This week saw the introduction of the 2023 Kia Telluride, a mid-life update to the huge SUV.
The Hyundai Palisade, which is sold in Australia, shares a platform with the Telluride, although the Telluride is only sold in North America.
The already striking Telluride receives a revised grille for the 2017 model year that features a more recognizable silver frame encircling a subtler black pattern and Kia’s instantly recognizable new emblem.
Additionally updated with a new LED signature are the vertically oriented headlights, and the bumper has a substantial new garnish that gives the massive SUV a more off-road appearance.
The bumper receives a similar makeover to that seen at the front end, and changes at the back are confined to a mild revision of the lighting signature in the hooked tail lamps.
Inside, the Telluride has undergone more major alterations, including the replacement of the entire top dash and the installation of two massive 12.3-inch screens that serve as the main infotainment screen and a new digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.
The interior is substantially unchanged, with the exception of a new flat horn pad for the steering wheel. The lower dash, center console, and door cards all remain the same with just minor material trim and color changes.
On the technological front, there is a new safety kit with a navigation-based smart cruise control, sign recognition technology, and forward collision avoidance at junctions.
A 217kW/355Nm 3.8-liter petrol V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission serves as the only available powertrain, and all-wheel drive is an option rather than the front-wheel drive configuration that is standard.
For more information on why the Telluride is not available in Australia, continue reading below.
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Can we expect a Kia Telluride in Australia?
The crowning achievement of Kia has been a huge success in North America, but it won’t be making an appearance in Australia anytime soon.
Because there are no plans to construct the sizable SUV in right-hand drive, Kia claims there is no chance the Telluride will ever be sold in Australia.
The eight-seat SUV shares a base with the Hyundai Palisade, which is offered in Australia, and is positioned higher in Kia’s lineup than the Sorento globally.
He claimed that this is where Palisade and Telluride vary fundamentally from one another.
“The Palisade is a Korean product. Additionally, there may be a little bit more production freedom coming out of the Georgia facility than from Korea, and it would not be practical to install another assembly line for right-hand drive.
With a deliberate effort to produce the Sportage midsize SUV with a series-parallel hybrid for our market, Kia Australia is already pushing for more flexibility out of its manufacturing in Korea.
The seven-seat Sorento checked a lot of boxes for Australians, according to Damien Meredith, chief operating officer of Kia Australia, and they think that demand has been satisfied.
“I believe we are fulfilling the needs of the market in that regard. So, he replied, we’re content with what we have right now.
With ten main models already available for purchase along with an eight-seater choice in the Carnival people mover, Kia already has one of the largest lineups in Australia. However, there isn’t a single vehicle in the popular SUV form factor.
Is there a Kia in Australia?
The compact, small, medium, and large SUVs from Kia are designed to provide a magnificent driving experience every time. They feature style, comfort, smart technologies, and Australia’s Best 7 Year Warranty*.
What nation produces the Kia Telluride?
USA West Point, Georgia
In WestPoint, Georgia, Kia’s US production facility, which has been in operation since 2010, produces the Telluride. The plant, which cost $1,1 billion to construct, can produce a large number of automobiles.
In total, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) is capable of producing 360,000 automobiles annually for both the US market and other international markets.
The Telluride is how much larger than the Sorento?
Both cars have three rows of seats, but the Telluride is longer overall and has more room for both passengers and freight.
While the second-row headroom and legroom in the two SUVs are comparable, the third-row variations are more noticeable. The Telluride’s third row seats three people, compared to the Sorento’s two back seats.
Although the third row of neither SUV is especially spacious, the Telluride’s 31.4 inches of legroom seems larger than the Sorento’s 29.6 inches. With 43.7 inches of hip room compared to the Sorento’s 42.5 inches, the Telluride’s third row is also wider. The extra inch and a half of headroom in the Telluride also contributes to the third row feeling less crowded.
Each SUV has advantages and disadvantages when it comes to car-seat accommodations. Thanks to its generous legroom and convenient access, the Sorento’s second row aced our car seat check. Small hands can operate the latch anchors and simple buckles independently. However, a fixed head restraint and floppy buckles in the third row hindered the booster grade. Learn more about the Car Seat Check.
The second-row baby seat in the current-generation Telluride fared less well due to difficult-to-reach Latch anchors, while the second-row booster received a B because the buckle stalks sunk into a pocket in the seat upholstery, which might make it difficult for children to use it independently. The buckles in the third row have floppy bases, which could make them difficult for young hands to use. Learn more about the Car Seat Check.
Does Australia sell the Toyota Sequoia?
The new 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid system from Toyota powers the company’s all-new 2023 Sequoia three-row SUV, which was unveiled in the USA.
The 2019 Sequoia uses the same new TNGA-F ladder-chassis platform as the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series for sale in Australia, closely following the newly unveiled Tundra full-size pickup.
The Sequoia won’t be seen in Toyota Australia showrooms any time soon, just like the Tundra ute.
Although the new Sequoia’s actual measurements haven’t been made public, they appear to be far larger than the 300 Series LandCruiser offered in Australia.
This new electrified powertrain matches higher grade variants of the 2017 Tundra with a combined output of 325kW and 790Nm. The Sequoia does not offer the non-hybrid twin-turbo petrol V6 (290kW/649Nm), unlike the Tundra. Toyota has not yet released the 2019 Sequoia’s fuel economy statistics.
In addition, there are SR5, Limited, Platinum, and Capstone specifications.
the latest, which adds plush semi-aniline leather seating, chrome highlights, 22-inch chrome alloy wheels, and more, is a new premium trim level for the large SUV.
The new-generation Sequoia employs a five-link live rear axle that aids in an improved towing capacity of 4082kg and more off-road capability. The previous-generation Sequoia employed independent rear suspension for a stronger on-road driving and refinement focus.
Where is the Australian Kia made?
Kia Australia, which currently sources all of its automobiles from its home base in South Korea, will be looking to utilize Kia’s East European facility in ilina, Slovakia, though no final decisions have yet been made.
The manufacturing facility, which began operations in 2005 and has a capacity to produce about 300,000 vehicles annually, may initially supply Australia with Kia Sportage Diesel vehicles, but once the two countries have developed a working relationship, other models with a strong European focus, like the Kia Cee’d and Kia Pro Cee’d, may make their Australian debuts.
The decision will be taken in 2013, according to Kevin Hepworth, national public relations manager for Kia Australia, who added that “it’s a case of nutting out the business plan and shipping costs and making sure the costs are not out of proportion for the return.”
In contrast to Holden’s choice from a decade ago, which resulted in the replacement of the European-sourced Astra and Vectra with vehicles from the GM Korea Company, Kia may decide to source some of its vehicles from outside of South Korea (variants of the Cruze and the Captiva and Barina ranges).
The extra transportation expenses will be covered by the corporation if Kia decides to source its cars from Europe because showroom prices won’t change.
What will be the new Kia in 2022?
The first plug-in hybrid electric version of Kia’s three-row Sorento SUV debuts for model year 2022, along with a remodeled and renamed SUV. By announcing the facelift of its Sportage small SUV, which will be on sale in early 2022, Kia has also gained a jump on 2023.
Are Kias reliable automobiles in Australia?
Some of the most well-liked and reputable cars on Australian roads are produced by Kia. Kias are useful, cozy, and most importantly, secure.
What Kia SUV is the biggest?
Our aim at our new and used automobile dealership is to assist every driver and family in locating the ideal new Kia SUV for their needs, finances, and way of life. Kia is renowned for creating reliable, cheap SUVs that are covered by industry-leading warranties. Because of this, the staff at Premier Kia of Kenner is confident that any of the brand-new compact or mid-size SUVs available for purchase at our Kia dealership in Kenner, Louisiana, will be a good choice.
Before you visit for a tour and test drive, let’s go over the similarities and differences between the 2020 Kia Sportage, 2020 Kia Sorento, and 2020 Telluride models to assist you in making your choice.
Kia SUV Interiors
- Seating: While the 2020 Sorento and 2020 Telluride mid-size SUVs feature three rows of capacity, the 2020 Kia Sportage compact SUV has 5-passenger seating over two rows. Both the Telluride and the Sorento have seven seats each.
- Internal Volume: The three-row Sorento has 154.2 cubic feet of interior volume, compared to 129.3 cubic feet for the Sportage. The 2020 Telluride, the largest SUV of the group, has an interior volume of 178.1 cubic feet.
- Cargo Capacity: The Sportage offers up to 60.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity when the second row is folded, or 30.7 cubic feet of space behind the second row. When all rows are upright, the Sorento has a maximum freight capacity behind its first row of 73 cubic feet, a second row cargo capacity of 38 cubic feet, and a regular cargo space of 11.3 cubic feet. When the second and third rows are folded down, the standard load volume of the 2020 Telluride, which is 21 cubic feet, increases to a maximum of 87 cubic feet.
- Information: All three SUVs come equipped with Kia’s powerful UVO system, which features a sizable touchscreen.
Kia SUV Performance
- Engine: Kia’s 3.3-liter V6 is an option for the bigger Sorento while the 2020 Sportage and Sorento models both come standard with a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine. A new 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower powers every 2020 Telluride SUV.
- Each of these SUVs has front-wheel drive as a basic feature, but advanced all-wheel drive (AWD) systems are also available for greater all-weather traction.
- The 2020 Sorento and Sportage models can tow 2,000 pounds as a standard, with the Sorento’s maximum towing capability reaching 3,500 pounds when fitted with the V6 engine. A 5,000-pound towing capacity is standard on the 2020 Kia Telluride.
Kia Warranty
Every new Kia vehicle, including each SUV in this comparison, is covered by a number of exceptional warranties, including an industry-best 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain guarantee.
- 5-year/60,000-mile standard coverage with limitations
- 10-year/100,000-mile limited warranty for the powertrain
- 5-year/100,000-mile limited warranty against perforation
- Roadside assistance plan for five years and 60,000 miles
Test Drive the New Telluride, Sorento & Sportage SUVs at Premier Kia of Kenner
All three of these adaptable Kia SUV models are available for you to test drive and explore at Premier Kia of Kenner, regardless of your preferences. Visit your new Kia soon from nearby New Orleans for a thorough tour, or request a test drive in any of these vehicles to see which SUV most appeals to you.
Our full-service Kia dealership in Kenner, Louisiana, is here for all nearby drivers with new Kia car sales, finance help, and expert routine maintenance services, among other things. Fill out a free, no-obligation application for a vehicle loan on our website to learn more about your Kia finance choices right away. Keep in mind that we also provide competitive finance offers and Kia lease incentives in addition to our inexpensive prices.
Is Hyundai the owner of Kia?
Some people consider Hyundai and Kia to be simply rebadged versions of the same cars. The two brands do have a close relationship, despite the fact that this is not the case. Hyundai acquired Kia in 1998 and now has a 51 percent share in the business. The two corporations are now regarded as sisters because that share has decreased to around a third.
Hyundai and Kia frequently use one another’s vehicle platforms as a result of their tight cooperation. Do the cars from both brands have the same engines?
What will the price of the Kia EV6 be in Australia?
When determining the price of the EV6, Kia looked at the TeslaModel Y, which is anticipated to be the most popular SUV in the market, rather than using the Ioniq 5 as a baseline.
Therefore, the base rear-wheel-drive EV6 Air starts at $67,990 and is equipped with the long-range 77.4kWh battery as standard.
The driving range slightly decreases from 528 kilometers to 508 kilometers when you upgrade to the rear-wheel drive GT-Line, and the price jumps to $74,990.
The GT-Line, an all-wheel-drive vehicle with dual motors and a top speed of 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, has a range of 484 kilometers and is priced at $82,990. The EV6 eGT performance variant is scheduled to appear in late 2022 or early 2023.