2023 Kia Telluride Car Mom Review: Is It The Perfect Family SUV?

Hey guys! Are you looking for the ultimate family SUV? Well, buckle up because we're diving deep into the 2023 Kia Telluride, and we're doing it with a Car Mom twist! If you're like me, you need a vehicle that can handle school runs, grocery hauls, soccer practices, and everything in between. The Telluride has been making waves, and today, we're going to explore whether it truly lives up to the hype for busy moms and families. So, let’s get started and see what makes this SUV such a hot topic in the car world!

What Makes the 2023 Kia Telluride a Car Mom Favorite?

The Kia Telluride 2023 has quickly become a favorite among car moms for a multitude of reasons, blending practicality, style, and affordability into one appealing package. First off, let’s talk about space. Moms, we know how crucial space is! The Telluride boasts three rows of seating, making it perfect for larger families or those who frequently carpool. The third row isn't just for show either; it comfortably fits adults, which is a huge win. No more squeezing teenagers into the back! Plus, with the seats up, you still get a decent amount of cargo space for groceries or sports equipment. Need more room? Fold the seats down and voilà, you have a cavernous area for those big shopping trips or weekend getaways.

Safety is another major factor. As moms, we prioritize the safety of our precious cargo above all else. The 2023 Telluride comes packed with advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind on the road. The Telluride has also received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, further solidifying its reputation as a safe family vehicle. It’s like having an extra set of eyes and hands, helping you navigate tricky driving situations.

Then there's the technology. The Telluride is equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system that includes a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. This means you can easily connect your smartphone, access your favorite apps, and stay connected on the go. The available features like wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a premium sound system add convenience and entertainment for everyone in the car. Let’s not forget the rear-seat entertainment system, which can be a lifesaver on long road trips. Happy kids mean a happy mom!

Finally, the Telluride offers a comfortable and refined driving experience. The ride is smooth and composed, making it enjoyable for both the driver and passengers. The interior is well-appointed with high-quality materials, giving it a premium feel without the premium price tag. Plus, the available features like heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate add extra luxury and convenience. It’s a vehicle that makes you feel good, whether you're running errands around town or embarking on a family adventure. All these features combine to make the 2023 Kia Telluride a top contender for the ultimate car mom vehicle.

Diving Deeper: Interior and Comfort

When it comes to the interior and comfort of the 2023 Kia Telluride, it’s clear that Kia paid close attention to the needs of families. Let’s start with the seating. The Telluride offers seating for up to eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even on long drives. The second-row seats slide and recline, allowing passengers to customize their space. And, as mentioned earlier, the third-row seats are actually usable by adults, which is a rare and valuable feature in this class. No more complaints from the back!

The interior design is both stylish and functional. The dashboard is well-organized and easy to use, with all the essential controls within reach. The materials used throughout the cabin are of high quality, giving it a premium feel. The available leather upholstery adds an extra touch of luxury. Plus, the attention to detail is evident in the stitching and trim, making the interior feel more upscale than its price tag suggests.

Storage is another area where the Telluride excels. There are plenty of cubbies, cupholders, and storage compartments throughout the cabin. The center console is large and can hold a variety of items. The door pockets are also spacious, providing ample room for water bottles and other essentials. And, of course, there’s the cargo area. With all the seats up, you get a decent amount of space for groceries or luggage. Fold the third-row seats down, and you have a massive cargo area that can accommodate just about anything you need to haul. It’s perfect for those big shopping trips, family vacations, or weekend projects.

Comfort features abound in the Telluride. The available heated and ventilated front seats keep you comfortable in any weather. The tri-zone automatic climate control ensures that everyone in the car stays at the right temperature. The available panoramic sunroof lets in plenty of natural light, creating a bright and airy cabin. And the available rear-seat entertainment system keeps the kids entertained on long trips. These features make the Telluride a comfortable and enjoyable vehicle for the whole family. It’s like a home away from home, providing all the amenities you need for a pleasant journey.

Performance and Handling: How Does It Drive?

Now, let’s talk about performance and handling. The 2023 Kia Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides plenty of power for everyday driving, whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway. The Telluride accelerates smoothly and confidently, and it never feels underpowered.

