For those keeping track, and I’ve heard from you, I’ve tested three six-figure luxury SUVs during the past month – one with a performance sticker barking at Bentley bucks. So, I wondered, “What could we get for half that price?” Would anybody notice with badges removed? To that end, we drive a vehicle with ritzy style fashioned in every way to emulate far more expensive vehicles: 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro.
That’s a whole can of words to describe the luxury version of Kia’s popular full-size crossover with an array of off-road kit.
Designers set their sights on upscale conveyances from the start, imbuing the Telluride with a very Britishness in the upright profile, stacked headlamps, arching taillamps, and window lines that echo coach doors on the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. There’s more than a little Range Rover and Jaguar stirred in for good measure. X-Pro trim brings a black mesh grille, dark logos, 18” black alloy wheels shod in all-terrain tires, and additional body cladding in case you actually find trails (most owners never will).
You won’t slum it inside either where the smell is of leather and wealth. Let’s start with the heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats in the front and middle-row captain’s chairs. Then, caress the sueded headliner and woodgrain panels on the dash and doors. Plush dash and door padding is double-stitched. Twin screens handle infotainment; Harman Kardon dishes crisp audio – all under a twin-panel sunroof. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and console charging keep phones connected.
There’s no scrimping on safety to save money. Drivers face a head-up display to keep eyes ahead while automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane keep assist, and rear auto brake lend helping hands. Adaptive cruise with stop/go, digital rearview mirror, and lane tracing steering take a load off of driving. Blind spot cameras appear in the dash when turn signals click.
There’s no supercharged V8 nor twin-turbo V6, but most drivers will be content with the 3.8-liter V6 that delivers 291 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque – all routed to the electronic all-wheel-drive system through an eight-speed automatic transmission. That not only moves its large self with peppy gusto, but can also tow up to 5,500 lbs. Sure, that’s a few thousand pounds shy of truck-based SUVs, but pretty stout for a family crossover. Fuel economy is good for a non-hybrid at 18/23-MPG city/highway.
There’s no active air suspension or magnetic ride control, but it does have a self-leveling rear suspension to compensate for passengers, cargo and trailers. A firm four-wheel independent suspension and fat tires provide a comfy controlled ride even without computers involved. This is no exotic power hauler, but doesn’t need to be. It will be very comfortable on family vacations and picking up grandma for Sunday brunch.
The Telluride pulls off this charade so well that I kind of want more. A fully electronic suspension would be welcome. You can get them on the VW GTI and low-end Cadillacs, so it doesn’t necessarily need to be super expensive. Encouraged by all of the safety gear, I’d also like the option of hands-off cruise control. I wouldn’t complain if the engine had a turbo. Kia also needs a little more attention to squeaks to fully compete with luxury marques.
Anything but a hooptie, the Telluride looks exclusive, whiffs of luxury, and is imminently convenient for your chosen posse. Base Tellurides start at a bargain $36,390 and came to “just” $56,240 fully stoked. That’s 80% of the vehicle for half the price, a pretty good value by any measure. Others to consider include the Subaru Ascent, Mazda CX-90, Chevy Traverse, Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer.
Storm Forward!
Send comments to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube @AutoCasey.