Kia is Working on a Full-Size SUV
Kia has confirmed plans of building a full-size SUV based on the Telluride Concept.
The Kia Telluride Concept originally made its debut at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show, and now two years later, the Korean automaker confirmed to Australian media it’s in development.
“For sure, we are working on that car,” Hyundai-Kia chief design officer Peter Schreyer told Motoring. The company, however, couldn’t confirm if it will be designed for global markets when pressed if a right-hand-drive model was being considered. Kia used to have a full-sized SUV called the Borrego, which was a flop because it came out right as gas prices skyrocketed but seeing as three-row crossovers such as the Volkswagen Atlas and Subaru Ascent are making a return, it makes sense that Kia would consider another entry into the market.
Adding to the discussion, Kia Australia chief operating officer Damien Meredith said his team would look at bringing the model to Australia. He also believes that a strong lineup of crossovers and SUVs at both the bottom-end and top-end is better for the brand.
SEE ALSO: Kia Telluride Concept Looks Ready to Ride
The Telluride Concept was powered by a hybrid powertrain featuring a 3.5-liter V6 combined with an electric motor for a total system output of 400 horsepower. It’s unclear whether Kia will use a hybrid powertrain for the production model.
[Source: Motoring]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Very upscale looking. However, I don't like the current trend of really long hoods. Engines are getting smaller - why are hoods being made practically half the length of the vehicle? You get the driver sitting in the middle of the vehicle's length - it's making the passenger compartment smaller or the vehicle longer to compensate. Mazda is way overboard on their long hoods. I get that it's better for collisions, but I think it's more a styling trend. Just one guy's opinion.