KIA TELLURIDE, FAMILY RIDE IN STYLE

The Kia Telluride is the ultimate SUV for families who want more space, a more stylish look and state-of-the-art equipment. Experience coolness behind the wheel of a utility vehicle that can accommodate up to 8 passengers (depending on the version chosen) without feeling like a soccer mom out of the Desperate Housewives series. 

With the Telluride, Kia offers an alternative to those who like the more badass image thanks to its more gothic exterior, its square shapes and its size that borders on that of a pickup truck. A more masculine character… but one that is sure to please the female gender! 

Crowned first by the AJAC in the category of the best full-size commercial vehicles last February, the Telluride looks great! Especially in its Nightsky version for which you will have to pay an additional $1,000. But it’s worth it if, like me, you’re a fan of black. Because on this edition with its bold design, there is plenty of it. Chrome gives way to darkness on the front grille with its distinctive “KIA” logo, 20-inch wheels with nuts and caps, glossy roof rails, side mouldings around the windows and at the bottom of the doors, skid plates, front bumper and lateral air intakes, exclusive emblems and even the LED front headlights and fog lights with their black interior housing. These stylized front headlights with amber LED rings create a unique Telluride signature.

SPACE AND COMFORT

Its interior, flooded with light thanks to its 2-panel sunroof, offers plenty of space for both driver and passengers, no matter where you choose to sit. Comfort is as well on the agenda. In addition to the 3-zone automatic climate control, the Telluride is equipped with heated and ventilated leather seats for the first two rows. As for the third row, it has independent heating that can be coordinated from the front console. Kia has also made available a wide range of power outlets, USB, 12V and standard plugs. 

Like the Korean manufacturer’s other vehicles, the Telluride comes very well furnish as standard. Its dashboard, adorned with an insert of faux wood and stitched leather that continues into the doors, injecting a touch of luxury to the interior. Also, it features a 10.25-inch multimedia screen on which the selected angles of the panoramic camera can also be displayed. Audiophiles will enjoy listening to their favourite songs on the Harman Kardon audio system. 

A WEALTH OF DRIVING AIDS

Driving aids are not to be outdone. The Blind Spot Monitor alerts the driver with an audible warning when a vehicle is in the blind spot while sending a vibration through the steering wheel to make sure it is not ignored. Image from the side camera appears between on-screen dials when the turn signal is activated. Cruise control combined with lane-keeping assist quickly adapts to changing traffic conditions without jerking, a very efficient semi-autonomous motoring experience that could make you want to let go of the steering wheel so much you feel confident. 

Equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD traction, Telluride offers several driving modes: Eco, Sport, Comfort, Mud, Sand and Snow as well as an AWD lock button. Under the hood, you’ll find a 3.8L V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs. Add to that a 601L of cargo space when all seats are occupied, and you have a winning formula for large families and outdoor enthusiasts!

A FEW MINOR DRAWBACKS 

Although very comfortable, the front seats may not necessarily be suitable for smaller people. With my driving position, sometimes a bit sporty, I like to lower the seats to feel closer to the ground. My 5′5 ″ were not enough for my sitting posture to allow me to have my buttocks nicely wedged at the bottom and my knees at a decent angle at the end. I had to choose between the two options. Add to that the fact that such a driving position made it impossible to read the head-up display. Another problem I encountered occurred during the snow removal phase. With its 1759 mm height, clearing it from the top of the Telluride becomes a rather difficult task! 

A mastodon to park in the narrow streets of the metropolis. Might not be the best model if you don’t have the luxury of a private location. With a length of 5 m and a width of almost 2 m, the available parking spaces are limited and despite my years of practice in parallel maneuvers, I had to go over it several times before getting a decent distance with the sidewalk chain. There is nothing like a driveway to make the Telluride feel in its element. 

UNECONOMICAL CONSUMPTION

For the fuel economy, we’ll come back. Although the manufacturer promises a combined fuel consumption (city and highway) of 11.3 L/100 km, I reached 15.4 L/100 km during my test drive on a mid-town and mid-country route, where I end-up discovering on the occasion that row curbs that seem to be simply covered in snow can sometimes hold a few surprises in store for us…

Aside from these minor drawbacks, this SUV offers many advantages. 

Like the city from which it takes its name, the Telluride exudes an aura of pleasure and class! A village of 2560 inhabitants in the heart of the San Juan mountain range and bordered by the San Miguel River, Telluride is a small jewel, synonymous with adventure. Celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and world-renowned ski resorts, Telluride has, despite its modest size (1.91 km2), an authentic district with Victorian architecture classified in the State of Colorado’s National Register of Historic Places. Automobile enthusiasts will also find something for them at the Cars and Colors Festival held in September, when the beauty of the cars rivals the colourful fall backdrop. 

Trial Version: SX-L, Night Edition

Starting at $55,695