2023 Kia Telluride X Pro

Let’s talk about the latest version of one of the hottest family cars out on the market. It’s pretty similar to the 2022 version, so I’m going to do a deep dive here on how family-friendly it is and talk about a few upgrades they added for this year’s model. If you want more deets (like even more info on the car seat setup), check out my 2021 Kia Telluride review. 

For other recent car tours, check out these:

The New Kia Telluride Car Tour

Exterior

On the 2023 model, they cleaned up the front… as in, no Telluride is badging on the front. I don’t know… I miss it. Am I crazy that I liked it there? Anyway, the X Pro has a much sportier and rugged look. I’d say it has more 4Runner vibes vs. a luxury SUV. I wish there was more innovation and excitement going on with the headlights, though. Kia would probably say they went for a simplistic vibe, but I’d call it a little… boring. 

The steel wheels fit the whole look, but not much else has changed from the side profile. The back end has the Kia and Telluride logo and badging and looks sassy. 

Interior

Front

Let’s start with the driver’s side door panel. The little bit of chrome and dark wood trim on the door make sense and look really good with the rugged feel, but the side cubby is super lame and for sure not big enough. I am excited about the sound system, though. 

I love the combined screen—it’s curved and stunning. You can use it as a touch screen or use the quick buttons for the things you need access to most often instead of having to dig through a display. There’s wireless charging, a USB, USB-C, and 12 volts (plus one additional USB-C in the console). The X Pro has heated seats and four (yes, FOUR) cub holders within the driver’s reach. Tellurides have great tech and I’m always impressed with the safety features from Kia. So, TLDR? Still crushing on the Telluride for sure. 

Second Row

First things first—there is knee clearance for days back here (plus two leather-back pockets). There are cup holders on the center console and USB-Cs on the side of the front-row seats for easy access for your second-row riders. I love the front and back sunroofs… but more than that I love the ceiling vents (you know these are a must for me). The climate control is on the ceiling, which I have mixed feelings about (since lots of kiddos won’t be able to reach). But one feature you know I love to see? Built-in sunshades. 

The seats aren’t the most comfortable—they’re a little bit on the firmer side—but they’re fine and spacious. Plus, the adjustable armrests are nice and provide some added comfort. One thing to note is that the bench seat is only available on the lowest trim level. 

My overall thoughts: I’m impressed with how spacious the second row is—it makes it a great vehicle for families on the smaller side. 

Third Row

Not going to lie, it disappoints a little bit—especially from a car seat perspective. The access isn’t great (there’s no car seat tilt), but there are buttons high and low to slide the second-row seats forward to get back there (which I love for littles). I’m impressed with the amenities—ceiling vents, lights, two cup holders, and USBs on each side. I’m really just wishing there was a little more space. 

Car Seat Setup 

The captain’s chairs have two sets of lower anchors and two tether anchors. The bench option has lower anchors off-center and two tether anchors. In the third row, there are lower anchors in the middle seat that are off-center. The bench is really shallow, so it’s hard to get a good install. It's not impossible to get three car seats in the Telluride, but it’s not easy. 

So, if you’re considering this car, I’d definitely suggest looking at my free family planning map to make sure it’s a good long-term choice. 

Trunk Space

It’s not winning any awards but… it’s decent for its class. There’s no power third row, but it’s still super easy to put those seats down when you need a little more space.

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My Final Thoughts

My thoughts on this super hot family car? There is a lot that I love about it—especially for smaller families or ones who don’t need more than two car seats. If you think you’ll need three, just make sure you do your research to be sure it’ll be enough space for your crew.

Watch the full car tour video here: