- On Wednesday, Kia introduced improvements to its wildly successful Telluride SUV in addition to its new array of hybrid and electric Niro crossovers.
- The new Niro models debut at a time of rising gas prices and growing interest in electric vehicles, while the Telluride has been a sales success for the firm that was unexpected.
In various ways, the manufacturer values both nameplates. The new Niro models arrive as buyers are feeling the pinch of high gas prices and are growing more interested in electric vehicles, while the Telluride has been a sales success for the firm that was unexpected.
The second generation of the Niro portfolio features all-electric, plug-in hybrid, and conventional hybrid models that have all undergone extensive redesigns. They have modernized styles as well as more safety and comfort amenities, like a driver-accessible 10.25-inch control and display screen.
According to a statement from Kia America COO Steven Center, “Kia’s electrified vehicle momentum continues with the debut of the all-new second-generation Niro, which provides more refinement, versatility, connection, and technology than ever.” The 2023 Niro was created with both current demands and sustainable future mobility in mind.
The Niro hybrid is anticipated to get 53 mpg combined and have a 588-mile driving range. With a planned electric range of 253 miles, the Niro EV falls short of its rivals, while other automakers offer cars with ranges of more than 300 miles.
The Niro’s sales, which were less than 26,200 units in 2021, could increase as a result of the revamped models. In contrast, the Telluride sold 93,705 units the previous year.
Since the midsize SUV began being manufactured at a plant in Georgia in early 2019, the Telluride SUV has been a notable success for Kia. Due to its features and price, it has been one of the most sought-after vehicles in the American auto market.
The 2023 Telluride expands those options, adding new security and convenience technologies, as well as redesigning the inside and exterior. Additionally, Kia revealed two new cars with off-road styling for the 2023 model year.
Near the conclusion of the third quarter is when the upgraded Telluride is anticipated to go on sale. This summer, the updated Niro models will be available for purchase.
According to Kia, price for the vehicles will be revealed nearer to when they go on sale. At the New York International Auto Show, both were introduced on Wednesday.
In This Article...
How much does a hybrid Kia Telluride cost?
What Is the Price of the Kia Telluride? The MSRP of $32,790 for the 2022 Kia Telluride is about average for a midsize SUV. The starting price for two midrange trims is $35,290, while the starting price for the top-of-the-line SX trim is $42,690. Every level comes standard with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel-drive vehicles cost around $2,000 extra.
Is there a hybrid powertrain in the Kia Telluride?
The Kia Telluride concept’s specifications are still being finalized, but the concept page on the Kia Motors website already has plenty to get the saliva flowing. The Kia Telluride has an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor that is driven by a battery because it is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). A 3.5-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower serves as the internal combustion engine. The size of the battery that drives the electric motor is still unknown, but Kia has revealed that it generates 130 horsepower, bringing the total to 400, which is the amount of power that the majority of consumers desire in a full-size SUV. Furthermore, according to Kia, the Telluride gets 30 mpg on the highway on average.
All-wheel drive is a popular feature in alternative fuel vehicles, and the Telluride idea is no exception. Even though the battery pack will keep the SUV’s center of gravity low, having all-wheel drive is always a welcome addition in case the road conditions are a little iffy. Although the transmission’s name is yet TBD, it will probably be automatic.
Has Kia developed a hybrid SUV?
upcoming plug-in hybrid Kia Niro With hybrid and electric technologies for the best possible fuel efficiency, the 2020 Kia Niro delivers all the space and adaptability of a small SUV.
Are there any hybrid models from Kia?
Kia provides two different hybrid car models. Full Parallel Hybrid technology powers the Kia Niro and Sorento Hybrid vehicles. A motorized electric drive unit is connected to the Kia Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engine. Depending on your driving conditions, both motors can operate cooperatively or independently to give the perfect power to achieve the highest levels of fuel efficiency. Regenerative braking is another ingenious feature of the Full Parallel Hybrid system. The electric traction motor absorbs kinetic energy as it slows down and stores it in the battery. Kia hybrid vehicles include benefits such as lower emissions, fewer trips to the gas station, and smooth power delivery.
