The 2020 Kia Telluride was a vehicle long in waiting, popping up all over the place like New York Fashion Week 2018 and at SEMA 2018 with five Telluride concepts. When Kia Motors finally released the large SUV in March 2019, the Kia Telluride spearheaded their sales, with a report of 55,814 vehicles sold – a tenth of which came from the new Telluride SUV, with 5080 units sold. If that wasn’t enough of a celebration, the Kia Telluride was quick to get some street cred in Texas from the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) during the TAWA Auto Roundup. Most recently, another organization made up of automotive and media journalists concluded, the Annual Northwest Automotive Press Association “Mudfest”.
A mudfest? What could an SUV possibly have to do with that? Wouldn’t that sort of thing belong to off-road vehicles? Well, yes, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) did show up at the mudfest, and performed fairly well. However, the Northwest Automotive Press Association, also known as NWAPA, is a professional organization of automotive journalists and media members from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Southwest Canada. With members from a variety of sources, representing more than 700 newspapers, magazines, radio stations, media groups, and the internet, NWAPA also has a primarily focus on testing and reporting on SUVs and crossovers. The 2020 Kia Telluride was among the 22 vehicles from 14 manufacturers tested at mudfest.
Battling a mix of on-road handling and off-road courses at The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington, the Kia Telluride was named as the “Mid- and Full-Size CUV” category winner at Mudfest, the 25th celebration of the annual Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year event. The Mudfest broke tests down into two departments: on-road that evaluated vehicles based on acceleration, handling, and braking, plus a track complete with elevation changes, sharp corners, and sweeping curves. The off-road portion challenged vehicles with plenty of loose dirt, deep ruts, and steep climbs and descents.
“We’re honored to hear the Telluride continued its award-winning streak following NWAPA’s Mudfest, especially as it comes on the heels of being crowned the ‘CUV of Texas…Given the mountainous landscape in the Pacific Northwest, NWAPA member journalists know what to look for in adventure vehicles, and we are beyond proud that the Telluride’s capable performance and rugged luxury surpassed this adventurous group of journalists’ expectations.” – Michael Cole, chief operating officer and executive vice president, KMA.
The 2020 Kia Telluride comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) but all-wheel-drive (AWD) is an available upgrade on all trims (LX, S, EX, and SX). A 3.8-liter Lambda DOHC 24-valve V6 engine is the only powertrain option upon release, but no word on another powertrain for future model years. The V6 is capable of generating 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an eight-speed transmission.
Offering consumers different choices for driving modes like recent vehicles from Kia Motors, the driver can choose from Smart, Eco, Sport, and Comfort mode to better fit their driving style. With AWD and four-wheel independent suspension, the available active on-demand all-wheel-drive system delivers power to the rear wheels different in each. There is also a “AWD Lock” mode that distributes power evenly to all four wheels. No wonder the 2020 Kia Telluride is competing at a mudfest.
Come by Miami Lakes Automall and check out the 2020 Kia Telluride today.