Mid-cycle facelifts will include a rugged X-Pro trim.
Typically, Hyundai and Kia reveal their models in South Korea first before presenting them to the rest. This is not always true. Models like the Palisade or the Telluride get updates in North America before other regions. The two largest SUVs sold in America by these brands have been around for three year and will be updated next week at New York Auto Show.
Hyundai had just 24 hours ago previewed the 2023 Palisade. Now, Kia has done the same with the 2023 Telluride. The three-row SUV will get redesigned headlights that feature a new LED signature for daytime running lights. They consist of two parallel lines and are visible in spy shots. As the rugged X-Pro arrives with the mid-cycle refresh, the shadowy exterior image does not show a trim level.
It was only a matter time that the Telluride X-Pro was made, considering Kia trademarked at the end last year for the large SUV (and Sorento), hinting at an X-Pro lineup extension beyond the Sportage. The compact crossover comes standard with all-terrain tires and AWD. The smaller model also has multi-terrain drive modes that can be combined with snow settings.
The cabin will see more significant changes. A teaser from Kia shows the 2023 Telluride switching between the side-by sides of the Sorento and Sportage. This was inevitable as the SUV’s flagship cabin was looking a bit tired with its added infotainment system. Although the dashboard still features three central air vents and some physical controls underneath, the touchscreen may have “swallowed” some of them.
The updated Telluride, and Palisade will be shown at the NY Auto Show on April 13, before going on sale in the next few months for the 2023 model-year. In the meantime, Kia will still be selling the body-on frame Borrego in its domestic markets where it is known as Mohave. It’s the 2008 model underneath, but has been massively updated.