2023 Kia Telluride wireless CarPlay

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2023 Kia Telluride wireless CarPlay

Marc Urbano|Car and Driver

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2023202220212020
  • Highs Stylish and comfortable family transport, long list of standard features, top models offer near-luxury experience.
  • Lows Sedate on-road demeanor, could be more fuel efficient, occasionally overzealous driver-assistance features.
  • Verdict Well-priced, nicely equipped, and unquestionably refined, the Telluride is the complete package.

By Drew Dorian and Eric Stafford

Overview

The popularity of the 2023 Kia Telluride is no surprise, given the SUV's well-rounded package with handsome styling and a bargain price. The Telluride offers a generous set of standard features throughout its range, and its top trim delivers an elevated experience that's comparable to SUVs that cost twice as much. A smooth-running V-6 engine, a quiet cabin, and confident handling give the Telluride a refined feel on the road, too. A 5500-pound towing capacity makes the Telluride useful for hauling around a small boat or camper, and its spacious and comfortable cabin is ideal for long-distance cruising. Not only does it flawlessly fulfill its mission, the Telluride sets the standard for the rest of the mid-size-crossover class.

2023 Kia Telluride wireless CarPlay

Where This Vehicle Ranks

What's New for 2023?

A styling refresh for 2023 updates the Telluride to make it even more attractive, including an updated grille, redesigned headlamps, and a new front bumper. Inside, Kia has integrated a new all-digital instrument panel with dual 12.3-inch screens serving as infotainment and gauge displays. We've seen similar layouts on luxury vehicles including the BMW iX, the Cadillac Escalade, and the Mercedes-Benz GLS-class, so it seems Kia is taking a note from the class above. Navigation is now standard across the lineup, as is an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. More rugged-looking X-line and X-Pro trims join the crew and unlock the Telluride's maximum 5500-pound towing capacity.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

    We can't resist recommending the SX trim. It delivers a near-luxury experience with all the bells and whistles at a still reasonable price. The SX comes standard with high-end features including a 12-way power driver's seat, black-painted 20-inch rims, a Harman/Kardon stereo, front and rear sunroofs, and second-row captain's chairs. Those who want the added sense of security that comes with all-wheel drive can have it for an extra $2000.

    Engine, Transmission, and Performance

    Under the hood of every Telluride is a naturally aspirated V-6 that makes 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Its engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission that feeds the front wheels in the standard format—all-wheel drive is also optional across the board. The Telluride X-Line we tested sped to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. However, the big Kia didn't feel as responsive to throttle inputs at lower speeds as did some of its turbocharged rivals. The Telluride's ride is on the firm side, with harsh pavement sometimes throwing the three-row SUV off its intended path. A self-leveling rear air suspension is also available. Brakes are excellent and the steering is precise with a nice heft to its feel. The Telluride boasts up to 8.4 inches of ground clearance for off-road excursions, and it can tow up to 5500 pounds.

      Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

      Unlike many rival three-row SUVs, the Telluride is only offered with a V-6 powertrain. The EPA estimates the front-drive version is the thriftiest, with ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. All-wheel-drive models drop to 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, which are slightly higher numbers than V-6–powered competitors such as the Volkswagen Atlas and slightly lower than the Honda Pilot. The all-wheel-drive Telluride we tested on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route returned 24 mpg—matching its government rating. The Atlas also earned 24 mpg while the Pilot got 27 mpg during our real-world test. For more information about the Telluride's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

      Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

      Regardless of people's opinion about the Telluride's bold outward appearance, its interior is undeniably upscale and comfortable. The build quality is excellent, the materials are attractive, and the desirable features are plentiful. The SX trim tops them all with the fanciest options, which include driver's seat memory settings, a head-up display, heated and ventilated rear seats, a premium headliner, and nappa leather upholstery. Because the Telluride is several inches longer than the seven-passenger Kia Sorento, its cabin is even more spacious, especially for those in the wayback seat. There is room for eight with a second-row bench seat or room for seven with the optional captain's chairs. Along with ample interior storage throughout the cabin, we managed to fit four carry-on suitcases behind its third row and stuffed a total of 35 carry-ons with both back rows folded flat.

        Infotainment and Connectivity

        Every Telluride boasts a robust infotainment system that features a 12.3-inch touchscreen with popular content that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto capability, in-dash navigation, and onboard Wi-Fi. Also available is a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, a 110-volt power inverter, and wireless smartphone charging. A feature called Driver Talk amplifies the driver's voice through speakers in the back two rows to better communicate with passengers back there.

          Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

          A comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology comes standard on all Telluride models. Several upgraded assists are also available, including automatic high-beams, a 360-degree camera system, and what Kia calls a Blind-Spot View Monitor. This tech projects a camera image of the vehicle’s blind spot into the gauge cluster display. For more information about its crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

          • Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
          • Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
          • Standard blind-spot monitoring

          Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

          Kia provides some of the best comprehensive coverage out there, with the longest powertrain warranty in the business. However, it lacks the complimentary scheduled maintenance of rivals such as the Toyota Highlander and the Chevy Traverse.

          • Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
          • Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
          • No complimentary scheduled maintenance

          Specifications

          Specifications

          2023 Kia Telluride X-Line
          Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon

          PRICE
          Base/As Tested: $46,820/$53,615
          Options: SX-Prestige package (12.3-in digital gauge cluster, nappa leather seats, heated and ventilated second-row seats, Harman Kardon 10-speaker stereo, Highway Driving Assist 2.0, head-up display, digital rear-view mirror), $6300; Glacial White Pearl paint, $495

          ENGINE
          DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
          Displacement: 231 in3, 3778 cm3
          Power: 291 hp @ 6000 rpm
          Torque: 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm

          TRANSMISSION
          8-speed automatic

          CHASSIS
          Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
          Brakes, F/R: 13.4-in vented disc/12.0-in disc
          Tires: Michelin Primacy LTX
          245/50R-20 102V M+S

          DIMENSIONS
          Wheelbase: 114.2 in
          Length: 196.9 in
          Width: 78.3 in
          Height: 70.5 in
          Passenger Volume: 151 ft3
          Cargo Volume: 21 ft3
          Curb Weight: 4469 lb

          C/D TEST RESULTS
          60 mph: 6.8 sec
          1/4-Mile: 15.1 sec @ 94 mph
          100 mph: 17.2 sec
          130 mph: 38.3 sec
          Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
          Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.3 sec
          Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec
          Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.6 sec
          Top Speed (C/D est): 132 mph
          Braking, 70–0 mph: 175 ft
          Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.80 g

          C/D FUEL ECONOMY
          Observed: 19 mpg

          EPA FUEL ECONOMY
          Combined/City/Highway: 21/18/24 mpg

          C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

          More Features and Specs

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          Will 2023 Telluride have wireless CarPlay?

          There's just one catch to it: no wireless connectivity for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. It's a bit perturbing that Kia's infotainment systems with the smaller 8-inch screen get this functionality, while this "upgrade" locks you out of that feature.

          Does Kia Telluride have wireless CarPlay?

          A: Yes, Apple CarPlay is standard on the 2022 Kia Telluride.

          Will the 2023 Telluride have WIFI?

          Technology: The 2023 Kia Telluride has a robust infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability, onboard Wi-Fi, and in-dash navigation. Other available features are a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 110-volt power inverter.

          Does 2023 Kia Sportage have wireless CarPlay?

          Safety – 2023 Kia Sportage dealer An 8-inch touchscreen will be standard, and a touchscreen larger than 12 inches will be available. Features will include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and you will have options like navigation and wireless charging.