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The Kia Telluride is a top choice in the midsize 3-row SUV class. We expect the 2023 Kia Telluride SUV to start at around $34,000. Three years after its debut, the Kia Telluride remains one of the best choices in midsize SUVs. This big Kia can take up to eight occupants in comfort, tackle a dirt road, and help keep the family safe with a comprehensive set of standard driver assistance features. Although it still feels like a newcomer, the Telluride receives a mid-cycle refresh this year. This brings new designs for the body and wheels, two new trim levels (X-Line and X-Pro), and fresh paint choices. It’s the technology, however, that deserves a special mention. The infotainment system is now capable of over-the-air updates. It also gains Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant compatibility, a larger touchscreen in the base trim (now 12.3 inches), and a dual-screen display. Fresh tech includes a digital key function where certified users’ smartphones or smartwatches can access the Telluride, standard Wi-Fi, USB-C ports, and Connected Routing — where the navigation system factors in real-time and predicted traffic information. Even the safety array gains a couple of new features (see the Driving section below). The head-up display increases in size from 8.5 to 10 inches. And the tailgate can now close automatically. Kelley Blue Book has named the Telluride SUV a Best Buy for its class three years running. It’s also a Best Resale Value award winner. Everyone in the market for a new midsize 3-row SUV needs to take a serious look at the 2023 Kia Telluride. 2023 Kia Telluride PricingWe expect pricing for the 2023 Telluride midsize 3-row SUV to start at around $34,000, plus a destination charge. The new-for-2023 Telluride X-Line should be about $41K, and the top-of-the-range X-Pro (also new this year) should begin at roughly $48K. We’ll update this section when Kia announces official pricing. Although the Telluride is one of the best new midsize 3-row SUVs, some buyers may want to look elsewhere. Not too far from the Telluride fold, there’s the Hyundai Palisade, priced similarly to its Kia counterpart. Or there’s — in no order of preference — the new-for-2023 Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander (offering a hybrid version), Subaru Ascent (with all-wheel drive as standard), Volkswagen Atlas, Chevrolet Traverse, and the also-new-for-2023 Mazda CX-90. They all begin in the mid-30s or slightly higher. Before buying a new Telluride SUV, check the KBB.com Fair Purchase Price to find out what others in your area paid for theirs. High demand for the Telluride has kept resale values buoyant. Of the many accolades heaped upon the Telluride, Kelley Blue Book’s 2022 Best Resale Value award in the 3-row midsize SUV class is among the most recent. Driving the 2023 Kia TellurideNo changes in the engine bay of the revised 2023 Telluride SUV means the same naturally aspirated (no turbochargers or the like) 3.8-liter V6 delivering a more than respectable 291 horsepower. It’s smooth and refined, although fuel economy leaves a couple of miles per gallon to be desired. However, the entire powertrain enjoys a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty (whichever occurs first), so that’s a plus. The 20-inch wheel/tire combination of some trims will affect ride quality to a degree, but generally, the Telluride is comfortable with the right amount of control and a pleasant weight to the steering. An optional self-leveling rear suspension brings even more cushioning. All-wheel drive is naturally part of the 2023 Telluride mix. It comes with Snow and AWD Lock modes for the trickiest of conditions. One new feature this year is Downhill Brake Control. And the new X-Line and X-Pro variants have slightly higher ground clearance (nearly half an inch) above the usual 8 inches, while the X-Pro rolls on 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. All versions enjoy a standard set of driver assistance features, with Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Forward Collision Avoidance — Junction Turning coming on board this year. Interior ComfortThis year’s updates to the 2023 Telluride SUV extend into the cabin. Like a redesigned steering wheel (it’s still round) and a revised dashboard. Kia is also offering a dual-screen arrangement along with new interior color schemes. The rest of the interior is as comfortable and spacious as ever, with the ability to accommodate up to eight occupants. The Telluride has what’s known as stadium seating, where each row is a tad higher than the one in front. But there’s still more than enough headroom to go around. Adults of average size can also fit in the third row and not complain. Behind the third row is a relatively spacious luggage area of 21 cubic feet. With that row folded down, there’s 46 cubic feet. Fold down row two as well to achieve a maximum cargo volume of 87 cubic feet. Two little standard details are much appreciated. Driver Talk puts the driver’s voice through the rear speakers, so there’s no need to shout at those in the third row (unless they’ve been really mischievous). And