And here I am, thinking that the KIA Sorento was huge. Well, it was and then this came along: the 2020 KIA Telluride Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). The new SUV from KIA that redefines big midsize SUV. How big, you asked? How does 3 rows and 8 seats sound? Huge, right? Well, it is. And it can do so with ease – thanks to its potent 3.8L GDI V6 engine that kicks out 291 horses and turns out 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) of torque.
Clearly, the KIA Telluride is a ride tailored for the America markets. If not, KIA wouldn’t have taken the North America International Auto Show to make the big reveal. Oh, wait. The 2020 KIA Telluride is in fact, imagined in America, designed at KIA Design Center in Irvine, California and assembled in Georgia. And oh, did we mention that it has an active on-demand all-wheel drive too? Yeah, it does. Here are the key design features:
• Long, broad hood and wide grille
• Bold, stacked headlamps convey power and stability
• Upright windshield and clean side profile conveys muscular tension
• Inverted “L” tail lamps with LED stripes (standard on EX and SX trims)
• Elongated nameplates on the leading edge of the hood and on the lift gate provide distinctive identity for flagship SUV
• Sculpted rear skid plate with integrated twin exhaust tips reference off-road ability and power (standard on S, EX and SX trims)
Man, this vehicle is a thing of beauty, and mind you, that beauty is not limited to the exterior; it extends into the interior:
• Grab handles integrated into the center console suggest journeys off the beaten path
• Wide console with emphasis on the horizontal through artistic use of premium trim features to convey spaciousness - more “luxe living room” than “utility vehicle”
• Spacious cabin for generous hip, shoulder, leg and head room, including in the third row 
Under the slightly bulging hood is an Atkinson Cycle LAMBDA II 3.8L V6 GDI engine, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, and make no mistake here, folks, this is a ride made for the beaten roads. In addition to the active on-demand four-wheel drive, it has four-wheel independent suspension (with a self-leveling rear suspension, if we may add), the requite high clearance ride hide, and a strong, stiff, and torsionally rigid body monocoque shell that is composed of 59.4 percent of “advanced high-strength steel” to help it to achieve rugged off-road capabilities.
Some of the worthy mentions include four drive modes (Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort) and two settings (Snow and AWD Lock), up to 5,000 lbs towing capacity, Downhill Brake Control, a long list of safety features (Lane Following Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Rear Occupant Alert and more), and an uber luxurious interior that boasts further luxe options for those who demands more creature comfort and luxury.
The 2020 KIA Telluride Sport Utility Vehicle will go on sale next year, with pricing to be announced nearer to its official availability, and in four trims: LX, EX, S and SX, and in a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
All images courtesy of KIA Motors America.
