After exhibiting their biggest SUV at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, Kia has revealed its plans to ship Telluride for UAE in April. The eight-passenger Kia Telluride made its official debut in September 2018 and was the star of Brandon Maxwell’s runway at New York Fashion Week.
The vehicle showed in September was a bespoke version, which took inspiration from fashion designer Maxwell’s Texas-themed Spring Summer 2019 collection. It had natural wood trims, saddle-inspired double-stitched leather, custom bumpers, skid plates, a hidden winch, a snorkel for deep-river fording, and a set of brawny 265/50R-20 off-road tires. Most of the components added gave us a Texas feel.
“Telluride summits Kia’s SUV lineup and forged a surprising new path with its runway debut at New York Fashion Week,” stated Saad Chehab, vice president of marketing communications, Kia Motors America. “Only a brand as forward-thinking as Kia could collaborate with Brandon Maxwell to launch the Telluride ahead of its official debut at the North American International Auto Show in January.”
The 2020 Kia Telluride will be powered by a 3.8-liter V6 churning out 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels. The all-wheel drive is optional. To offer UAE customers a smooth driving experience, Kia is offering different driving modes that split power to wheels differently.
The SUV will be developed at Kia Motors’ manufacturing facility in Georgia. The pricing details are not known yet.