The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and efficiently. The transmission is well-tuned to the engine, providing quick and responsive acceleration. You can also choose from different driving modes, such as Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart, to tailor the driving experience to your preferences. Comfort mode is perfect for everyday driving, while Sport mode provides a more engaging and responsive feel.

Handling is another strong point of the Telluride. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback from the road. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and imperfections, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The Telluride also feels stable and planted on the road, even when cornering. It’s a vehicle that inspires confidence, whether you're driving around town or taking a road trip.

The Telluride is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system provides added traction and stability in slippery conditions, such as rain or snow. It also enhances the Telluride's off-road capabilities, making it suitable for light-duty adventures. While the Telluride is not designed for serious off-roading, it can handle gravel roads and mild trails with ease. It’s a versatile vehicle that can handle a variety of driving conditions.

Fuel economy is decent for a vehicle of this size. The Telluride gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. While it’s not the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class, it’s certainly respectable. Plus, the Telluride’s comfortable ride and spacious interior make it well worth the trade-off. It’s a vehicle that makes long drives enjoyable, even if you have to stop for gas a little more often. Overall, the 2023 Kia Telluride offers a balanced and capable driving experience.

Technology and Features: Staying Connected and Entertained

In today's world, technology is a must-have, and the 2023 Kia Telluride doesn't disappoint. It's packed with features that keep you connected, entertained, and safe on the road. Let's start with the infotainment system. The Telluride comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display that's bright, clear, and easy to use. The system is intuitive and responsive, with large icons and a logical menu structure. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the vehicle. You can access your favorite apps, make calls, send texts, and stream music, all through the infotainment system.

The Telluride also offers a range of connectivity features. It comes standard with Bluetooth, allowing you to connect your smartphone wirelessly. It also has multiple USB ports, so you can charge your devices on the go. The available wireless charging pad lets you charge your smartphone without having to plug it in. And the available Wi-Fi hotspot keeps you connected to the internet, even when you're on the road. These features make it easy to stay connected and productive, no matter where you are.

For entertainment, the Telluride offers a premium sound system that delivers crisp and clear audio. The available Harman Kardon system includes 10 speakers and a subwoofer, providing a truly immersive listening experience. The available rear-seat entertainment system keeps the kids entertained on long trips. It includes two 10.1-inch touchscreens mounted on the back of the front seats, allowing passengers to watch movies, play games, or stream content from their devices. These features make the Telluride a fun and enjoyable vehicle for the whole family.

Safety technology is another area where the Telluride shines. It comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features help prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road. The available blind-spot monitoring system alerts you when there's a vehicle in your blind spot. The available rear cross-traffic alert system warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing up. And the available surround-view monitor provides a 360-degree view of the area around the vehicle, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. These features provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind, making the Telluride a safe and reliable vehicle for the whole family.

Is the 2023 Kia Telluride the Perfect Family SUV? The Car Mom Verdict

So, is the 2023 Kia Telluride the perfect family SUV? Well, after spending a lot of time with it and putting it through its paces, I can confidently say that it's a strong contender. It offers a winning combination of space, safety, technology, and value. It’s a vehicle that’s designed with families in mind, and it shows in every detail.

The Telluride's spacious interior provides plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The third-row seats are actually usable by adults, which is a huge plus. The comfortable seats and refined interior make it a pleasant place to spend time, even on long drives. The advanced safety features provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind. And the user-friendly technology keeps you connected and entertained on the road.

Of course, no vehicle is perfect. The Telluride's fuel economy is decent but not class-leading. And its off-road capabilities are limited. But these are minor drawbacks compared to its many strengths. Overall, the 2023 Kia Telluride is an excellent choice for families who need a spacious, safe, and well-equipped SUV. It’s a vehicle that can handle the demands of daily life, whether you're running errands around town or embarking on a family adventure.

If you're in the market for a new family SUV, I highly recommend checking out the 2023 Kia Telluride. It's a vehicle that's sure to impress, and it just might be the perfect fit for your family. Thanks for joining me on this review, guys! I hope you found it helpful. Until next time, happy driving!