New Kia Telluride Less Fashionista, More Bravado

When the Kia Telluride mid-size crossover SUV was introduced on the heels of corporate cousin Hyundai’s breakthrough Palisade launch in 2018, the impression was that the brands would fill two distinct niches. The largely identical Palisade would be confidently appealing and the Telluride would be the pretty one with the shiny accessories.

That dynamic has changed with the latest Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy bedazzled in chrome accents and swathed in quilted leather, while the top trim Nightfall Edition Kia Telluride rolls with tough tactical strike force chic.

From the driver seat – a masterpiece in articulated leather luxury – the strengths of the 291 horsepower 3.8 liter V6, active on-demand AWD and self-leveling rear suspension, give this SUV vigor on the road and some off-road cred.

With a 5,000 pound towing capacity and 19/24/21 mpg city/highway/combined mileage the Telluride competes favorably with bigger truck-based SUVs, and notably more attractive pricing from the low $30s to mid-$40,000 range.

The tech array of the Kia Telluride is amazingly complete with a seemingly endless standard premium features list including an innovative video safety monitoring system which literally anticipates where the driver will be looking.