ENGINEER'S REVIEW 2023 KIA TELLURIDE // 3 LIKES & 3 DISLIKES

Automotive Engineer David Chao once again reviews the 2023 Kia Telluride from a different perspective, highlighting both "likes" and "dislikes". David covers such areas as manufacturing quality inside and out - a topic that's often neglected by other media reviewers. Specifically, David talks about 3 things he likes and 3 things he's not too crazy about. Watch the entire video to find out the details.
Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, consulting, and strategy. David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean/Agile Thinking or Toyota Production System. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston.

[@geopietro]

I purchased a new 2018 Kia Sorento and absolutely love it. The 2023 Sorento and Telluride are even better. Thank you for your review.

[@guardianguardian1321]

David, the presentation on the Kia Telluride was on point. The exterior finish is well done. My wife owns a Telluride EX model. The steering wheel does feel light when driving. I’m in agreement with you on the powertrain reliability. The EX Telluride we have is two years old, and I’m waiting to see how it hold up in terms of the powertrain further as time goes on.

[@alexm458]

Great review, thank you!

[@bubba4072]

Thanks, David! I have to be honest. I have never been interested in any KIA vehicles before reading up on this. This Telluride looks amazing! Consumer Reports got 30 mpg on the highway and 14 mpg in the city. I am curious about this now. Thanks again, for another great video.

[@user-yx4on8hx4w]

we've owned 2 of them. We live in a state that is mostly flat, and we average mid-high 20's on the highway. From my experience if you're not climbing up and down elevation, the highway MPG will surpass the EPA rating quite a bit. If I remember correctly I think our last one averaged 25mpg combined

[@dmvideos7913]

Great video ! Could you please do the same review for the palisade pls

[@highpro1394]

It is on my wife and i list for sure. Love that it is a V6 with NO TURBOS! It will last longer. Everyone else, including toyota needs to step up their game with their interiors. Kia has everyone beat for the price.

[@johnpark1540]

It’s a Kia and no it will not last longer! Kia is slightly better than domestic vehicles BUT far behind Japan built

[@SacrificeBreedsSuccess]

No wireless Apple car play for that price is unacceptable. VW Atlas has had that for years now, and better steering feel and handling especially in the cross sport version

[@Isakki]

@@johnpark1540 "its a kia" who cares about that now? also the v6 is one of kia's best engine so again do your research 🤷‍♀

[@johnpark1540]

@@Isakki have you worked at a kia/Hyundai dealership? I guess not

[@Isakki]

@@johnpark1540 i don’t know what has to do with it? Theres been tellurides with over 100k miles with no problems.

[@etyrnal]

something that doesn't entirely make sense is 'bemoaning' the fact that a competitor vehicle only has a 2.4 liter turbocharged four, and then at the same time wishing that there was a hybrid version of this vehicle which would almost certainly have a smaller engine. if a 2.4 l 4-cylinder turbo would be a disappointment in another vehicle, I don't see why it would be on the wish list for a hybrid version of this vehicle.

[@0HOON0]

For most applications, supplementing a small 4-cylinder with a Toyota hybrid setup works great.

[@bryanangelov]

I am really glad that Kia and Hyundai are making very appealing vehicles. IMO, they are becoming very competitive with the Japanese brands here in the U.S., which is good for us, the consumers. Even my wife, who does not care much about cars, is asking me questions like how I feel about the Telluride. Obviously, she likes it. But here is my question though - Where the manufacturer is cutting the cost? - The exterior and interior of the SUV seems really good and even luxurious, is it the drivetrain then? They have to save somewhere or they are purposely cutting the price to gain market share.

[@njrcdan]

Hyundai/Kia make their own steel. This may be how they can offer more perceived value at a lower cost.

[@bryanangelov]

@@njrcdan I am aware Hyundai has its own steel mills, but still - many of their cars appear to be underpriced for what they offer. Subaru, for example, allocates much of the cost for their all-wheel drive system, and cuts cost elsewhere - cheap interior. I still suspect that they are trying to gain market share and basically subsidizing their cars, which is illegal.

[@2nd-place]

@@bryanangelov How in the hell is it illegal to sell their cars for less to get market share? This is the core foundation of capitalism. If you can't make money on a $50,000 car, which is about the average cost of one of these things from what I've seen, then you're not doing something right. There is a lot of greed going on right now with companies faking inflation while reporting record profits.

