Kia Debuts the Redesigned 2023 Telluride SUV at the New York Auto Show, it Comes Packed with Safety Features

author: FutureCar Staff    

Although electric vehicle adoption has doubled over the past year to roughly 4% of all new vehicle sales in the U.S., it's gas-powered pickups, SUVs and crossovers that remain one of the most popular vehicle segments, at least for now. As a result, automakers such as Hyundai and its sister company Kia are delivering what U.S. consumers want in the form of full-size SUVs packed with technology and other creature comforts.

Since its launch in 2021, the Kia Telluride has been one of the most in-demand and three-row eight-passenger SUVs in the U.S., with 75% of its buyers new to the brand, according to Kia. 

The latest arrival from Kia is the redesigned 2023 Telluride full-size SUV, which just made its debut at the New York Auto Show on Wednesday. Kia announced two new versions of the Telluride, the  X-Line and X-Pro Models, which are targeted at outdoor enthusiasts, which is what Ford Motor company found success with when it brought back the rugged Bronco SUV.

The new X-Line Telluride models replace the former Telluride Nightfall Edition.

The X-Line and X-Pro models are powerful and capable enough to handle all kinds of off-road adventures, as well as for everyday family road trips.  But along with the Telluride's new rugged off-road capabilities, the 2023 model features an updated exterior and expanded list of ADAS safety technology for greater peace-of-mind and driver confidence, according to Kia. 

For one, Kia revised the Telluride's unique vertical headlamp design. The automakers also redesigned the tail lamps, bumpers and grille, lower door trim, as well as adding new wheel choices. The seats feature "X-Line" embossing on front seat upper backrests.

The 2023 also comes with three new color choices, Midnight Lake Blue Dawning Red and Jungle Wood Green.

The interior of the new Telluride is also more upscale, with class-leading passenger space. Kia also redesigned the  dashboard with revised trim panels and HVAC vents, as well as the steering wheel. The dashboard features dual 12.3-inch display screens, which have been updated from the previous 10.3 inch displays.

Upgraded convenience technology includes a standard WiFi Hotspot and optional digital key that supports the iPhone, Apple Watch, and Samsung Galaxy smartphones, so drivers won't need to carry a physical keyfob.

The powertrain of the 2023 remains virtually unchanged from the previous versions. The Telluride is equipped with a 3.8L V6 GDI engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft of torque that's mated to a  8-speed automatic transmission.

The Telluride alos features four-wheel independent suspension and a rigid body structure composed of 59.4% high-strength steel. Ride height is automatically calibrated depending on vehicle load to optimize control and stability.

The transmission offers a choice of four drive modes, Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort. Each setting uses independent settings for powertrain, drivetrain, and steering effort mapping to provide the desired driving experience.  In vehicles equipped with the optional AWD system, drivers can select from two different modes, "Snow" and "AWD Lock" for winter driving conditions.

The available on-demand all-wheel drive system provides enhanced driving performance by actively distributing torque between front and rear wheels depending on road conditions and driver input. The system utilizes electro-hydraulic AWD coupling to precisely activate the multi-plate clutch, continuously redistributing power to the front and rear wheels as needed. 

During normal driving, power is distributed according to the drive mode selected. The "Eco" and "Comfort" modes, can deliver up to 20 to 35% of the available power to the rear wheels.  While "Sport", "Smart" and "Snow" modes can deliver up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels. An "AWD Lock" mode delivers power evenly to all four wheels.

As a full-size family hauler, the Telluride offers a standard towing capacity up to 5,000 pounds and 5,500 pounds for X-Pro trim models. In addition, a newly added Downhill Brake Control (DBC) helps a driver maintain control when descending steep roads.

The Telluride Comes Packed with Standard Safety Features, Here's an Overview of Some

Drivers of the new Telluride will also get one of the auto industry's most comprehensive suite of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) that's been expanded with new standard safety features for the 2023 model.

The Telluride comes standard with Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), which recognizes speed limit signs to limit the speed of the car depending on the setting the driver chooses.

Another feature is what Kia calls "Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control – Curve" (NSCC-C). It uses the navigation system to lower the vehicle's speed proactively before upcoming curves in the road.

Kia's optional Highway Driving Assist 2 maintains the distance from the vehicle in front and keeps the vehicle centered in its lane position on the highway. It can also assist with automated lane changes.

Another innovative standard feature is "Forward Collision Avoidance – Junction Turning" (FCA-JT). The system detects oncoming vehicles while turning left at an upcoming intersection.  If a collision appears likely, the system will apply the brakes to avoid a collision.

Kia  builds on FCA-JT with an optional feature called "Forward Collision Avoidance – Junction Crossing" (FCA-JC). It detects crossing vehicles while passing through an upcoming intersection. If a collision appears likely, such as another driver failing to stop for a red light, the system applies the brakes to stop the vehicle.

Another safety feature available on the Telluride is "Forward Collision Avoidance – Lane Change Oncoming" (FCA-LO). It's designed to prevent a collision with oncoming vehicles that a driver might not see when passing another vehicle by providing steering input.

Kia's available "Forward Collision Avoidance – Evasive Steering Assist" (FCA-ESA) assists in preventing collision with pedestrians, bicyclists or other vehicles in front of the car while driving straight by providing steering input to avoid a collision.

The Telluride's carryover ADAS features include both standard and new optional features. The comprehensive safety suite includes, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist-Rear (BCA-R), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go functions for heavy traffic situations, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)  Parking Distance and Reverse Surround View Monitor (SVM).

Kia's 2023 Telluride models are poised to compete with full size SUVs like the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota 4Runner.

FutureCar Staff