By Kia’s flagship crossover has been around for a while and it looks like a mid-cycle update is on the way. The testing model has already been spotted in Korea and the latest reports suggest that the North American model will receive a facelift for the 2023 model year. We expect the 2023 Kia Telluride to come with all kinds of updates, particularly in terms of styling. On the other hand, the mechanical aspect should change much.
Of course, the biggest portion of changes will come in terms of the exterior design. This model is about to get a typical facelift and it’s not hard to presume that most of the changes will come at the front. We could see a couple of updates on the inside as well, while changes under the hood don’t seem that likely, even though we can hear rumors about the hybrid powertrain.
2023 Kia Telluride Design
The 2023 Kia Telluride facelift is about to bring all kinds of changes. At this point, the spotted test mule still wears a camouflage, so it’s hard to talk about details. Still, it’s not hard to predict that most of the changes will come at the front. We count on updates on parts like headlights, grille, front bumper etc. The rear end might come with new taillights and a few more updates. The rendering photos that can be found on the network support our claims too.
On the other hand, we don’t believe that the 2023 Kia Telluride changes would affect the overall design of the vehicle. The overall shape will remain the same, as well as the mechanics. Therefore, we have no doubt that the ride quality will be the same as in the current model, which is certainly a good thing. This SUV is comfortable, but also quite maneuverable and easy to drive, despite the size.
Interior
Interior updates are possible too, though we don’t believe they could be as massive as those from the outside. Simply, the current cabin already looks pretty fresh and upscale. Still, we could see a couple of revisions on the dashboard, as well as new materials and color schemes. Changes on the center console are possible too, while the current traditional gear lever could be replaced with a modern electric selector.
On the other hand, the overall layout of the cabin will certainly remain the same. We will see the same seating configuration, with three rows of seats and a capacity of up to 8 passengers. The third row is also quite spacious and we could say that the Telluride is one of the rare mid-size SUVs that can accommodate adults in this row as well.
The cargo area will offer the same numbers, which are pretty good for the segment. This SUV offers around 21 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats, 46 cubic feet behind the second row and 87 cubic feet of the total cargo volume.
Features
Naturally, this facelift should bring new standard features. Still, we don’t expect to see too many of them, considering that the current model already stands pretty well in this aspect. For example, it already comes standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, so the update could only bring something bigger as an option.
For reference, the current model comes standard with goodies like dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, a 10.25-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, navigation, Bluetooth, voice recognition, a six-speaker stereo, and six USB ports. Among upgrades, you can find things like wireless device charging, a 7-inch instrument cluster display, a rear-seat entertainment system, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo, a household-style power outlet, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal garage door opener, 64-color ambient interior lighting, a sunroof, and a dual-pane sunroof.
2023 Kia Telluride Engines
When it comes to the 2023 Kia Telluride specs, the next year’s model will continue with the same 3.8-liter V6 engine, which puts out around 291 horsepower. The engine comes in pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission and the whole setup seems quite capable and refined. Standard models feature front-wheel drive, while the AWD system is available too. The engine returns around 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which is about average for the segment.
We can also hear rumors that talk about the possibility to see a hybrid version in the near future. While this sounds logical, the officials are still quiet. So, we suggest you take this with a big reserve.
2023 Kia Telluride Release Date and Price
Considering the facelift, we presume that the 2023 Kia Telluride will arrive a little bit earlier than usual, though still within the second half of the year. When it comes to the price, base models should go around 34.000 dollars. Key competitors will be models like Chevy Traverse, VW Atlas etc.
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