Are you getting tired of cars being all about flash and not about function? Well then, you need to check out the 2021 Kia Telluride! It’s very purposeful. In fact, it was designed from the ground up to be a traditional, bold SUV. Kia noticed that many other manufacturers have been pumping out SUVs simply because they are popular, but they are really just slightly scaled-up sedans.
Maybe Kia wanted to make a car that breaks the mold, or maybe the designers were tired of making slight variations of the same design like many other companies do now, but for some reason, Kia has decided to return to the classical SUV styling. While in the past, you had to choose between a low-cost, efficient compact car or a luxurious, expensive vehicle, you don’t need to worry about that anymore. The Kia 2021 Telluride is here, and it starts at $31,990.
A Brief History of Kia
Kia has a fairly long history in its native country of Korea, but it did not come to the United States until 1992, and at that time, they only marketed two vehicles. In 1997 though, Kia filed for bankruptcy, at which point Hyundai picked up about half of the company. This was a big deal in the industry at the time, as the two companies were rivals until this occurred. It would be similar to if Honda was acquired by Toyota in our current market. Today, Hyundai still owns about one-third of the company. This is why the two manufacturers share many parts; they are virtually the same company.
Today, the two companies dominate domestically and have bucked the industry’s average sales figures from last year. When you consider that Kia moved over here to only sell two models in 1992, you have to give the company credit for doing so well. At the time, though, SUVs were not in their repertoire, and their quality was not as respected as it is today. The company primarily produced truck-based SUVs and sedans.
These products were the Sephia, which was an inexpensive compact car, and the Sportage, which was a compact, truck-based SUV. The Sportage has switched gears now and is one of Kia’s premier small SUV models. Kia has since moved into the crossover SUV sector, which is where we see models such as the Kia Sorento and Telluride. The Telluride is the newest SUV in the company’s offering, the first model being put out for sale in 2019 as a 2020 model.
Why You Should Know About the 2021 Kia Telluride
It’s not often that you see a new large SUV hit the markets anymore. Sedans with a little extra trunk space are praised as revolutionary SUVs, but Kia decided not to follow suit. Instead, the manufacturer decided to press forward with what an SUV should be; big, bold, and functional. The 2020 model shattered expectations and had people lining up to own that cool three-row crossover that everyone knew from simply seeing its unique headlight design. The 2021 Telluride is upon us, and Kia is not taking its foot off the gas with this one.
Under the hood, you’ll find a 3.8L Lambda DOHC 24-valve V6 engine that produces an impressive 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. This results in an impressive 5,000-pound max towing capacity. Kia placed an 8-speed transmission into the 2021 Kia Telluride, which is their own proprietary design.
Inside the cabin, you’ll find an upscale, premium feel to the car. The inspiration was to create a functional, spacious, and luxurious feel. You’ll notice this in the textures of the wood, leather, and satin finishes throughout the cabin. This is something that Kia has done spectacularly time and time again. All trims include non-cloth seating, ranging from Sofino leather on the base trims to premium Nappa leather as the top option.
Kia didn’t skimp on the safety features, either. The 2021 Kia Telluride includes forward collision avoidance, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, as well as highway drive assistance. The final feature is quite interesting – it uses radar, cameras, the lane-keeping assistance system, and the navigation system to create a semi-autonomous driving experience while on certain highways.
Now for the fun part, Kia has included many experience-elevating features in its 2021 Telluride that will make any driver dramatically more comfortable in the model compared to SUVs from other manufacturers. The center console includes a 10.25” widescreen that relays navigation and audio information. This is also the conduit for interesting features such as quiet talk, which allows speakers to be disabled in the back or to queue a microphone to speak directly to the passengers. These features are great for sleeping passengers in the back, or for wanting to sound like a pilot in your own car!
One feature that the 2021 Telluride offers that may not be mentioned often is its wonderful aesthetic. The 2020 model shattered expectations and had people lining up to own that cool 3-row crossover that everyone knew from simply seeing its unique headlight design. When you drive a Telluride, you will never lack for attention.
The 2021 Kia Telluride Nightfall Package
The public has been stoked any time a manufacturer announces a blacked-out version of their newest vehicle, and it is no different for the 2021 Kia Telluride. The Nightfall package adds a host of alterations to the EX and SX trims. Of course, the Nightfall Package adds a lot of darker elements to the vehicle. For instance, the grille is blacked out, and the interior texture is completely replaced so that onlookers will know that your grille is just a bit cooler than the standard. In the front as well, the Telluride logo is blacked-out as well.
The headlights are also upgraded in the package. Not only are they blacked out, but you will find top of the line LED projector beams even on the EX trim Nightfall. But the SX trim isn’t forgotten either and receives blacked out foglights as well.
Even the wheels are upgraded in the Nightfall package. Included are exclusive Nightfall wheels, which are alloy with a gloss-black finish. Even the lug nuts and Kia badge are blacked out. Nowadays, more and more people are taking notice of custom wheels on cars, so this alteration is sure to impress.
The 2021 Nightfall Telluride has a very sporty look to it. That’s because of Kia’s decision to add a dark, smoked look to the window trim. There is also a black trim added to the bottom of the doors. As we move toward the back, the 2021 Kia Telluride has that signature look that we have all fallen in love with since last year’s model came out. The Nightfall package adds a blacked-out Telluride logo, Kia badge, and rear diffusers.
Conclusion
The 2021 Kia Telluride may have been underestimated last year, but it’s here to stay. The overwhelming demand for the SUV has caused Kia to bring their A-game for the 2021 model, and it will be exciting to see more of the unique vehicle on the road. The luxurious interior will have its drivers and occupants at ease. Its safety features are top-notch. It’s aesthetic, awe-inspiring, and its good looks can be further enhanced with the Nightfall package. Be on the lookout because you can expect to see a host of new 2021 Kia Tellurides out there this year.
