Review and Test Drive: 2020 Kia Telluride SX AWD
By Jonathan Spira on 15 August 2020
The last thing one might think of is that the world needs yet another mid-size SUV. The folks at Kia clearly thought it did, and, after a little over a week with the new 2020 Kia Telluride – the largest vehicle Kia ever produced for the United States – we believe they were spot on.
The 2020 Kia Telluride made its official debut at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit after a sneak peak at the New York Fashion Week in September 2018, although that was a one-off customized version inspired by designer Brandon Maxwell’s Texas collection. The Telluride shares multiple parts and components, including engine and transmission, with its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Palisade,.
All Tellurides feature three rows of seating, regardless of trim level, and offer numerous standard features that are usually extra-cost options on competing models.
Upon its arrival on a crisp May day, the Snow White Pearl Telluride quickly became the vehicle everyone had to drive, piling on miles left and right. From trips to explore Long Island’s empty beaches while the local populace continued to shelter at home amidst the height of the coronavirus pandemic, to jaunts to the lakes of New Jersey, the three-row family-oriented SUV was eager to oblige.
INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE 2020 KIA TELLURIDE
Prominently parked before the entrance to our building, the big Kia clearly had the presence that lesser vehicles simply couldn’t muster.
The base Telluride, the LX, with an MSRP of $32,785, includes 18“ alloy wheels and a lot of standard equipment including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an 8“ touchscreen, Kia’s UVO infotainment system interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and five USB ports. Also included is a wealth of driver-assistance tech that includes forward collision warning, radar cruise control, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Click here to continue to Page 2 – Driving the 2020 Kia Telluride
