The Kia Telluride, introduced for the 2020 model year in Canada, is nothing if not an award-winning luxury SUV. So what does Kia do? They keep making it better.
For 2023, that means Kia Canada is introducing two new trim levels. And to be honest, "trim" level is a real understatement. These are distinct Tellurides at the top of the lineup that combine the top-spec luxury of the Telluride SX Limited with significant upgrades in terms of rugged capability.
But first, back to the Telluride's award-winning nature. As soon as it was introduced, the Telluride was named the 2020 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year by the North American Car of the Year jury. The Telluride also earned the title of Motor Trend's SUV of the Year and was added to Car And Driver's 10 Best list. This was just the start for an SUV that would go on to be named Consumer Reports 3-Row SUV Of The Year, World Car Of The Year, and so much more.
Yet Kia has insisted on steady improvements, design enhancements, and technological upgrades for the Telluride, which already enjoys far greater demand than Kia can supply. For 2023, some of those upgrades and improvements include:
- Standard high beam assist
- Forward collision avoidance (FCA) with junction turning capability "helps avoid collisions with an oncoming vehicle while turning left at an intersection"
- Intelligent speed limit assist
- Available advanced highway driving assist "maintains the distance from the vehicle in front and the lane position on the highway and also assists in lane changes"
- New LED headlights and fog lamps
- New wheel designs plus altered grille, front bumper, and steering wheel
- Upgraded 12.3-inch TFT display in the SX and higher models
- 12.3-inch multimedia interface
- Larger wireless phone charging area
- Available 10-inch head-up display
- Available digital rearview mirror
- C-type USB chargers
- Extra power tailgate functionality
Moreover, at the top of the lineup, the 2023 Kia Telluride range now includes the $60,995 Telluride X-Line and the $62,595 Telluride X-Pro. So, what's the difference between the two?
The X-Line wears X-Line exclusive 20-inch black alloys and shares a gloss black grille, glossy black bridge type roof rack, and dark satin beltline garnish with the X-Pro. But the X-Pro uses 18-inch black alloys with all-terrain tires. Unlike other Tellurides, both the X-Line and X-Pro have a black headliner and front seat emblems. From a tech standpoint, they mirror the SX Limited with Harman Kardon audio, advanced highway driving assist, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and rain-sensing wipers.
Unlike the EX, SX, and SX Limited with 8 inches of ground clearance, the X-Line and X-Pro sit higher with 8.4 inches of ground clearance. The X-Pro is rated to tow 5,500 pounds (all other Tellurides are rated at 5,000 pounds.) While the EX and SX run black leather, and the SX offers black nappa leather or mahogany nappa, the X-Line and X-Pro differ. The X-Line can be upholstered in black or terracotta brown leather; the X-Pro offers black, terracotta brown, or sage green leather.
