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The Kia Telluride has been at the top of midsize SUV rankings for the last few years. The Telluride has plenty of strengths, but what about its weaknesses? This one midsize SUV flaw could change how you view the 2023 Kia Telluride.

The 2023 Kia Telluride has a cramped third row

Many new midsize SUVs include a third row. According to MotorTrend, the 2023 Kia Telluride has a “kid-sized” third row. While this may be fine for those with kiddos, it could be a deal-breaker for consumers who expected a spacious third row in the most recent Telluride model year.

A blue 2023 Kia Telluride midsize SUV is driving on the road.
The 2023 Kia Telluride | Kia

The Telluride is often championed for its cabin space, so a cramped third row could deter consumers with large families or buyers who expect to regularly travel with lots of passengers. MotorTrend also lists its fuel economy and lack of engine options as flaws.

The Telluride only comes with a 3.8-liter V6 engine. It’s the same engine option as the 2022 model year. Fuel economy estimates have yet to be released, but critics expect the gas mileage to be the same since the powertrain is the same. The 2022 Kia Telluride achieves 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway.

None of these flaws are impactful enough to dethrone the Telluride, but knowledge of the cons of buying the midsize SUV could help you make a more informed decision. The 2023 Kia Telluride is still an amazing midsize SUV. It’ll likely remain at the top of rankings along with its Hyundai Palisade counterpart. If you are specifically looking for a midsize SUV with lots of third-row space, plenty of engine options, and stellar fuel economy, the 2023 Kia Telluride could be a hard pass.

The Kia Telluride is still the best midsize SUV

The Telluride isn’t perfect, but that doesn’t stop it from being leaps and bounds ahead of most competitors. The 2022 Kia Telluride is regarded as the best midsize SUV on the market. It tops rankings from several different automotive publications.

U.S. News & World Report includes the 2022 Kia Telluride on its best cars for the money list. It also includes the Telluride on its best cars for families list. The publication gave it an 8.6/10 overall score. Since the 2023 Kia Telluride isn’t too different from its previous iteration, the nameplate should continue to occupy the top spot unless a new challenger arrives.

Should you buy a 2023 Kia Telluride?

Car and Driver already gives the 2023 Kia Telluride a perfect 10/10 overall score. It doesn’t get much better than the Telluride when it comes to midsize SUVs. Experts estimate that the 2023 model year will start at around $35,000.

If you’re in the market for a new midsize SUV, the 2023 Kia Telluride should be at the top of your list. Read more about the 2023 Kia Telluride’s interior in the next article below.


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