It exhibits some notable body roll in high-speed sweepers, and the heft of the vehicle means you’re not likely to do much spirited driving, but the more important characteristic of a big family SUV like this is stable, comfortable control at that, the Telluride excels. The Telluride’s ride and handling are also excellent. Putting the drive mode selector into Sport seems to make the transmission hold lower gears longer and downshift more readily, providing a little extra spring in the Telluride’s step. The automatic transmission tends to shift quite frequently in order to keep the engine in its optimum power band, but the shifts are buttery smooth and so unobtrusive, you won’t mind them at all. Torque is nearly the same among all four competitors. The Honda Pilot has a 280-hp V-6 and the Subaru Ascent a 260-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. ![]() The Chevrolet Traverse offers up a choice of powertrains: either a standard 310-hp V-6 or an optional 257-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. It’s also middle-of-the pack with regard to power and torque numbers. This isn’t Kia’s latest or greatest engine, but it’s more than adequate for powering up mountain valleys or providing sufficient passing power on rural two-lane highways. Power is rated at 291 horsepower and torque at 262 pounds-feet. It sends power either to the front wheels or, optionally, to all four with a selectable low-speed locking function. The only one available is a direct-injection Atkinson-cycle 3.8-liter V-6 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The overall look is attractive, bold and fresh without being offensive. There are definitely elements from other automakers in the styling - Volvo and Range Rover are the two most often mentioned - but that’s not a bad thing. That big tiger-nose grille is flanked by LED running lights (white on most trims, amber on the sporty SX), and the clean body sides end in a downward swoop to the taillights that’s distinctive and modern. If comments from passersby and onlookers are anything to go by, the new Telluride is a styling hit from front to back. It certainly looks the part of a full-size SUV. On the smooth, fast switchbacks of the high plateaus of western Colorado, it was a stellar companion with its well-damped ride, strong acceleration, precise and communicative steering, and beautifully appointed interior. Size-classification quibbles aside, the new Telluride is an exceptionally well-done new family hauler. ![]() If this is mid-size, I can’t imagine what a full-size crossover would look like. It has more passenger room even than a Chevrolet Tahoe SUV. But it’s not conventionally mid-size the Telluride is on the big end of the mid-size group, much closer in size to the Volkswagen Atlas or Chevrolet Traverse. It’s set to top the South Korean brand’s range of SUVs despite the company insisting it’s a mid-size model, going up against things like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Honda Passport. Kia’s first big three-row crossover SUV (let’s all try to forget about the brief appearance of the 2009 Borrego), the Telluride seats seven or eight. Sometimes you just know, right off the bat. Factor in its polished driving dynamics, and the Telluride immediately becomes a benchmark in the large crossover class.Īfter a few miles sweeping through the towering sandstone canyons south of Gateway, Colo., in quiet, comfortable surroundings, it was obvious Kia has a hit on its hands with the new Telluride. Versus the competition: Few competitors offer the same level of space and amenities for this kind of money. ![]() Verdict: Big, comfy, classy - and impressively loaded with technology and luxury touches for less money than you’d expect - the new 2020 Kia Telluride is a triumph.
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