KIA’s Telluride SUV The Perfect Companion For KSA Motorists
Awards winning KIA Telluride having picked up over 70 awards in its first year on the road, including the coveted ‘World Car of the Year’ honour at the World Car of the Year Awards. The Kia Telluride is easily one of the Korean automakers’ most beloved models. Such accolades are just reward for a brand that‘s invested so much in evolving and enhancing its offering over the past decade. Today, this commitment to self-improvement has led Kia to become one of the Top 100 car brands in the world, while also ranking fourth for sales regionally.
New models arriving in new segments, such as the Seltos compact SUV and Stinger sports sedan, are all part of a new direction Kia is pursuing from 2021. As the brand sets off for new frontiers, the award-winning Telluride is leading the way.
Unsurprisingly, the celebrated SUV has been well received in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, capturing the hearts and minds of car-loving families across the region. The reason for this is simple: a spacious SUV with an eye-catching design and an abundance of practicality, the Telluride is almost tailor-made for navigating the local terrain – both on and off-road.
So what, exactly, makes the Telluride the ideal SUV for Saudi buyers? Value for money, first and foremost. As KSA motorists reportedly cover approximately 16,000 kilometers per year on average, the model’s reliability and fuel efficiency makes it incredibly attractive to families constantly on the go. Meanwhile, having picked up a J.D Power ranking of 3.5, the Telluride has proven itself to be strong and sturdy, which translates to low maintenance costs – a major plus given the strain on vehicles in our hot and sandy climate.
With its 3.8-liter V6 engine cranks out 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, this is all down to the impressive engineering work of the car’s designers.
This allows families to set off on their daily adventures – be it the early morning school run or a trip to the grocery store – with confidence, unfazed by questions of their car’s durability or worries about having to spend so much money at the petrol station. As parking can be quite expensive in major cities, being able to cut back on any motoring expenses is a big plus.
The word ‘big’ is relevant here, the size of the Telluride being one of its major features. A home away from home, the SUV is as welcoming as any model in its segment could hope to be.
The car is classed as a midsize model, but its roomy cabin – measuring 178.1 cubic feet – will easily accommodate a family of eight. Along with a generous amount of cargo space – 21.0 cubic feet available behind the third row – families can load up the Telluride with all the luggage, shopping bags, picnic baskets, and camping gear they need whenever they hit the road. In fact, should things get too stuffy and cramped, the third row of seating can be folded, increasing the space available to 46.0 cubic feet. And if this isn’t enough, passengers can also reconfigure the second row, adding another 41.0 cubic feet of volume.
The Telluride’s flexible seating arrangement highlights the overall versatility of the car, performing just as well in the city as it does off-road. This makes it a very satisfying drive, with trips to the desert and rides along the region’s mountainous, naturally rough terrain being just as safe and enjoyable as a quick city jaunt. The Telluride’s independent MacPherson strut-front suspension and stabilizer bar offer precise handling dynamics, while its independent multi-link rear suspension boosts ride quality. The car also boasts four drive modes – Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart – increasing drivers’ command of their on-road driving experience. These features enable Telluride owners to drive as smoothly and safely as possible, no matter the environment or conditions.
Built with comfort in mind, the SUV really is family friendly. It has so many clever features that come together to make the car one of the coziest vehicles ever crafted by Kia. Drivers and passengers can settle into indulgent comfort, relaxing as they take off for their destination. The Telluride provides power outlets in each row – great for linking kids and teens to their games and devices; soft seats lined with Nappa leather upholstery, second row adjustable headrests, and second row center arm rests with cup holders.
Standard air conditioning is nothing special these days, but the Telluride goes a step further for personalized cabin comfort with rear passenger air conditioning controls – a welcome addition in a cabin of this size. That’s especially true given that temperatures can reach a scorching 54°C during Saudi Arabian summers, and occupants often find themselves caught in traffic.
Just as useful extras like Dual Front Cup Holders are a much-appreciated bonus for busy parents making long commutes to work, the Telluride’s tech offering also makes life easier and more entertaining. Apple CarPlay allows iPhone users to send texts and talk to Siri, whereas Android Auto enables passengers with Androids to use Google Maps, along with an array of other apps – most operated hands-free.
In a part of the world known for its love of the SUV and 4×4 segment, it takes a very special machine to win over motorists. With its World Car of the Year status and enviable specification sheet, the remarkable new Kia Telluride has all the credentials to do just that.
The Telluride is available to test drive today from Kia Motors dealerships across the Kingdom.
