2022 New York Auto Show: Kia Toughens the Telluride

The Kia Telluride looks more rugged and tough than it is. Well, Kia is changing that with updates for 2023.

Introduced at the 2022 New York Auto Show, the 2023 Kia Telluride adds X-Line and X-Pro trim levels. Both of these add ground clearance and towing capacity, Continental all-terrain tires, raised roof rails, and downhill-brake control.

The rest of the lineup gets new front and rear fascias, new lighting, new wheels, a new dash and center console, and new tech features. Those new tech features include available dual panoramic 12.3-inch display screens, standard navigation, a standard Wi-Fi hotspot, and an available digital key for iPhones, Apple Watches, and Samsung Galaxy phones.

The head-up display grows larger and among the advanced-driver assist systems available is highway drive assist 2, which offers semi-autonomous hands-on capability, and auto lane-change tech.

Other changes include a new grille, new bumpers, a vertical headlight arrangement that includes standard LED lighting and available fog lamps, revised lower-door side sills and garnish, new wheel designs, and the addition of three available exterior colors. Inside, the steering wheel is redone, as are the dash vents and trim, and new color packages are available.

X-Lines get trim-exclusive 20-inch wheels, a unique grille, and body-color door handles, plus unique exterior and interior badging and trim-exclusive interior color packages. In addition to the higher ground clearance, the approach and departure angles are claimed to be improved.

The X-Pro adds trim-exclusive 18-inch wheels and tires (the Continentals), unique badging, a 110-volt inverter outlet for the cargo area, and max towing capacity goes from 5,000 to 5,500 pounds, though major mechanical specs remain unchanged.

Two other advanced driver-assist systems are added: standard intelligent speed-limit assist (alerts driver to speed-limit signs and can limit the speed if the driver so chooses) and forward-collision assist for junctions, which applies the brakes to stop the Telluride if the driver is turning left and a potential collision is sensed.

The next Telluride is set to be built in West Point, Georgia.

In other news, Kia confirmed that a production version will go on sale in the U.S. in the latter half of 2023.

[Images: Kia, © 2022 Tim Healey/TTAC]