Words by Corinia Williams
It wasn’t long ago that Nico DeMattia introduced us to the all-new Kia Telluride lineup in his first-drive story. Now it’s my turn to spend a few days with the new Telluride, and the X-Pro trim has blown me away. With its eye-catching styling and go-anywhere attitude, this is one good-looking SUV.
My daily travels usually revolve around school drop-offs and pickups, with a Target run thrown into the mix. But knowing that the Telluride X-Pro is designed for rugged excursions without compromising on comfort makes it especially appealing. It’s just what I need for those winter weekends away.
The X-Pro brings some serious capability to the adventure. With an exclusive suspension, electronic limited-slip differential, 9.1 inches of ground clearance and all-terrain tires, it’s equipped for more than just the daily commute. Multiple drive modes, including Terrain Mode, front and rear recovery points, and added traction make it ready for the road less traveled.
There’s also some clever technology to help along the way. The new Ground View Monitor uses onboard cameras to display the terrain immediately ahead when driving below 6 mph, while an off-road status screen provides useful information such as pitch, roll and steering angle. Exclusive ground lighting around the front, sides and rear is another thoughtful touch when outdoor adventures extend into the evening.
Inside, the second-generation Telluride offers more room, greater cargo capacity and a cabin that feels surprisingly refined. The sweeping dashboard, warm wood-inspired textures and available ambient lighting create an inviting atmosphere, while thoughtful details like the signature center-console grip handle bring a little rugged character into the mix. Kia has also worked to make the cabin quieter, with additional sound insulation and improved door seals.
Comfort hasn’t been overlooked. Available front relaxation seats with power leg rests, an Ergo Motion driver’s seat with massage functions, and heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs bring an extra measure of luxury. Even third-row passengers benefit from available heated seats. With USB-C charging ports throughout the cabin and two standard wireless charging pads up front, everyone has a place to keep their devices powered.
Safety is equally important in a family vehicle. The new Telluride comes with 10 standard airbags, including a front-row center airbag designed to help reduce occupant-to-occupant contact in certain collisions.
And that’s really the appeal of the Telluride X-Pro. It has the space, comfort and practicality that make everyday family life easier, but with enough adventure-ready personality to make you think beyond the usual routine. School runs are one thing. A weekend escape is quite another.
