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You might not recall, but Kia unveiled a full-size SUV named the Telluride at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This concept vehicle featured a boxy design, suicide doors, a roomy interior with three rows of seating, and the iconic Kia grille. It closely resembled a potential production model and served as a spiritual successor to the Kia Borrego, which was produced for two years in the late 2000s. What… you don’t recall the Borrego?
Fast forward two years, and it appears the Telluride may soon be making its way to dealerships. According to a report from Wards Auto, Kia is expected to make “some announcements soon” regarding a new three-row SUV, urging customers to “stay tuned for more details.” Kia Motors America’s vice president of product planning, Orth Hedrick, confirmed this in an interview. The report also indicates that Kia’s global design chief, Peter Schreyer, has confirmed to Australian media that a production version of the Telluride has been approved.
Currently, the largest crossover offered by Kia is the Sorento, which can be equipped with three rows of seats. However, the optional third row is somewhat cramped, leaving limited cargo space when used. Introducing a more spacious family-oriented vehicle, which is not a minivan, would be a smart strategy for Kia.
Hedrick remarked, “We see a growing need in our portfolio with buyers who may be on their second or third Sorento and require a bit more space.” He noted that many Kia customers have “adult-size kids” who often travel with a couple of friends and a significant amount of gear. These buyers, who have teenagers, typically prefer alternatives to minivans. Essentially, the Telluride aims to cater to families that could benefit from a minivan’s space but prefer a vehicle without sliding doors. This trend could pose challenges for the Kia Sedona, a key player in the declining minivan market.
We reached out to Kia for confirmation regarding the Wards Auto report and were informed that the company “has made no official announcement concerning a production version of the Telluride.” It’s possible that an updated Telluride concept or a ready-to-produce model will be showcased at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show in a few weeks.
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