Auto review: Kia's 2020 Telluride goes against the grain of sleek and curved SUVs

Kia has a brand-new midsize crossover for 2020, its biggest and boldest ever with an exciting view of the world and remarkable capacity for exploration and adventure.

The Telluride goes against the current trend for sleek, curvy SUV styling with a boxy hood, sheer sides, and right-angled patterns reminiscent of older SUV design.

The first Kia specifically designed for the United States, the Telluride is capable of seating eight and is loaded with technology for comfort, convenience, and utility, with a go-anywhere, do-anything attitude suggested by the brawny exterior.

Its powerful exterior is complemented by tasteful chrome and lighting accents, hinting at the luxurious, well-appointed interior.

Four trims are available, each building on the previous  LX, $31,690; S, $33,990; EX, $37,090; and SX (the trim I drove), $41,490. All-wheel drive adds $2,000.

Many factors contribute to Telluride’s composed ride and performance, including four-wheel independent suspension; a strong, stiff, torsionally rigid body structure with 59.4 percent high-strength steel; and downhill brake control.

The interior was more like a comfortable living room than a utility vehicle, with double-stitched, quilted and extra padded Gray Nappa leather upholstery (Prestige Package Plus, $2,000), brushed metal and matte finished wood on the doors and dash, gloss black on the center stack/console, dual sunroof with front tilt and slide panel and rear fixed panel, second-row captain chairs (tilt and slide for third-row access, fold flat for loading), and reclining/folding 60/40 third row seat.

Comfort and convenience were elevated throughout with ceiling-mounted second-row climate control, HVAC diffusing ceiling vents for wider spread of air flow (second and third rows), second-row sunshades, and front seatback hooks for bags.

There were heated/ventilated first- and second-row seats (three fan speeds circulated cabin air through perforated leather seating, Prestige Package); a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel; two large cupholders and a fry/phone slot on the console; grab handles on the wide center console (for off-road adventures), and a dual-level cargo floor with hidden storage.

Driver convenience included a Head-Up Display for turn-by-turn navigation, speed, smart cruise control and blind-spot warnings; Driver Talk to allow the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the rear speakers; and Quiet Mode to allow audio output in the second and third rows to be muted.

Mood lighting featured a range of 64 colors, with several specific selectable colors to enhance the driving experience in a particular way. A color wheel (on the 10.25-inch touch screen) also allowed the driver to customize the color to suit a given mood or situation.

The cabin had numerous convenient electronic features including a wireless charging pad with indicator lights in the front of the console, along with a 12-volt outlet and two USB ports; two USB ports on the front seatback edges (convenient for rear passengers); a USB charger in the console bin; a 12-volt and a 115-volt AC outlet behind the front console; two USB ports for the third row; and a 12-volt outlet in the cargo area.

My Telluride could tow up to 5,000 pounds, when properly equipped.

The new Telluride SX is attractive, luxurious, capable, and loaded with extras, for an enjoyable experience whether for daily driving or weekend adventure.