Electric vehicles, also referred to as EVs or plug-in hybrids, only use electricity as a source of power. The exciting all-electric Kia EV6 and the nimble Kia Niro EV are two examples of this kind of vehicle. Simply connect the car to a 240V or 480V Direct-Current Fast Charge station or a regular household outlet to begin charging.
What are the Kia Telluride’s shortcomings?
Ten Arguments in Favor of Buying a Kia Telluride and a Few Arguments Against
The Telluride has received a lot of favorable press ever since it made its debut in 2019. With this three-row SUV, Kia has provided clients with a fashionable, dependable, and contemporary car. The 2021 Kia Telluride has plenty of technology and a luxurious feel. It would be a fantastic option for anyone looking for a roomy car with good handling.
Given how recent the Telluride is on the market, it makes natural that Kia hasn’t made many changes for the Telluride’s second model year. The majority of the mechanical parts are still in place, and the cabin still feels the same.
The 2021 improvements are largely aesthetic. For instance, LED headlights are now an option on the EX model, and there are two new paint shades (Black Copper and Sangria). The trailer harness has been improved from a four-pin connection to a seven-pin connection, and the key fob now has a “On” button so users can simply turn on their engines remotely. Anyone seeking a brash, urban appearance can now purchase the new Nightfall bundle. It has various components, including 20-inch wheels and a black grille.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2021 Kia TellurideThe Pros
Rev up the Engine
The large, highly capable engine that powers the 2021 Kia Telluride packs a lot of power. The Telluride’s 3.8 liter V6 engine provides effortless performance in a variety of conditions. With 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, it is powerful. Additionally, people have some flexibility in terms of moving freight because to the 5,000-pound towing capability. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that has a Sportmatic sports shifter for drivers who occasionally like the feel of a manual transmission.
2. Travel off-road
An on-demand all-wheel drive system is offered on all Telluride levels. It can keep an eye on how the wheels are doing and adjust the power supply if slippage is noticed. There is a means to lock in all-wheel drive for those situations where it is desired continuously. Additionally, a snow mode for the winter climate exists.
The Telluride offers a comparatively pleasant ride even on rough roads. It has a strong suspension system that can smooth out some of the peaks and valleys one might experience off the main track. An optional self-leveling rear suspension is offered with the SUV’s top two grades. This could improve handling even more.
3. A selection of price points
There are four Telluride models, thus Kia has been able to meet a range of price points. With a starting price of little under $32,000, the Telluride’s LX trim is reasonably priced given its size, functionality, and features. Given their enhancements, the price increases for the S and EX are each a few thousand dollars, which is more than reasonable.
The SX is priced at $42,190, which is at the high end of the spectrum. The SX may no longer be affordable for many clients as a result, but not necessarily for all. Customers who desire luxury amenities but aren’t willing to spend more than $50,000 on their next vehicles may find it to be a decent deal.
4. Plenty of Cargo Room
Three-row SUVs occasionally don’t have much room behind the back row of seats. With the Telluride, which offers 21 cubic feet of storage space in the back, this isn’t the case. This is ideal for many people who are constantly moving and need to tote a lot of equipment. The third seat may be folded down to generate 46 cubic feet of storage space, and the cargo volume can be increased to 87 cubic feet by lowering the second and third rows.
5. Straighten Your Legs
People need space to spread out and feel comfortable, especially on long road trips. There is 41.4 inches of legroom in the Telluride’s front row. There is considerably more space in the second row, where there is 42.4 inches of legroom. Since there is just 31.4 inches of legroom in the third row, children should sit there.
Select Your Cabin Configuration in Step 6
Either eight or seven people can be accommodated in the 2021 Kia Telluride. For the middle and third rows of the eight-person seating arrangement, bench chairs are used. The second row of the seven-passenger configuration has captain’s seats. This configuration appeals to some individuals since it gives the second-row passengers a more comfortable space to unwind and gives the cabin a bigger sense. Keep in mind that the LX has eight-passenger seats, the S and SX are equipped with captain’s chairs, and the EX offers passengers the option of either.
7. Put safety first
There are numerous driver-assistance features that come standard on all Telluride levels. Automatic emergency braking can lessen the likelihood that the Telluride will collide with other cars or pedestrians in its path. Drivers can better understand who is nearby thanks to blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and a number of devices can keep the SUV centered in its lane. Even if the driver’s eyes aren’t on the road, a driver attentiveness warning feature can identify it.
