Kia goes big with the new Telluride SUV, with it being their first model designed solely for the US
Kia’s global assault continues, with the Telluride, a model created specifically for the US market. This eight-seater SUV will go up against the Volkswagen Atlas, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot and Dodge Durango when it debuts later this year.
The Telluride is the sibling to the recently launched Hyundai Palisade, and is actually the largest vehicle to ever wear the Kia badge. There is only one engine on offer – a naturally-aspirated 3.8-litre V6 that produces 217kw and 355nm – paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and active on-demand all-wheel drive.
Drivers can toggle between four drive modes - Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort - each using different settings for powertrain, drivetrain, and steering effort mapping to provide the desired driving experience. In addition to the four regular drive modes, drivers can select from two different settings, Snow and AWD Lock that splits the torque 50:50 between the front and rear. Built to be rugged, Kia claims the Telluride can tow up to 2267kg.
The stylish exterior of the Telluride is characterised by a long, broad bonnet that blends into Kia’s trademark Tiger’s nose. According to Kia, the stacked headlights convey power and stability whilst the upright windshield and side profile convey muscular tension. At the rear, a sculpted rear skid plate with twin exhausts aim to further emphasize its off-road ability as well as power.
The cabin of the Telluride is a premium affair, with an abundance of premium material. Dominating the dash is 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen that has Apple Carplay and Android Auto functionality. Other standout features include a 10-speaker 630W Harman Kardon audio system, wireless charging for mobile phones, and six USB ports throughout the cabin. There is even a microphone up front to allow the driver to communicate with the passengers in the second and third rows.
The Telluride will be built at Kia’s plant in West Point, Georgia; and is expected to go on sale in the US later this year, although Kia hasn’t ruled out selling it in other regions. That said, it is extremely unlikely that Kia Motors South Africa will bring the Telluride to South Africa, although, stranger things have happened.
Also worth a look: the Kia Seltos and the Kia Sportage.
FAQ
Q: What does the Kia Telluride cost in South Africa?
The Kia Telluride isn't officially sold in South Africa, but if you're looking at importing one, you're looking at around R850,000 to R950,000 including duties and compliance costs for a decent used example.
Q: Is the Kia Telluride worth buying?
If you need a proper eight-seater with American-sized space and can handle the import costs, the Telluride is brilliant, but most South Africans would be better served by locally available alternatives like the Toyota Prado or Ford Everest.
Q: What are the main competitors to the Kia Telluride in South Africa?
Your best local alternatives are the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado at R1,045,400, Ford Everest at R789,200, and Isuzu MU-X at R649,900, all of which offer similar seven-seat capability with local support.
Q: How much can the Kia Telluride tow?
The Telluride can tow up to 2,267kg, which is decent for hauling a decent-sized boat or caravan, though it's not quite in the same league as proper bakkie-based SUVs like the Everest or Fortuner.
Should You Buy It?
The Kia Telluride is a cracking SUV, but unless you're dead set on having something nobody else has, skip it. The best eight-seater SUV under R800,000 in South Africa is the Ford Everest 2.0 Turbo XLT at R789,200, which gives you similar space, better local support, and won't leave you stranded when something breaks. If you've got deeper pockets and want maximum luxury, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado VX-L at R1,045,400 is the smarter premium choice with bulletproof reliability and service network that actually exists here.
