FIRST DRIVE: THE 2023 KIA TELLURIDE

New X-Line and X-Pro trims up Kia’s all-wheel-drive adventure ability

- MERCEDES LILIENTHAL

A decked-out lifted 4x4 with big steel bumpers, underbody skid plates, and a roof rack carrying every accessory under the sun isn't necessarily everyone's idea of the perfect adventure companion. An ever-growing segment of the population wants a capable all-wheel-drive SUV that can tackle light-duty dirt and gravel tracks so they can explore in confidence. This is where the new 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro trim levels step in.

The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro packages showcase a plethora of updates and off-pavement features that have us singing their praises. Our time driving both editions during Kia's first drive event in San Antonio gave us a glimpse of their capability on the tarmac and off the beaten path.

Both model types are touted as the automaker's most capable off-pavement companion, with the SXP X-Pro taking the cake for top honors. All 2023 Telluride trim levels get 0.4 inches of additional ground clearance when compared to its predecessor. Lower trim levels arrive at 8 inches even. X-Line and X-Pro trim packages add nearly half an inch, totaling 8.4 total inches, delivering adequate clearance for light-duty off-road activities, especially in the Texas hill country during our time off-roading them.

The Kia X-Line trim level is similar to the X-Pro trim, however, the X-Pro has slightly improved approach and departure angles, 17.9" and 23.2" versus 17.7" and 23.0", respectively. We crawled over off-camber ditches in a three-wheeled fashion and navigated through uneven holes efficiently and in a composed manner. The breakover angle proved its worth, too, as we tested the Telluride's hill-start assist and downhill braking control systems on a steep and pointed manmade hill.