Quiet Mode allows those up front to enjoy the radio (or whatever) with just the front speakers. Exterior StylingStyling tweaks at both ends, including new LED headlights and taillights, mark the 2023 Telluride SUV as different from the year before. But the essential character remains. Kia also offers fresh designs for alloy wheels across the range. New paint choices are Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Wood Green. The first of the two new trim levels, X-Line, pushes the rugged envelope a little further with its own take on the grille and roof rails, plus exclusive 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro takes that attitude and makes it muddier, fitting 18-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tires. Otherwise, the 2023 Telluride is its usual imposing, chunky self, which attracted a lot of buyers during the first three years of its existence. Favorite FeaturesDUAL-SCREEN DASHBOARD SMART POWER LIFTGATE W/AUTO CLOSE Standard FeaturesAt the entry level is the LX trim. This comes with seating for eight, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights/daytime running lights/taillights, simulated leather upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Safety systems include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, rear parking sensors, rear occupant alert, and Safe Exit Assist. The infotainment system sees upgrades this year. A 12.3-inch unit replaces the previous 10.1-inch touchscreen. The USB ports (at least five in every new Telluride) go from Type-A to Type-C. You also get Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant compatibility, and Wi-Fi becomes standard. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration is included, along with satellite radio, Bluetooth, navigation, and a 6-speaker sound system. Factory OptionsApart from all-wheel drive, actual extras are not especially significant — things like a self-dimming rearview mirror and a cargo cover in the lower trims, or a rear-seat entertainment system or side steps. The big stuff comes in the higher trim levels. For 2023, these are S, EX, X-Line, SX, and X-Pro. Offered in various models across the range are things like 20-inch alloy wheels, aerodynamic wiper blades, a dual-pane sunroof, dual-screen dashboard, heated steering wheel, real leather upholstery, heated/ventilated/power-adjustable front seats, second-row captain’s chairs (making the Telluride a 7-seater) with optional heating and ventilation, hands-free tailgate operation, wireless charging, Harman Kardon surround-sound system, front parking sensors, 360-degree camera system, and a head-up display. Engine & TransmissionEvery 2023 Telluride SUV has a 3.8-liter V6 developing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This connects to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the standard configuration, with all-wheel drive (AWD) on the options list — or standard in the X-Line and X-Pro variants. Although the Telluride is not noticeably frugal in its gasoline use (regular is fine), it does have an 18.8-gallon tank, enabling a range typically in excess of 400 miles. This really is a great vehicle for road trips. These fuel economy estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pertain to 2022, but there shouldn’t be any changes for 2023. 3.8-liter V6 KBB Vehicle Review and Rating MethodologyOur Expert Ratings come from hours of both driving and number crunching to make sure that you choose the best car for you. We comprehensively experience and analyze every new SUV, car, truck, or minivan for sale in the U.S. and compare it to its competitors. When all that dust settles, we have our ratings. We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle (typically, around the 2-3 years mark) with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology. Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better (or worse) than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing. Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.) We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability. More About How We Rate Vehicles Can you order a 2023 Kia Telluride?Yes! You can order the 2023 Kia Telluride online using our convenient custom order form.
Which Telluride is top of the Line?The Kia Telluride SX is the elite choice. It comes standard with all of the basic Kia Telluride model trim level features and more. Key features include: Dual Sunroof.
Does the Kia Telluride hold its resale value?Predicted Resale Value after 5 Years of Ownership: 47.0%
This family-friendly SUV earned the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award both this year and in 2020, when the Telluride debuted. Its successful momentum continues as it now gets the crown for having the best resale value among 3-row midsize SUVs.
Does 2023 Kia Telluride have wireless Apple CarPlay?There's just one catch to it: no wireless connectivity for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. It's a bit perturbing that Kia's infotainment systems with the smaller 8-inch screen get this functionality, while this "upgrade" locks you out of that feature.
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