2020 Kia Telluride Makes A Surprise Debut At New York Fashion Week

Kia surprised everyone over the weekend by revealing the new 2020 Telluride during New York Fashion week. This particular model was dressed up by Texan fashion designer Brandon Maxwell complete with various off-road features, leather-wrapped door handles, and a set of roof-mounted luggage. Pull off those various touches and we can see that Kia has kept most of the design from the Telluride concept shown at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show. The interior looks to be quite premium with new center stack design and large infotainment system. There will be seating for up to eight people.

Kia has said the production model will have a V6 engine - whether that is a naturally-aspirated or a twin-turbo version remains to be seen. We know Hyundai will have their own version of the Telluride called the Palisade.

The Telluride is expected to debut at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show in January, with production to begin at Kia's West Point, GA later in the year.

Source: Kia

All-New Kia Telluride Makes Texas-Sized Statement on Brandon Maxwell's Runway At New York Fashion Week

• Kia’s Largest and Most Refined SUV Confirmed for U.S. with Production in West Point, GA
• Influenced by fashion designer Brandon Maxwell’s latest Texas-inspired runway collection, a ranch-ready Telluride with saddle-like leather accents debuted at New York Fashion Week
• Penned at Kia’s U.S. design studio, the Telluride production model is scheduled to arrive in showrooms in early 2019
• Together with Maxwell, Kia is donating substantial funding to the public school system of Marfa, Texas, where Maxwell designed his SS’19 collection

IRVINE, Calif., September 8, 2018 – Breaking new ground, a bespoke version of Kia Motors America’s largest and most refined SUV – the all-new 2020 Telluride – made its first public appearance today at fashion designer Brandon Maxwell’s New York Fashion Week show. Created by Kia’s U.S. design studio in Irvine, California, the customized Telluride that appeared on the runway drew influence from Maxwell’s inspiration for the Spring Summer 2019 collection: Texas.

“Telluride summits Kia’s SUV lineup and forged a surprising new path with its runway debut at New York Fashion Week,” said Saad Chehab, vice president of marketing communications, Kia Motors America. “Only a brand as forward-thinking as Kia could collaborate with Brandon Maxwell to launch the Telluride ahead of its official debut at the North American International Auto Show in January.”

The eight passenger Telluride production model – which will be assembled at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – will provide a new, V6-powered option that is several inches longer and wider than Kia’s award-winning, seven passenger Sorento midsize SUV.          

For Brandon Maxwell, the combination of childhood nostalgia and an exclusive preview of Kia’s largest and most refined SUV provided an opportunity to give back to the Marfa, Texas, community.

“My Mom drove me to school in East Texas in a Kia Sedona, and my adoration for the brand runs deep,” said Maxwell. “When I left Marfa, Texas, where I designed my SS’19 collection, I started talking with Kia. I wanted a partner who could help fill a need in Marfa’s public school system and Kia was looking to create a unique integration for their new Telluride. It was a natural fit as Kia has a long history of philanthropic initiatives that support education. Kia is not just funding necessary technological purchases and educational programming to give the children of Marfa the quality education they deserve, but also providing a vehicle for local teachers’ use. I am honored to collaborate with Kia Motors.”

The one-of-a-kind Telluride featured in the show provides a thought-provoking glimpse into the creative process that takes place when designers in separate industries collaborate. This specially tailored Telluride includes several nods to Maxwell’s Texas roots, including natural wood interior trim and saddle-inspired double-stitched leather adornments on the dash, door panels and grab handles. Similar leather details cover the outside rearview mirrors and door handles. Outside, the Telluride’s deep green paint reflects the color of the concept vehicle that debuted in Detroit two years ago. Custom front and rear bumpers, skidplates and sidestep sills exude a ranch-ready look that’s backed up with a hidden winch and a snorkel for deep-river fording. Burly 265/50R-20 off-road tires wrap around flat-black alloy wheels and the spare tire has been custom mounted to the rear hatch, which opens to a metal- and leather-trimmed cargo area. A custom wood and aluminum roof rack with a beautiful custom leather tow strap tongue provide the perfect finishing touches.