The 2023 Kia Telluride Has a Significant Edge Over Competitors
It might be a new year, but the Kia Telluride is still leading the pack as one of the best SUVs you can buy. Rivals have been trying to catch up, but can’t match the Telluride in one key area. See how the 2023 Kia Telluride continues to dominate.
Is the 2023 Kia Telluride worth buying?
Yes, the 2023 Kia Telluride is an excellent three-row SUV to buy. In fact, Consumer Reports shared that it’s the most satisfying SUV you can buy. It’s the only three-row vehicle that made it on the list of the top 10 most satisfying cars.
This means that rivals such as the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Ascent don’t make drivers nearly as happy. About 87 percent of buyers said they would buy the Kia Telluride again.
That’s a significant number of smitten drivers. The rankings are based on surveys sent to vehicle owners allowing them to report how satisfied they are and any issues they may have faced.
The Telluride outranks popular options such as the Ford Maverick, Toyota RAV4 Prime, and the Rivian R1T. Let’s see how the Telluride pulls it off.
What’s so great about the 2023 Telluride?
The 2023 Kia Telluride ranks highly for its performance on the road. It has a 3.8-liter V6 engine that cranks out 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Telluride can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds.
This is an average speed for the class, and the brakes are confident. The auto start and stop feature is smooth, but the transmission can seem clumsy at times. The body roll could be improved, but the Telluride is a convenient and engaging daily driver overall.
Also, the 2023 Telluride is comfortable. We rank the front seats as one of the top three most comfortable options available. They are large, supportive, and well-padded.
The Telluride is smooth over rough patches of pavement, while the interior seems as quiet as a luxury vehicle. You can notice some engine noise, but it’s not intrusive. Plus, the rear seats are comfortable and spacious as well. The third row has plenty of space for adults.
You can access up to 21.0 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear with up to 87 cubes total. The seats fold flat to create a level cargo floor. The rear hatch is wide with a convenient liftover height.
What are the potential 2023 Telluride drawbacks?
The 2023 Kia Telluride could be a little more athletic. There is a bit of noticeable body roll around curves, and its heft can be felt around sharp curves. However, it does have a 19.4-foot turning radius, making it easy to park and maneuver.
Also, it lacks small item storage compared to rivals. The center console is a bit tight, and there aren’t many cubbies and trays to access. The Telluride can tow up to 5,500 lbs, but people would like a little more muscle.
The Telluride gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and up to 26 mph on the highway. That’s a little lacking, especially when rivals offer hybrid powertrain options.
But overall, the 2023 Kia Telluride is a well-rounded bargain for families. It’s plush, comfortable, and more capable than you think.
