It’s a considerable departure from Kia’s conventionally curvaceous design ethos, but the chunky looking Telluride Concept could hint at a more rugged approach to the firm’s future SUV offerings.
You’d be hard-pressed to call it pretty but the Kia Telluride Concept, with its boxy, more utilitarian looks has a certain appeal that goes against the grain of the firm’s more elegantly styled, town-friendly fare.
Although underpinned by a chassis based on that of the current Sorento, the Telluride is considerably larger; standing 1,8 metres high, 2 metres wide and 5 metres long.
The clamshell doors grant access to a seven-seater cabin comprising four individual captain’s seats and a folding three-seat bench in the rearmost row. More than just a resting place for weary rumps, the rear seats are fitted with sensors that monitor the occupants’ vital signs and administer therapeutic lights treatment via door panel-mounted LED lights to counter the effects of fatigue.
The Kia Telluride Concept is powered by a hybrid drivetrain comprising a naturally aspirated 3,5-litre V6 petrol engine coupled with an electric motor. This setup channels 298 kW to the road via an advanced AWD system serves up a claimed average fuel consumption figure of 7,84 L/100 km.
Although Kia hasn’t announced any plans regarding production viability, the firm’s tendency to adopt elements of its concepts in future products could bode well for a more rugged-looking addition to its SUV line-up within the next couple of years.