8. Maintain Contact
The 2021 Kia Telluride has eight-inch touchscreens in the base two trims and 10.25-inch touchscreens in the top two trims. Both Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity are commonplace. The Kia’s cabin has five or six USB ports, depending on the trim, making it possible for practically everyone to keep their gadgets completely charged.
9. Remotely start the engine
Even if the majority of people don’t necessarily need remote start, it’s undeniably a pretty cool function. The 2021 Telluride has an engine-starting button on the key fob, as was discussed before in this review. This is a very useful feature that also allows the temperature control system to start preparing the cabin for comfort.
10. High-end materials
Sofino faux leather is used to cover the seats in the LX and S trim levels. This material is upscale-looking and simple to maintain. Leather seats are added to the EX and SX, and the SX may be had with a high-end Nappa leather material. All grades include leather around the steering wheel, while the S, EX, and SX models also have leather on the shifter. The inside look of some trims is enhanced by woodgrain accents, while the SX sports distinctive stainless-steel pedals and door sill scuff trim.
buying advice
Compare prices online before buying a new car to avoid paying too much. Find out the price in advance before entering a dealership. The following free services are suggested by us: Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect, and Motortrend.
These free sites will provide you the best deals and provide you with numerous price quotations from rival businesses. Before visiting the dealer, you will be aware of the best pricing.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2021 Kia TellurideThe Cons
1. Insufficient Efficiency
The Telluride gets an estimated 20/26 (city/highway) mpg with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive reduces mileage to roughly 19/24 miles per gallon. These figures are by no means impressive, especially when compared to the other hybrids that are readily accessible.
Boxy Frame 2.
Some people like the Telluride’s external design, but not everyone. The Telluride’s frame is boxy and upright, which may turn some people off.
3. a single engine
The 2017 Kia Telluride functions and appears in many ways like a high-end SUV. The availability of multiple engine options with many luxury companies’ automobiles is one distinction, though. The Telluride just has one engine, which is a bad thing. Despite the fact that it has more than enough capacity, customers looking for a vehicle with more than 300 horsepower may not find it appealing.
4. Hills May Be Difficult
There is no equivalent functionality to the hill start assist control function, which helps the SUV move while stopped on a slope. Many SUVs on the market have a hill descent system that regulates the vehicle’s speed when going downhill. Given the weight of these vehicles and the potential for cargo hauling, it can be quite helpful. The Telluride will only require drivers to carefully watch their speed and apply the brakes when necessary.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition:
The 2021 Kia Telluride nevertheless manages to stand out in a crowded market. Comparisons to two other SUVs with comparable features can be found below. We decided on a Honda and a Toyota since they are two enduring leaders in the automotive sector.
Although the engines and capacities of these two vehicles are comparable, the Telluride outperforms the Honda Pilot in a number of crucial respects. First, it boasts greater cargo space behind the third row of seats and more second-row legroom than the Pilot does. Additionally, the Telluride is offered in all trim levels with all-wheel drive. With the Honda, that feature is not available in the base model. The technology bundle in the Telluride is also much more appealing. Its touchscreen sizes range from eight inches on the base model to 10.25 inches on higher trims. Contrarily, the Pilot’s other trims all have eight-inch touchscreens whereas the base model only has a five-inch color LCD screen.
In terms of safety, technology, and performance, the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander from 2021 are comparable. It is unquestionably more expensive than the Kia, though, and for some people, this price difference is reason enough to recommend the Telluride. The base model of the Highlander costs a few thousand dollars more than the base Telluride, which should help clarify the costs. The most expensive Highlander models, which Toyota produces in a variety, cost close to $50,000.
The Kia Telluride has swiftly gained popularity among SUV buyers who want three rows of seating for a variety of reasons. It boasts practical features, a dependable and powerful powertrain, and was created with customers in mind. Its technology was implemented to amuse, educate, and maintain the safety of drivers and their passengers.
The Telluride has undergone a few improvements for 2021, increasing its allure. Overall, this SUV offers a lot of value and would be enjoyable and useful to drive.