Kia Telluride EX

Highlights

• 291 hp from a 3.8L V6 engine
• 71-litre fuel tank
• Ventilated front seats standard

Summary

This 2023 Kia Telluride EX offers a balanced profile for family buyers, showing average mileage for its 3-year age in the GCC market. The black exterior is a high-demand choice locally, ensuring stronger resale potential than brighter or niche colors. As a monocoque SUV with seven seats, it offers a car-like ride quality that rivals traditional body-on-frame competitors while maintaining enough capability for weekend family excursions. For GCC buyers, the standout factor is the standard cabin cooling tech, which is purpose-built to handle extreme summer temperatures without compromising power. This specific trim bridges the gap between basic utility and luxury, providing essential tech upgrades for the daily commute.

This Car vs Other 2023 Kia Tellurides

With 55,194 km on the odometer, this vehicle sits comfortably within the average range for a 3-year-old car in the UAE, where annual highway commutes typically add 20,000 to 25,000 km. The black paint is a preferred resale color in the GCC, holding its value better than most shades. It represents a well-timed opportunity for buyers looking for a modern facelifted model with moderate usage.

EX vs Lower Trims

Moving up to the EX trim adds significant premium features over the LX and S, most notably the leather upholstery and ventilated front seats which are essential for GCC summers. You also gain a smart power tailgate and power-folding mirrors, which enhance daily convenience in tight mall parking spaces. The cabin experience is further elevated with second-row sunshades and enhanced acoustic glass for a quieter highway drive.

Telluride vs Segment Rivals

The Telluride competes directly with the Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Highlander, leading with a larger 3.8L V6 engine as standard compared to some turbo-four rivals. Its 71-litre fuel tank provides substantial range for long drives between cities like Dubai and Muscat. The generous third-row legroom and boxy design give it a practicality edge for large families compared to more sloping crossovers.

Running Costs & Resale

Real-world fuel consumption for the 3.8L V6 typically averages around 11.4 L/100km, though this increases in stop-start city traffic in Riyadh or Dubai. Kia has an extensive authorized service network across the UAE and KSA, ensuring parts are affordable and readily available. The Telluride has proven to be one of the strongest value-retainers in the mid-size SUV segment, often outperforming its European peers in long-term residual value.

Performance & Capability

The 3.8-litre V6 engine delivers a smooth 291 hp, allowing for a 0-100 km/h time of approximately 7.6 seconds, which is impressive for a 7-seat family vehicle. It is tuned for highway cruising and effortless overtaking on the E11, with multiple drive modes to adjust for different road surfaces. While road-biased, the 203 mm ground clearance is sufficient for reaching desert campsites and navigating gravel tracks.

Comfort & Cabin

The cabin is designed with the GCC climate in mind, featuring a powerful dual-zone automatic climate control system and dedicated rear vents for all three rows. The EX trim's ventilated seats provide immediate relief during peak summer months, while the 12.3-inch touchscreen provides seamless integration for regional navigation. With seven seats, the configuration allows for easy access to the back row, making it a true family workhorse.

Safety

Safety is a priority with a full suite of ADAS features standard on the EX, including Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Forward Collision Mitigation, which are vital for fast-paced UAE highway traffic. The vehicle is equipped with nine airbags and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, significantly reducing driver fatigue during long desert stretches. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert adds an extra layer of security when reversing in busy urban environments.

The bottom line

This 2023 Kia Telluride EX is the ideal choice for a family looking for a modern, high-spec SUV that is still within its prime mechanical window. Its combination of a high-demand color and regional GCC suitability makes it a secure investment for both daily use and future resale.

AI insights generated from market expert data. Always inspect the vehicle before purchase.