The
staff of Car and Driver have undoubtedly seen many things in
their years: massive home-runs, failures, all-out broken promises from
manufacturers, and EPA rating scandals. When they got their hands on the 2020
Kia Telluride, they immediately claimed that it was “ridiculously good”,
and admitted that they rarely make statements that serious. Writer Tony Quiroga
states in detail that the arrival of the Telluride reminded him of when greats
such as the Lexus LS400 were introduced, and that while a minivan may offer a
bit more space, the Telluride has a luxurious and refined side that no minivan
can rival.
You
see the addition of luxurious elements like acoustic windshield glass, a
head-up display, heated and ventilated seats in the first AND second rows, and
intuitive widescreen infotainment system. Car and Driver even
make the claim here that at 70 mph, it's quieter than a Land Rover Range Rover, and goes down the
road with the refined style of SUVs that cost tens of thousands more. By aiming
very high, it is stated here that Kia has created a premium product at
nonpremium prices, and compares the overall look and feel to a Volvo or Land
Rover.
Paint
finish and quality, lighting elements, and space in all three rows are
qualities that make this seem like an SUV from a high premium brand, and every
last detail such as even the quality of the carpet has been taken into account.
In what they deem as a “significant LS400 moment”, the Car and Driver
staff went as far as to say that you should “Get one before Kia realizes what
it's done and raises the price”. The Cars.com staff ranked the
verdict on the Telluride as “Big, Comfy, Classy – and impressively loaded with
technology and luxury touches; a true triumph”.
Touting
even more passenger room than the Chevy Tahoe SUV, you'll recognize it coming
right away: the characteristic big tiger grille is flanked by LED running
lights, and the clean body sides have a downward swoop to the taillights. The
available engine is a direct-injection Atkinson-cycle 3.8-liter V-6 mated to an
8-speed automatic transmission, cranking out 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of
torque. Using Sport Mode gets a little more spring into the Telluride's step, by
holding lower gears a bit longer, and downshifting more readily.
Test
drivers have reported doing 40 mph on a rock-strewn dirt road, and it was not
upsetting
the
chassis or steering – quite an off-roader's ideal vehicle when you take
into consideration it can also tow a 5,000 – pound trailer. A family of four
could have in tow all of their necessary luggage and a camper without any
worries. Make sure you check out the SX trim level here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis: this is
where you get genuine Nappa leather for the seats and the upper sense of true
high-end enjoyment from a vehicle that is already creating such a well-earned
stir in the automotive realm!
