Spied: 2020 Kia Telluride, the Biggest Kia Crossover Ever (Bigger Than Even in Your Dreams)

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

You’ve already forgotten about the Borrego, so this large, hulking Kia is sure to impress, if for no other reason than its dimensions.

Photographed in Orange County, the square-rigged three-row you see above is the upcoming Kia Telluride, a range-topping crossover first teased in concept form at the 2016 North American International Auto Show. At the time, the concept’s almost showroom-ready outward appearance (normal side mirrors!) signalled Kia’s intent to put the Telluride into production. Two Kia execs essentially confirmed it earlier this year.

Expected to debut next year as a 2020 model, this is our first glimpse of Kia’s newest beast.

Unlike the concept, however, this Telluride isn’t boasting suicide doors, nor will it monitor your health and wellness. No, this vehicle’s mission is to give an outdoorsy driver with a spouse and six kids a reason to visit a Kia showroom.

The camo is thick with this one, but the model’s blocky proportions are clear as day. It appears nearly identical to the Detroit concept, right down to the raised chrome trim on the B-pillar and a leading roof edge that dips towards the center of the windshield. Hyundai’s planning a similar big-and-bold look for its Santa Fe XL replacement.

The concept parked itself on a stretched version of the Sorento platform. However, while recent comments from U.S. product planner Orth Hedrick led many to believe the Telluride might adopt the rear-drive platform of the K900 sedan, the long front overhang of this model hints at front-drive architecture.

As for what engine lies behind that blunt front end, that’s a mystery. The concept appeared with a plug-in hybrid powertrain generating 400 horsepower, and it’s still possible buyers might be able to choose a 3.5-liter V6/electric motor combo. A lower-trim model will surely just carry a V6, as even the Stinger’s 255 hp 2.0-liter seems too small for this rig. Time will tell.

The Kia Telluride should appear during the upcoming U.S. auto show circuit.

[Images: Brian Williams/Spiedbilde]

Discuss this story on our Kia Telluride Forum

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Bd2 Bd2 on May 10, 2018

    The production version of the Telluride needed a revised grille and headlight design and from what I have heard, changes have been made (from what can be made out underneath the cladding, looks to be an improvement). The whole notion of the Telluride possibly being RWD was misinterpreting the words of Kia's head of production planning when he stated that a RWD CUV based on the K900 is a possibility. While Kia probably is looking to do a luxury CUV (or 2) - they would have to wait until Genesis' new RWD architecture is ready.

  • Gregg Mulry Gregg Mulry on May 10, 2018

    It is NOT nearly identical to the concept. Yhe Telluride concept had RWD proportions with the front wheels much closer to the front end. This one may have some of the same styling cues, but it has FWD proportions with a heavy front overhang. It changes the look considerably.

  • ToolGuy Also on to-do list: Read the latest Steve S. fiction work on TTAC (May 20 Junkyard Find)
  • 1995 SC I'm likely in the minority, but I really liked the last Eldorado best. That and the STS.
  • Dartdude Typical Joe, bribing people for votes. He will do anything to re-elected, but as soon as he is he will go back on everything he says and does. America has never been this venerable as it is today. NO country respect Joe and what he says.
  • Theflyersfan Since I'm one of a couple of IT guys that supports the network, server administration, and all things computer related at a 24/7 logistics center (only closed on Christmas), I have to work some of the long weekend. But there's still time after we close early on Monday to fire up the grill and smoker, have a few friends over and scarf down some smoky rubbed ribs and burgers. Remember those soldiers who have died. I'm sure those in my generation had grandfathers who fought in WW2 and fathers who fought in Vietnam. I have my grandfather's dog tags and his enlistment card framed as a reminder of the sacrifices they made and to honor his memory.
  • FreedMike Doff of the cap to those who served.
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