2023 Kia Telluride Car Mom Review: Is It Worth It?

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2023 Kia Telluride, a car that's been making waves, especially among moms. If you're a parent on the hunt for the perfect family SUV, you've probably heard about the Telluride. It’s stylish, spacious, and packed with features, but is it really worth the hype? We’re going to break down everything you need to know in this comprehensive review. From safety features to interior comfort and overall driving experience, we’ll cover it all to help you decide if the 2023 Kia Telluride is the right choice for you and your family. Let's get started and see what makes this SUV so popular!

Overview of the 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2023 Kia Telluride has quickly become a favorite in the mid-size SUV market, and for good reason. This vehicle is designed with families in mind, offering a winning combination of space, comfort, and advanced technology. One of the standout features of the Telluride is its spacious interior. With three rows of seating, it can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers, making it perfect for large families or those who frequently carpool. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, ensuring a comfortable ride even on long journeys. Beyond its practicality, the Telluride also boasts a stylish exterior design. Its bold and modern look sets it apart from other SUVs in its class, making it a head-turner on the road. Kia has paid close attention to detail, ensuring that the Telluride not only performs well but also looks great. Under the hood, the 2023 Telluride is powered by a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers plenty of power for everyday driving. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the Telluride offers a smooth and responsive driving experience. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides seamless gear changes and contributes to the vehicle's overall efficiency. In terms of technology, the 2023 Telluride is packed with features that enhance both convenience and safety. A large touchscreen display serves as the hub for the infotainment system, providing access to navigation, audio controls, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control are also standard, providing added peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. The Telluride is available in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and options. From the base LX model to the top-of-the-line SX Prestige, there's a Telluride configuration to suit a variety of needs and budgets. Kia has also made some updates to the 2023 model, including a refreshed exterior design and some new interior features. These updates help keep the Telluride competitive in a crowded market and further solidify its reputation as a top choice for families.

What Car Mom Says

When it comes to getting advice on family cars, "Car Mom" is a name that often comes up. Kelly, known as Car Mom, is an expert who provides detailed insights into vehicles from a parent's perspective. So, what does Car Mom have to say about the 2023 Kia Telluride? In her reviews, Car Mom often emphasizes the importance of safety, convenience, and comfort features for families. She dives deep into the practical aspects of a vehicle, such as the ease of installing car seats, the amount of cargo space available, and the overall usability of the infotainment system. Her goal is to help parents make informed decisions when choosing a car that fits their specific needs and lifestyle. Car Mom appreciates the Telluride's spaciousness and the ease of access to the third row. She often highlights features like the one-touch sliding second-row seats, which make it easier to get kids in and out of the back. The ample cargo space behind the third row is another aspect that Car Mom praises, as it provides enough room for groceries, sports equipment, or luggage, even when all the seats are in use. Safety is a top priority for Car Mom, and she is impressed with the Telluride's comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. She notes that the automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring systems can help prevent accidents and keep families safe on the road. The Telluride's good crash test ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA further reinforce its safety credentials. Car Mom also pays attention to the small details that can make a big difference for families. Features like the rear-seat entertainment system, which can keep kids occupied on long trips, and the abundance of USB ports throughout the cabin, which allow everyone to stay connected, are points that she often highlights. She also appreciates the Telluride's user-friendly infotainment system, which is easy to navigate and includes smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, Car Mom also points out some potential drawbacks of the Telluride. She notes that the fuel economy is not the best in its class, especially compared to hybrid or plug-in hybrid SUVs. Additionally, she mentions that the higher trim levels of the Telluride can be quite expensive, which may put them out of reach for some families. Overall, Car Mom gives the 2023 Kia Telluride a positive review, praising its spaciousness, safety features, and family-friendly design. She believes that it is a great choice for families who need a versatile and reliable SUV. While she acknowledges some minor drawbacks, she concludes that the Telluride offers excellent value for its price, making it a top contender in the mid-size SUV segment.

Interior and Comfort

When it comes to the 2023 Kia Telluride, the interior and comfort features are truly impressive. The first thing you'll notice is the sheer amount of space available. With three rows of seating, the Telluride can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers. The seats are designed with both comfort and support in mind, making long road trips a breeze. The front seats offer ample legroom and headroom, and they can be adjusted in multiple ways to find the perfect driving position. Higher trim levels even come with features like heated and ventilated seats, which can add an extra layer of comfort in extreme weather conditions. The second-row seats are equally spacious, with plenty of room for adults to stretch out. Many Telluride models come with captain's chairs in the second row, which not only provide more individual comfort but also make it easier to access the third row. The third-row seats are surprisingly roomy for a mid-size SUV, and they can comfortably accommodate adults on shorter trips. One of the standout features of the Telluride's interior is its high-quality materials. Kia has used soft-touch surfaces throughout the cabin, giving it a premium feel. The dashboard and door panels are well-padded, and the stitching is precise and attractive. Higher trim levels offer even more luxurious touches, such as leather upholstery and woodgrain accents. The Telluride also excels in terms of storage space. There are plenty of cubbies, bins, and cupholders throughout the cabin to keep your belongings organized. The center console is particularly spacious, and the door pockets are large enough to hold water bottles and other essentials. In the back, the Telluride offers a generous amount of cargo space, even with all three rows of seats in use. If you need more room, the third-row seats can be easily folded down to create a larger cargo area. The second-row seats can also be folded down, providing a cavernous space for hauling larger items. In terms of technology, the Telluride is packed with features that enhance both comfort and convenience. A large touchscreen display serves as the hub for the infotainment system, providing access to navigation, audio controls, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is easy to use and responsive, and it offers a wide range of features. Other tech features include a premium sound system, a wireless charging pad, and multiple USB ports throughout the cabin. These features can help keep everyone connected and entertained on long trips. Overall, the interior and comfort features of the 2023 Kia Telluride are among the best in its class. The spacious cabin, comfortable seats, high-quality materials, and advanced technology make it a great choice for families who value comfort and convenience.