[@BisdakCamper]

They use flimsy plastic heat shield under and plastic oil filter mount. It's in the mechanicals they're cutting cost .

[@oluseyigearhead4466]

@David. I really love the Kia Telluride. But why is it that its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Palisade can be had with few more comfort features in the high end trims such as the option of a massaging seat for the driver, heated seats for the 3rd row and the park assist feature which makes it possible to park or move the vehicle forward or backwards in tight parking spaces?

[@mk20155]

you r always a resource . i drove 2024 one of them and i was thinking to buy and keep forever , but reliability is still a question and I am skipping to highlander or Lexus TX

[@williamhowland7909]

Hello David, Can you do a review of the Kia Sorento SX Hybrid? Thank you

[@raydzek]

Seats are flat with no support. Even sitting for a test drive was uncomfortable. As a 6'2" driver, the seats do not go back far enough. Dash is busy and rather "plastic". Love the color pairings. The wolf grey color with the saddle brown interior was really nice. "Piano black" for interior plastic is never a good idea.

[@savillecreations8046]

I own a 2023 Telluride xPro fully spec'd. It's a great car. I agree with your comments. I would add...I wish it would hold its settings. When I go to sport mode and then turn off the car, it returns to 'Comfort' mode when turning the car back on. I also think the back windshield wiper should be up top and hidden. They should have also placed the exhaust tips on both sides of the back. I know it's not our BMW x5 (I prefer the Telluride in some aspects), but I wish I could put on staggered wheels like I can on the x5...not necessary but cool.

[@carlosclarke4408]

Many cars do this for fuel economy. Had same experience with Honda/Acura vehicles.

[@haduong5828]

I’m not sure what you said about when changing the drive modes, for example SPORT and it didn’t stay that way. Then maybe you need to select in Setting to that same desired mode when restart. I can do that on my MDX. Another thing about the rear wiper hidden on top or not isn’t a big deal. I found out the way Lexus had it on top, somehow the wiper didn’t swing wide enough to clean the rear windshield as normal positions! And the exhaust pipe in one side or both just minor appearance. This suv look good In and out but the important thing I’d concern is reliability.

[@williambramblett6382]

Yeah, the switching of modes is ridiculous….just leave it where I left it! Ialso with there were some simple buttons for my top 8-10 radio stations…it’s just too much trouble to switch channels while driving.

[@user-yx4on8hx4w]

how is the x-pro tire road noise compared to 20" wheels? We are considering getting another 2024 Telluride

[@savillecreations8046]

@@user-yx4on8hx4w I really haven’t noticed anything bothersome with road noise. Maybe if I drove each back to back I would notice the difference, but no complaints.

[@ahmaddahmas7038]

I agree with you

[@khabasahure9840]

what do you say about the palisade calligraphy

[@abdullahabutarboush7233]

Thanks for your review, interested. Regarding the reliability of KIA, I do think KIA introduced this car to serve only for 5 years. Even though Toyota cars reliability nowadays is not like old ages.

[@trex1448]

5 years??? How do you get that?

[@abdullahabutarboush7233]

@@trex1448 from his approach in the video..

[@richardsanchez9447]

I'm seriously considering it to be my next car

[@brandonbarrett8928]

Or the Chevy tranverse

[@Loans_by_Rupesh]

Hi May I know the make and model and color of this vehicle ?

[@rickortiz3047]

Good evening from Miami, Fl. I have a question, we have seen a few of your reviews, and we must say, we trust your reviews, and thank you for that. So with that said, my wife and I are very much in between 2 vehicles and you are to blame!!! We are between this Telluride and the Nissan Armada Platinum. What is your advice as we love both, but we do value your opinion, so if you could tell us which one you would purchase for yourself and why? We would really appreciate that. Looking forward to hearing from you. Rick & Jessica Ortiz

[@trex1448]

Telluride is by far better choice. Better reliability, yes Kia is mire reliable than Nissan. The interior design and confort level is far better than the Armada. Test drive both you'll notice the difference.

[@justinbelk89]

I have a 2013 Highlander with 237K miles. Cross shopped, didn’t need that size anymore and bought a 2023 Sportage X-Pro. Kia won over RAV4 & Telluride would’ve beat Highlander. Time will tell as far reliability but 100K warranty helps that. I’m loving my Sportage X-Pro. Good 👍🏾 job Kia.

