Kia Telluride

In 2019, Kia debuted its Telluride, a midsize crossover SUV. In the years since, the Telluride’s popularity has soared.

In 2020, the Telluride hit the “best of” lists, including Kelly Blue Book’s Best Buy, Motor Trend’s SUV of the Year and 2020 World Car of the Year Award.

Why is it so popular? I checked out the 2023 Kia Telluride EX. With its all-wheel drive and V-6, it’s labeled a mid-size but has lots of room and power.

With limited models in stock, dealers are charging over the sticker price. This particular model rang in at $46,375. An additional sticker posted an adjusted market value of $5,000 on top, bringing the total to $51,375.

Adjusted market pricing is a fairly new practice that came about due to limited supply and increased demand for vehicles. Car dealers mark up their most sought-after vehicles, and consumers are willing to pay above the sticker price. According to a CNBC report, 31% of new cars were sold above sticker price in early 2023. Blame it on the COVID pandemic or chip shortage, but inflation is here.

If the Telluride is in your budget, it. That means a small boat can be hitched up.

Inside, this SUV is roomy and ideal for passengers. Similar to a minivan, it features three rows of seating. The second row captain’s chairs are comfy, and the third row can seat three adults, although it may be a bit snug.

Each row has its own cup holders and climate controls. If you have carpool duty, your prized vehicle might be chosen for longer trips. Cargo space is roomy enough to load up backpacks, gear and all that stuff.

Safety features, called the Kia Drive Wise Driver Assist, provide updated technology. A second and third row seat belt reminder means the beeping prompts kids to buckle up, so you don’t have to be the bad guy for nagging. Once the car is stopped, a rear occupant alert lets you know if someone is still in the back seat so no little ones get left behind.

The 12.3-inch touchscreen includes maps, connectivity and music for phones. As I don’t always want to rock out to tunes, I chose “sounds of nature” on the touch screen. Choose from a half dozen sounds, such as “lively forest.” I wouldn’t recommend the “warm fireplace,” as it sounded like sleet pellets hitting the windshield. The “calm sea waves” sounded much calmer.

As the Telluride is named after a place in Colorado, I wondered why so many vehicles are named after western locales. There’s the Chevy Tahoe, Dodge Durango and Malibu Classic. How about a car named after a Midwestern site? Can you imagine driving a Davenport or a Huxley? OK, maybe it’s not as catchy as the open-air countryside out west.

For reliability, comfort and other award-winning features — and if you have a basketball- size team for a family — this mid-size SUV might be just right. ♦