The most difficult thing to do when you’ve reached the top of the mountain is to stay there. The Kia Telluride achieved this feat and looks for an edge to remain one of the most awarded SUVs in the market. With the recent debut of the 2023 model, this three-row, family-friendly crossover might have found its edge.

Upgraded tech keeps the Kia Telluride ahead

While there are many obvious changes to this Kia SUV, you can find some of the more subtle upgrades in the cabin area. This is where you’ll see a new display and dashboard. Edmunds tells us the display has two 12.3-inch screens with new controls. An intelligent speed warning is a standard offering to help you stay within the legal speed limits. The optional front collision avoidance system functions at intersections to avoid collisions. This feature also works for traffic directly in front of the SUV. There’s also a Wi-Fi hotspot that is now standard on every model.

Autoblog.com further highlights the new digital key technology and Highway Driving Assistant 2 feature for the new 2023 Telluride. The Highway Driving Assistant 2 allows this SUV to make lane changes without driver input. The head-up display is larger and has multiple colors, and drivers can select a digital rearview camera mirror, which is handy when the rear is packed to the brim with gear.

Does the Telluride SUV have an improved exterior?

Yes, it does. You can quickly see the design evolution within the headlights with the new dual-bar design and the larger air dam below the grille. These are subtle changes, but they are present and give this SUV a bit more style. The taillights also experience a slight change, although they maintain the current shape. These exterior design changes give the feeling that Kia wanted to upgrade the Telluride a little without going too far. That’s probably smart considering where this SUV currently ranks in the market.

Can you take the 2023 Kia Telluride on the trails?

The revealed version of the Telluride comes with a pair of trims that use AWD exclusively. These trims are X-Line and X-Pro, both of which give you some off-roading possibilities. Car and Driver tells us the X-Line has:

• 0.4-inch higher ride height
• New Tow mode
• Larger roof rails
• Redesigned grille
• 20-inch wheels

While the X-Pro trim adds:

• 110-volt outlet in the cargo area
• 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
• Increased tow rating to 5,500 pounds (standard is 5,000 pounds)

Something new across all trims is hill-descent control, which can help drivers control their ride down a hill and is part of FWD and AWD versions of the Kia Telluride.

Is the new Telluride still a family-oriented SUV?

Yes, this new version of the Kia Telluride takes things up a notch but continues to keep family driving comfort in mind. The added tech enhances the safety features and allows the driver to see information more easily than in the previous version. The addition of two off-road models gives families the option of heading off the paved roads. You could go for a camping weekend by the lake or ride on the trails with the ATVs towed behind this SUV.

This new Kia Telluride does more to offer freedom on and off the roads to anyone ready to drive this impressive award-winning SUV. Will you be one of those people?