[@azhaganveeran8432]

A Great SUV

[@agboolanajeem5268]

👍👍👍

[@joegrahe3958]

shopped them real hard a couple months ago. Couldn't bring myself to paying thousands over MSRP

[@thetoothfixer8509]

Find dealers in the country who don’t charge over MSRP.

[@joegrahe3958]

Contacted just about every dealer in Florida and even some in the Atlanta area. I didn't need one that bad to go any further than that. And even what I did was excessive.

[@wgreenjr81]

Overall fair, though your point on reliability is quite speculative, as you noted. Admittedly Kia does not have the history behind it, but what they do have is a warranty that is the best in the market and that speaks to their faith in the vehicle. I Also think you would agree that this is not the Kia of 10 years ago, and if their reliability improvements are even 50% of their design and build quality improvements, then owners are in for a pleasant experience overall. Only time will tell.

[@papaagidi2838]

Resale values are almost the same the last few years , check the prices of used cars brands these days of same year and you see not much different. Toyota may just be few hundreds of $$ above the used Kias or Hyundais

[@Jose-sy1je]

Why are cars manufactured here and not in Mexico where it's a lot cheaper? Personally I would prefer to get the ones that were manufactured in Asia, especially Toyotas from Japan.

[@wgreenjr81]

Import tariffs I would assume. They must have done the math and decided the higher labor cost was worth the reduction in tariffs for US import.

[@andywisniewski4344]

I had 3 kias never again bought my last car Toyota #1

[@ThirdBrainLives]

I'll take a Pilot.

[@MikeKayK]

THE BAD: Plastic oil filter housing (prone to cracking and leaking), engine is direct injected ONLY (carbon buildup anyone?), very high 13:1 compression ratio (leads to high heat and may lead to issues over long term especially in hotter climates), valve lifters aren't hydraulic (valves will clatter very loudly when engine is cold due to poor valve clearance, INSANE to see this on a 2023), Transys transmission (poor reputation for reliability), exhaust system with low quality welding, virtually no insulation (will have high road noise on the highway), and multiple flex-pipes (prone to leaking), driveshaft connects with rubber flex disc (prone to dry rot and cracking) instead of metal U-joint, etc, etc, etc. This vehicle is "old school." That's good if you're talking about Toyota or Honda, not so much when you're talking about a Hyundai.

[@SeouljahPride]

Thank you for this. This is the information I need. I’m considering this car but maybe I’ll wait a few more years. Or just stick with Toyota

[@MikeKayK]

@@SeouljahPride No problem. It should be totally fine if you want to drive it for a 3 years and then dump it. Certainly not a good choice if you're interested in long term ownership, though.

[@bonle3771]

What do you think a good compression ratio with and without turbo and taking curb weight in consideration?

[@MikeKayK]

@@bonle3771 for long term durability the lower the better generally

[@trex1448]

Plastic housing oil filter is cheap if you ever have to replace. You might have to maybe after 15 years of oil changes. I doubt it though. The engine Valve lifters are not hydrolic but they are not noisy and none of the GDI engines have had issues with this or carbon buldup. Nonissues. Transmission is highly reliable. Kia's have had problems but their teansmissions have been fine. Even toyota stopped using metal u joints and flex joints, flex discs have not been a failure point for Kia's. If you want 'old school' you wont be happy with Toyota's or Honda's. You would have to get a 2008, 2011-5 Toyota and fix it up into the zomvie apocolypse. Not everyone wants to drive the same car foe 20, 30 years.

[@guvenguneren6579]

Reliability?!! I own Hyundais since 2009, I have not a single issue with the reliability I think, Toyota has been eating out off its reliability credits.. sorry! it is a bit too much of imposition to the vehicle owners… Come on Toyota! upgrade your outdated technologies by; 1- Quieter engines / sound insulation, 2- Comfortable seats, 3- Better audi sound systems.

