The production model, Kia’s flagship SUV is expected to open the door for new design language for high-riding models.
Kia stated its intention to release a larger model than the Sorento in early 2016, at the Detroit show, where it presented the Telluride concept. The showcar is quite different from the other SUVs in the company’s lineup. It was confirmed for production at the same Detroit event in January. Although it has been seen, the prototypes were covered in heavy camo so there was little to be said about its exterior except its size.
A new report provides some insight into the Telluride. Motor Trend says that the SUV will inherit the majority of the concept’s design cues and will eventually be adapted to smaller models. The model will be able to stand out from the smaller Sorento because of its higher ranking in the lineup.
The Telluride is a spiritual successor to the Borrego (or Mohave in other markets), and was displayed in the Motor City with four captain’s chairs as well as a folding third row. To increase comfort, the production model will be eight-seat. A more luxurious version may have seven seats and captain’s chairs in the second row.
Despite rumors that the Telluride is a rear-wheel drive platform, it will reportedly be a front wheel-drive SUV. The Telluride will reportedly benefit from the new HTRAC allpaw system developed by Hyundai. It was also implemented on the 2019 Santa Fe. We are not surprised that the SUV, which is large and expensive, will only be available with AWD.
It wouldn’t make sense to offer a small four-cylinder engine as it is heavy and large. The biturbo V6 3.3-liter is therefore a safe bet and will likely be connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. There should be a lot of standard goodies, including a 360-degree camera and an electrically folding third.
We don’t know when it will be released, but it will feature a sister model from Hyundai. This sister model is rumored as Palisade, if the recent trademark filings are indeed related to the large SUV. The production body has also been seen on the test vehicle, suggesting that both models may be available by the end of the decade. You’ll need to wait for the Genesis.