You're not imagining it. This is the third Wolf Gray Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line V6 I've reviewed in ten months.
Then, nine weeks later, its identical twin---VIN one digit apart, license plate three digits apart---was graciously put in my hands in Georgia, prompting a second review.
Now, it's 2024---and Kia has sent me this year's model. They've wisely left most of it alone, but in the SX-Prestige X-Line model, have replaced what little brightwork there was with more black accents, resulting in a more rugged look.
Kia also says this year's daytime running lights are amber.
Believe it or not, the color and shape of the Telluride's DRLs matter. I got correspondence this year from a reader who has owned three Tellurides in the four years they've been on the market, and his biggest gripe about the new one are the daytime running lights.
Since the 2023 refresh, they've looked like this:
And before, they looked like this:
I mean, yeah---the originals were pretty cool and very distinctive, but the takeaway for me is that if the only thing a guy who's owned three of these can complain about is the shape of the DRLs, Kia's doing something very right.
Under the hood, the 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine continues, as does an eight-speed automatic transmission. Zero to 60 happens in 6.8 seconds---more than respectable for the Telluride's size and weight. The EPA city/highway fuel economy average inexplicably dips from 21 combined city/highway to 20.
Apart from what we've already mentioned, the only difference between this and the two 2023 Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line V6s I've reviewed is this one had the black Nappa leather interior instead of the extra-cost Terracotta Interior Color Package ($295).
There's been a $400 price bump this year, so the base price is now $53,550 with destination. And that comes with a complete suite of active safety features, dual panoramic 12.3-inch displays, navigation, a surround view monitor and blind spot view monitor, a head-up display, a Harman/Kardon premium audio system with a three-month free trial of SiriusXM Satellite Radio, smart key with remote start, a digital rear-view mirror, wireless phone charger, Nappa leather seat trim, heated and ventilated front and second row seats, a heated steering wheel, dual sunroofs, a smart power liftgate, rear privacy glass, 20-inch black alloy wheels, tow mode and a self-leveling rear suspension.
Our tester's only extra-cost options were the Wolf Gray Paint ($495), carpeted floor mats ($225), a cargo cover ($155) and a carpeted cargo mat with seatback protection ($115), so
the bottom line on the window sticker lands at $54,540.
The Telluride has been a smash hit for Kia. Its styling makes it look larger and more imposing than it is, giving off Range Rover vibes. Despite being very similar, it sells 25% better than its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Palisade. Those two vehicles slot in very nicely between large crossovers and full-size SUVs and have had that niche pretty much to themselves.
Until now.
As we told you last week, the Toyota Grand Highlander is aimed directly at the Telluride, and offering a hybrid that delivers fuel economy the Kia's V6 can't hope to get close to.
The Telluride, though, has 2023's word of the year---"rizz". And that tends to transcend practicality.
It's going to be an interesting battle.
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