First Drive: the 2023 Kia Telluride

New X-Line and X-Pro trims up Kia’s all-wheel-drive adventure ability.

A decked-out lifted 4×4 with big steel bumpers, underbody skid plates, and a roof rack carrying every accessory under the sun isn’t necessarily everyone’s idea of the perfect adventure companion. An ever-growing segment of the population wants a capable all-wheel-drive SUV that can tackle light-duty dirt and gravel tracks so they can explore in confidence. This is where the new 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro trim levels step in.

The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro packages showcase a plethora of updates and off-pavement features that have us singing their praises. Our time driving both editions during Kia’s first drive event in San Antonio gave us a glimpse of their capability on the tarmac and off the beaten path.

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Kia offers smart, comfort, sport, eco, and snow driving modes which tailors the Telluride accordingly. (Photo: Courtesy of Kia)

Kia continues its all-wheel-drive winning streak by upping the game with its flagship SUV: the Telluride. (Photo: Courtesy of Kia)

Meet the X-Line and X-Pro

Both model types advertise as the automaker’s most capable off-pavement companion. However, the SXP X-Pro takes the cake for top honors. All 2023 Telluride trim levels get 0.4 inches of additional ground clearance, greater than its predecessor. Lower trim levels arrive at 8 inches even. X-Line and X-Pro trim packages add nearly half an inch, totaling 8.4 total inches. That’s adequate clearance for light-duty off-road activities, especially in the Texas hill country during our time off-roading them.

The Kia X-Line trim level is similar to the X-Pro trim. However, the X-Pro has slightly improved approach and departure angles, 17.9” and 23.2” versus 17.7” and 23.0”, respectively. We crawled over off-camber ditches in a three-wheeled fashion and navigated through uneven holes efficiently and in a composed manner. The breakover angle proved its worth, too, as we tested the Telluride’s hill-start assist and downhill braking control systems on a steep and pointed manmade hill.

The breakover angle proved its worth as we tested the Telluride’s hill-start assist and downhill braking control systems on a steep and pointed manmade hill.

X-Line and X-Pro Drive Impressions

The 2023 Kia Telluride continues to offer the same powerplant as previous models: a 3.8-liter V6 that generates 291 horsepower and 262 ft.-lb. of torque. This engine lets the SUV join traffic in a jiffy but isn’t overly athletic. The Telluride is mated to a smooth-shifting eight-speed transmission with an intuitive manual-shifting option. However, no paddle shifters are found here.

Using its different driving modes, the Telluride’s ride is smooth, quiet, and handles well in heavy traffic as well as on curvy country roads. Plus, there’s room to haul plenty of cargo. X-Line and X-Pro models feature 87.0 cu. ft. of cargo volume behind the first-row seat, 46.0 cu. ft. behind the second-row seat, and 21.0 cu. ft. behind the third-row seat.

Approximately 75% of its sales are solidified in the U.S. SUV segment. Kia concentrates closely on providing this demographic with competitive and capable all-wheel-drive vehicles.

The SXP X-Pro Telluride also tows 500 more pounds than the other iterations (it lands at 5,500 lbs. versus 5,000 lbs.). Kia Telluride SX X-Pro and SXP X-Pro trims come from the factory with 245/60R18 Continental all-terrain tires and 18-inch alloy wheels (instead of 20” versions like other trims do). Even though these all-terrain tires did the job during our time testing each vehicle, we’d prefer to run a beefier set of off-road rubber.

Although we examined several features of the X-Line and X-Pro Telluride trims during the drive event in San Antonio, we weren’t able to get a good feel of the X-Pro’s suspension system at higher speeds when testing it on the off-road course. However, the X-Pro’s shocks adequately soaked up bumps and divots when driving slowly, providing a controlled and comfortable experience.

Kia Telluride Pricing and Tech Tidbits

The Kia Telluride is now offered in 10 trim levels, which can be daunting for some to decipher. This family-friendly three-row SUV can haul up to eight passengers and tow up to 5,500 pounds—perfect for a small camper, boat, or trailer. Not only is the interior updated, but the exterior got revisions, too.

