, dual-screen dashboard, heated steering wheel, real leather upholstery, heated/ventilated/power-adjustable front seats, second-row captain’s chairs (making the Telluride a 7-seater) with optional heating and ventilation, hands-free tailgate operation, wireless charging, Harman Kardon surround-sound system, front parking sensors, 360-degree camera system, and a head-up display.

Every 2023 Telluride SUV has a 3.8-liter V6 developing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This connects to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the standard configuration, with all-wheel drive (AWD) on the options list — or standard in the X-Line and X-Pro variants.

Although the Telluride is not noticeably frugal in its gasoline use (regular is fine), it does have an 18.8-gallon tank, enabling a range typically in excess of 400 miles. This really is a great vehicle for road trips.

3.8-liter V6
291 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
262 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/26 mpg (FWD), 18/24 mpg (AWD)

More Telluride fuel economy information is available at the EPA’s website.

Excellent Safety Scores

The 2023 Kia Telluride earns the coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for its perfect scores in crash testing and a long list of standard safety tech features.

Class-Leading Warranty

The Kia Telluride is tied with the Hyundai Palisade for the best warranty in its segment. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.