SPIED: Spotted Completely NAKED, Is Kia's All-new Savior The Telluride?

It was only several years ago that Hyundai and Kia were a force in the automotive industry. While brands like Honda, Nissan and Toyota were asleep at the wheel, the Korean automakers switched into overdrive.

But those days are long gone, folks. And they need something to restart the fire that once existed in the oven.

Although there was a MAJOR push for the Kia Stinger, it hasn't really moved the needle. We're thinking the real prize may be something else though. That would be the large sport-utility vehicle, the Telluride.

We've been waiting a long time for this one. Ever since we saw the concept, we've been thinking it is a winner.

Seen for the first time in production trim and completely naked, it certainly has a presence. Predictably, much of the pizazz that struck us as stunning in concept form has been removed. Kia is well-know for watering down its production vehicles.

All that said though, I've got to wonder: Is the all-new Kia Telluride going to be the brand's savior?

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cidflekken - 9/6/2018 1:45:07 AM

+5 Boost

I think it would sell very well in today's market, as long as it's not priced like a Land Cruiser.

TomM - 9/6/2018 5:46:59 AM

+3 Boost

Hyundai is really really trying to present the KIA as a middle class one step above entry level. THe problem is - the market does not perceive it that way. SO when the prices went up - people stayed away. THere is no prestige in owning a cheap Korean car - even if they actually come close to other competition - and people buy more expensive vehicles for that reason - if the performance is about equal. So - unless Hyundai offers huge incentives plus even bigger dealer discounts - the cars do not move well.

MDarringer - 9/6/2018 8:06:13 AM

-3 Boost

Huge miss. The tail looks odd from the side. The face is a snoozer. It doesn't look cohesive. It will definitely sell by the dozens.

pauerb - 9/6/2018 10:02:08 AM

+2 Boost

Front end looks terrible. Needed to bring their A-game to compete and it looks like they brought their C-game.

wilfred - 9/6/2018 10:20:05 AM

+4 Boost

If it’s priced & sized like a VW Atlas, it will do well.

280SE - 9/6/2018 3:11:41 PM

+4 Boost

It went from an original design that was truly exciting to one that is heavily borrowed from the Volvo XC90. The greenhouse with chrome surround and slight upward kink at the bottom of the rear side window is totally XC90. As is the tailgate, with full-width license plate overhang and the faux split-tailgate look. The front end looks square yet bulbous like a Nissan NV commercial van.

I find myself nonetheless agreeing with previous comments that this will still be a sales success because 1) it looks trucky, 2) looking like the Volvo XC90 is not a bad thing, and 3) they clearly downgraded the concept enough to make it cost effective so the price will probably be attractive.