If you’re looking to get into an every-day driver that doesn’t have to be an all-wheel-drive variant, front-wheel-drive Kia Tellurides start at an affordable $35,690 with top-of-the-line trims fetching almost $10,000 more. All-wheel-drive comparatives start at $37,690 and increase to $50,000 (with their flagship and most off-pavement capable SXP X-Pro coming in at $52,785). A destination charge of $1,335 will also be applied.

Not only has the 2023 Kia Telluride’s interior matured; its tech enhancements and design changes make this a luxe-yet-affordable ride.

The X-Line and X-Pro trim packs are available on mid-level SX and top-tier SXP trims, with all-wheel drive standard. Niceties like an oversize, fully saturated 12.3-inch infotainment screen with navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, and multi-Bluetooth function accompany each trim level. Items like a rear view camera, Telematics mobile unit and embedded modem, a six-speaker audio system, three power outlets, and at least five USB ports are also standard on all trims.

Additional upgrades, like a Harman Kardon premium surround sound system with 10 speakers, including a subwoofer and an external amplifier, are available on mid-level SX models and up.

Safety Specs and Fuel Economy

The 2023 Kia Telluride doesn’t only keep owners tech-enabled and fully charged. It also includes a vast network of safety features and airbags to keep occupants safe.

Safety items include lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and standard forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection. More options include blind spot collision warning, rear occupant alert, safe exit assist, torque vectoring corner control, downhill brake control, and more.

The Telluride’s hill-start assist and downhill braking control systems help drivers control vehicles in steep hilly situations.

The Kia Telluride X-Pro includes a variety of driving modes. Plus, a center-locking differential allows an even 50/50 split of power to the front and rear wheels.

In addition, safety features like available highway driving assist 1.5 or 2.0, parking collision avoidance for reversing, blind-spot view monitor, and smart cruise control (with stop and go) can help drivers stay safe.

The 2023 Kia Telluride includes an 18.8 gallon fuel tank. Front-wheel-drive models get an EPA-rated 20 MPG city, 26 MPG highway, and 23 MPG combined. On the other hand, the all-wheel-drive derivatives fall slightly to 18 city, 24 highway, and 21 combined.

Seeing is Believing

Seeing out of any trim level Kia Telluride is exceptional, especially when piloting it off the beaten path. Drivers can see easily from behind the wheel, plus side-mounted video cameras show trail-side hazards, too. Additionally, temporary driver’s dash blind-spot lane-change camera screens appear before maneuvering to deliver helpful info when using the Telluride’s turn signals.

Seeing out of the 2023 Kia Telluride is exceptional, especially when piloting it off the beaten path.

In addition to old-school know-how, having a 360-degree view and side-facing cameras help pinpoint obstacles as you come upon them.

In its sixth model year, the 2023 Kia Telluride is now a grown-up version of itself but still caters to a younger audience.

Although using its first-generation body style, the 2023 Kia Telluride line-up features slight exterior enhancements. However, it’s the interior that’s more mature in design, even in base trims. Seeing the SUV’s interior left us wondering if this was a Kia or another marque that cost much more.

The Telluride’s stylish cabin is available in a few color schemes, is richly appointed, and showcases many features normally found in more expensive vehicles. A 10-way driver’s adjustable seat, Nappa leather, and heated/ventilated second-row seats are available in higher trim levels.

Although distracting at first, round driver’s dash blind-spot lane-change camera screens appear before a driver makes a turn. They deliver helpful info when engaging the Telluride’s turn signals.

The 2023 Kia Telluride’s exterior has slight updates, although its signature facia is still intact.

Is the 2023 Kia Telluride Worth It?

First debuted in 2019 as a 2020 model, the updated 2023 Kia Telluride is a comfortable, compliant, and sophisticated all-wheel-drive adventuring companion. Is it the same as a fully customized 4×4? Certainly not. It’s not going to be a rock-crawling off-roader or a mud-slinging 4×4. However, the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line or X-Pro is ideal for those looking for a capable all-wheel-drive vehicle that’ll give them off-tarmac capability and modern amenities at an affordable cost and help keep them safe while exploring the great outdoors.