[@Mr70stagetwo]

I agree on Hyundai reliability (positive). I heard similar complaints in 2006 when I bought a 2007 Hyundai Sonata 3.3L V6. I still have the car with 162,000 miles and have only replaced tires and one brake job. It has been a great car. Doors don't sag, etc., it looks great. My best friend bought a 2008 like mine, used in 2011, and it went 220,000 miles until it got totaled recently, he had no problems except a few light bulbs. He bought our 2012 Hyundai Veracruz and no problems at all. I just bought a 2023 Telluride EX and love it!. I think some of the problems can be that oil changes are carried out too long; I would never go past 5,000 miles even with synthetic oil, but that's just me. I love Toyota and Lexus also, we have a 2021 Lexus RX350 and the door hinges are nice and thick just like in a 1950's American car.

[@jamesdarren9149]

Yes, I agree. The quality looks good inside and out but I know as a mechanic Kia and Hyundai engines start having problems 60,000 miles!!! it’s a good thing they have that warranty!! Because a lot of Kia and Hyundai have to have their engines overhauled or replaced before they hit 100,000 miles!! I would stay away from both of them!!!

[@PlaAwa]

what kind of problems specifically?

[@MikeKayK]

​@@PlaAwa THE BAD: Plastic oil filter housing (prone to cracking and leaking), engine is direct injected ONLY (carbon buildup anyone?), very high 13:1 compression ratio (leads to high heat and may lead to issues over long term especially in hotter climates), valve lifters aren't hydraulic (valves will clatter very loudly when engine is cold due to poor valve clearance, INSANE to see this on a 2023), Transys transmission (poor reputation for reliability), exhaust system with low quality welding, virtually no insulation (will have high road noise on the highway), and multiple flex-pipes (prone to leaking), driveshaft connects with rubber flex disc (prone to dry rot and cracking) instead of metal U-joint, etc, etc, etc. This vehicle is "old school." That's good if you're talking about Toyota or Honda, not so much when you're talking about a Hyundai.

[@highpro1394]

My wife has a 2014 sportage and the only thing i changed out was a cam shaft position sensor. Engine has been great and she has 175k miles on her sportage lx.

[@MikeKayK]

@@highpro1394 Awesome 👍 driving gently, avoiding excessive short trips/cold starts, and staying on top of all maintenance decreases the chances of major issues for any vehicle.

[@PlaAwa]

@@MikeKayK hey that's pretty comprehensive. sounds like you're referring to this specific vehicle, which is probably just for the US market. sounded like the OP was just slandering the south korean marques without having a clue but i don't blame him for seeing them as a threat. they're probably the reason that toyota still focuses on quality.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

Hyundai and Kia engines have always lagged behind the Japanese brands, no matter if its reliability or fuel efficiency.

[@brads1545]

While true historically, that’s not a certainty going forward, especially as we watch the Japanese brand move to smaller, turbo charged engines.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

@@brads1545 yeah, sad, ain't it. I will not get a turbo nor a CVT , no matter who makes it. So I guess I'm doomed to keep my old Toyota for as long as I can still drive (live).

[@brads1545]

@@pedrofernandez8729 it’s going to be interesting to see how it develops. Because the one calling card Toyota has had is its longevity. But it is actively taking actions that will inarguably lessen the life of its new vehicles. If Toyota’s famed reliability takes a hit…..they are just another manufacturer.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

@@brads1545 It's already changed, i saw a video of a Camry owner picking apart his car, finding lapses of quality in the interior that you would not expect to find in that brand years ago, during its heydays.

[@applerider4205]

The ugliness of Toyota dealers remains the same. The low-quality technology of the Japanese Jadeng Tea Company, which cannot even make electric cars.

[@mikebridgeline3275]

G.D.I Big Mistake. We bought one anyway.🤣 Live once enjoy it. Sell after 2 - 3 yrs.😉👍

[@Twinjeremy]

?

[@GhostPepper233]

These videos are always bias towards the manufacturer. Go read all the posts on the Kia or reddit sites. They tell a different tale. There been more recalls on our Telluride vs all the other new cars I have owned together. There is a huge problem the rear adjust shocks, and Kia will not own up to it. There should have been a recall on this and then some. Most likely the first and last Kia we will buy.

[@atomicparker]

I keep seeing these as an option to replace my 4Runner, love the interior and everything I hear about how nice it rides, but my god am I the only one that thinks the outside is ugly as hell? Like its just not a nice looking car, like a big Soul.

[@Pango5697]

You’re the only one 😂

[@TwinTurboToyota]

Buy this and it will be scrap in 7 years

[@Twinjeremy]

ok boomer