A look at the Kia Telluride World CotY
The Kia Telluride has recently taken home the title of World Car of the Year 2020. We discussed why briefly in an article about the awards, but it turns out that this SUV has so much more to offer. Unfortunately, there are no current plans for its release in South Africa. 
While not sporty the Kia Telluride looks great.
Telluride first saw the light last year at motor shows, parading its massive size, quality and technology. It definitely is a big SUV, but it’s looks don’t instantly sell it as one. While boxy it still has a very stylish look to it, probably aided by the wide grill and fancy headlights. It doesn’t scream sports or shout off-road at you. Instead, it politely says, “I’m about to go pick up the whole family for holiday.”
With it, you get up to 20-inch wheels and a dual sunroof as standard with a few extra bits and pieces if you buy the higher range models. One of those features has to do with your key. If you have it on you and stand by the read of the car for about 3 seconds, the tailgate will open on its own. I foresee a few people getting slapped from behind unknowingly.
Kia stepped up the interior design
While some SUV fans may not all agree with the design, there is no arguing about the interior. With great design, comfortable seats and fantastic looking materials, it’s a great cabin to be driving from. One thing to note, the wood trim is not real wood if that’s what you were hoping.
Keyless entry gets you inside and a push start button gets you going. The rest of the tech then follows. The 8-inch infotainment screen is easy to use and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The higher range models get an upgraded 10-inch screen that also has interesting features like a sound boost to the passengers in the back seat when you are talking to them. Right in the middle of the driver’s display is a screen that displays the driving mode, GPS and if you are in a higher range model, a blind spot camera. 
Connectivity around the car is good with 5 USB ports around the car and wireless charging. The overall space for everyone is very impressive. Middle row passengers have plenty of space and very adjustable seats and the back row has just enough room although you might complain if the middle row passengers need extra legroom and move their seats back. If you do forget a passenger in the car or something like a pet, the Telluride will sense that and tell you either by the standard alarm or by texting you.
Not exactly sporty but it”s no pushover.
Packed with a 3.8-litre V6, the Kia Telluride is not the most economical car. It puts 217 kW and 355 Nm through the front wheels and if you want, you can pay extra to get it through the rear wheels too. That would also unlock the off-road and snow driving modes. Every Telluride is also an 8-speed automatic.
It comes with many safety features too like automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist to name a few. This puts it even higher on the list for a family SUV. 
What do we think about the Kia Telluride?
The Kia Telluride is a great 8-seater SUV that has a lot to offer for its price. It’s one of those cars that looks above its price range and performs that way too. There is no wonder why it won the World Car of the Year award, it’s just all-around a great car.
Source & images: Car and Driver | Kelley Blue Book
