Kia Telluride - Release Date, Prices, Specs, Interior, Exterior, Performance

A three-row extra-large SUV, the Telluride is based on the already large Kia Sorento, even though it bests that vehicle with seating for up to eight passengers, depending on whether you have selected a mid-row bench seat or a pair of captain chairs. More engaging to look at, the Telluride builds on its good bones and then goes further. Much further. 

Conceived in America, penned at the Kia Design Center in Irvine, California and finally built in West Point, Georgia, it's the perfect vehicle to discover your world in. In addition to rugged looks, the Telluride is loaded with new technology to enhance comfort, convenience, utility as well as the driver and passenger experience. 

The Telluride's interior sets a new standard for luxury and spaciousness. From the modern look of the perforated and ventilated Nappa leather and an iPad-rivaling 10.3-inch touchscreen display, to the aluminum-look trim, it's a premium look that breaks new ground for the Kia brand. 

Wide enough to accommodate three passengers in the third row seating area, it goes further, offering a reclining feature so that those occupants in the "way-back" can grab a few winks, if needed.

With headlights that are vaguely reminiscent of other large SUVs in the field, and brushed metal trim under the bumper and along the lower door edges, the Telluride comes off looking tough enough for most situations it is likely to encounter.

Lookers will surely notice the long hood, stacked headlights, wide grille and upright windshield that gives an "in your face" characterization that is unmistakable as the Telluride approaches. 

Conversely, they will take note of the inverted "L"-shaped LED taillights that are standard on EX and SX trim levels, along with a below-bumper skid plate with integrated twin exhaust tips that allude to the Telluride's off-roading credentials.

All of that power is delivered to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission to a four-wheel independent suspension (with available self-leveling rear feature on EX and SX).

The optional active on-demand all-wheel drive enhances driving performance by sending torque to the front or the rear wheels depending on road and grip conditions as well as driver inputs.

With power distribution determined by sensors, and the drive mode selected, your Telluride should provide surefootedness regardless of the road conditions. 

Eco and Smart modes deliver 100 percent of the torque to the front wheels, while Comfort and Snow modes break it up in a variable 80:20 split. 

Finally, Sport mode will continually vary the power with a 65:35 front and rear bias, while Lock mode sends an equal amount to each of the four wheels. All that torque should come in handy as you hook up to 5,000 pounds of towing weight to the Telluride's available trailer hitch.

These include Blind Spot Collision Warning Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Heads Up Display, Driver Talk, Quiet Mode and Rear Occupant Alert.

As important as safety is, there's more tech inside:

An available 10.25-inch color touchscreen with rearview monitor and parking guidance feature anchors the center console area of the dashboard. It is joined by a 630-watt 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with Clari-Fi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging and six (SIX!) USB charging ports round out the connectivity aspects of this latest Kia.

Bring along a refrigerator and you will likely never feel a need to leave!