Safety Features

When it comes to family vehicles, safety is always a top priority. The 2023 Kia Telluride doesn't disappoint in this area, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features designed to protect you and your loved ones on the road. One of the standout safety features of the Telluride is its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These systems use a combination of cameras, sensors, and radar to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and provide alerts or interventions to help prevent accidents. Standard ADAS features on the Telluride include automatic emergency braking, which can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes automatically to reduce the severity of an impact. Lane departure warning, which alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, and lane-keeping assist, which can gently steer the vehicle back into its lane, are also standard. Other standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring, which alerts you if there's a vehicle in your blind spot, and rear cross-traffic alert, which warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing up. Adaptive cruise control, which can automatically adjust your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, is also available. In addition to its ADAS features, the Telluride also offers a range of passive safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash. These include a strong and rigid body structure, advanced airbags, and seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The Telluride has also performed well in crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It has earned top marks in several crash tests, demonstrating its ability to protect occupants in a variety of collision scenarios. Kia has also included several features designed to enhance visibility and reduce driver fatigue. These include automatic high beams, which can automatically switch between high and low beams depending on the surrounding traffic, and a driver attention warning system, which can detect signs of driver fatigue and provide alerts to encourage you to take a break. For parents with young children, the Telluride offers easy-to-use LATCH connectors for installing car seats. The rear doors are also equipped with child safety locks to prevent children from opening them from the inside. Overall, the 2023 Kia Telluride offers a comprehensive suite of safety features that can help protect you and your family on the road. Its advanced driver-assistance systems, passive safety features, and good crash test ratings make it a top choice for families who prioritize safety. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or embarking on a long road trip, the Telluride's safety features can provide added peace of mind.

Driving Experience

The driving experience of the 2023 Kia Telluride is one of its most appealing aspects. This SUV offers a smooth, comfortable ride that's perfect for daily commutes and long road trips alike. Under the hood, the Telluride is powered by a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers plenty of power for most driving situations. With 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, the Telluride can accelerate quickly and confidently merge onto highways. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and efficiently, providing a seamless driving experience. One of the things that sets the Telluride apart from other SUVs in its class is its refined ride quality. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections, providing a comfortable and composed ride even on rough roads. The steering is precise and responsive, giving you a good sense of control behind the wheel. The Telluride also offers several different driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart. Each mode adjusts the vehicle's settings to optimize performance for different driving conditions. For example, Comfort mode provides a smooth and relaxed ride, while Sport mode sharpens the throttle response and steering for a more engaging driving experience. In terms of handling, the Telluride is surprisingly agile for a large SUV. It corners confidently and feels stable and planted on the road. The brakes are strong and responsive, providing plenty of stopping power when needed. The Telluride is also available with all-wheel drive, which can improve traction and stability in slippery conditions. The all-wheel-drive system automatically distributes torque between the front and rear wheels to optimize grip and control. One of the few drawbacks of the Telluride is its fuel economy. The V6 engine is not the most fuel-efficient in its class, and you can expect to get around 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. However, the Telluride's overall driving experience more than makes up for its slightly below-average fuel economy. Whether you're driving around town or embarking on a long road trip, the Telluride offers a comfortable, refined, and enjoyable driving experience. Its powerful engine, smooth transmission, comfortable ride, and responsive handling make it a top choice for families who value driving dynamics.

Final Verdict: Is the 2023 Kia Telluride Worth It?

So, after taking a comprehensive look at the 2023 Kia Telluride, the big question remains: Is it worth it? Considering everything this SUV has to offer, the answer is a resounding yes. The Telluride stands out in the crowded mid-size SUV market for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, its spacious and comfortable interior makes it an ideal choice for families. With three rows of seating, it can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers, making it perfect for large families or those who frequently carpool. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, ensuring a comfortable ride even on long journeys. In addition to its spaciousness, the Telluride also boasts a stylish exterior design. Its bold and modern look sets it apart from other SUVs in its class, making it a head-turner on the road. Kia has paid close attention to detail, ensuring that the Telluride not only performs well but also looks great. Under the hood, the 2023 Telluride is powered by a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers plenty of power for everyday driving. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the Telluride offers a smooth and responsive driving experience. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides seamless gear changes and contributes to the vehicle's overall efficiency. In terms of technology, the 2023 Telluride is packed with features that enhance both convenience and safety. A large touchscreen display serves as the hub for the infotainment system, providing access to navigation, audio controls, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control are also standard, providing added peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. Another reason why the Telluride is worth it is its excellent value proposition. It offers a long list of features and amenities at a price point that is competitive with other SUVs in its class. Whether you're looking for a base model or a fully loaded version, the Telluride offers a great balance of features and price. Of course, the Telluride is not without its drawbacks. Its fuel economy is not the best in its class, and some may find its styling to be a bit too bold. However, these are relatively minor issues that are easily outweighed by the Telluride's many strengths. Overall, the 2023 Kia Telluride is an excellent choice for families who need a spacious, comfortable, and safe SUV. Its combination of features, value, and style make it a top contender in the mid-size SUV market. If you're in the market for a new family vehicle, be sure to give the Telluride a serious look. You won't be disappointed.