The twin of the Hyundai Palisade that bowed in Los Angeles last year, the Telluride replaces the long since discontented Borrego/Mohave as the biggest Kia SUV now on sale, with the Cadillac Escalade-styled newcomer offering seating for eight and a braked towing ability of 2 270kg.

Heading for the US with a choice of four trim levels; LX, EX, S and SX, the Telluride, unlike its predecessor, will not be offered with a V8 engine for now, with power coming from the same 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine as the Palisade outputting 217kW/355Nm.

Paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox with a choice of front-or-all-wheel drive, the Telluride also comes with Kia’s multi-mode selector that offers up four modes; Eco, Smart, Comfort and Sport, while on all-wheel drive versions, a Snow and AWD Lock settings are added. A self-levelling rear suspension can be had as an option on the EX and SX.

Said to feature an interior that has been “born for adventure in luxury” the Telluride’s extensive list of equipment, depending on the trim level, is made up of double stitched quilted Nappa leather seats, faux wood and metal inserts, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, up to six USB ports, a wireless smartphone charger, a 10-speaker, 630-watt Harman Kardon surround sound system, Heads-Up Display, optional heated steering wheel and heated and cooled first and second row seating.

Aimed towards families like the Palisade, the Telluride’s safety sheet is just as expansive and includes Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Detection, Downhill Brake Control, Hill Start Assist, High Beam Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitor, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Collision Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Surround View Monitor, Rear Occupant Alert, Park Distance Alert, Lane Following Assist, Highway Driving Assist and Safe Exit Assist.

Production of the Telluride will take place alongside the Optima at the Kia’s West Point Plant in Georgia, but seeing as it has been designed for the United States, it will not be marketed in Europe and has been ruled out for South Africa due to being made only in left-hand drive.