full size - cuvCOPYCAT AWARD - GMC YUKON FRONT CORNER & RANGE ROVER SIDE PROFILE
Back in 2016 we were first introduced to the Telluride concept at the Detroit Auto Show. Of course for us, this was just another concept meant to fill the automotive void in our lives. But the meaning behind that original concept was deeper than you can image. I was a statement from Kia that they were not only going to break into the 3rd row full size CUV market, but they were going to do it in a big way. And big they did, as the 2020 Telluride is larger in all ways than the current Sorento and previous Borrego/Mohave. Now if you’re going for gold, then why not do it in a big way. Hey Lincoln just did it with the new Aviator and now Kia will do it with Telluride. As both models play on one main aspect. Layout of their exterior. Both models play heavily on the truck aspect, when both are built off of a unibody construction. Now don’t you feel dumb as you, like most of us thought this a thoroughbred SUV from Kia. That would be true if it had been built like its predecessor, but it seems that the Borrego/Mohave will be the only true SUV to ever come from Kia. Taking a look around this handsome model we feel that sense of pride and accomplishment for Kia, as they have put together a well-rounded vehicle. We do say rounded lightly as this model plays more on the body on frame box look. But with the construction aside we have to look at what really Kia may have languished on. For starters they could have added a bit more cowl to the front hood, as most large SUV’s and trucks do utilize this design feature. Add this in and maybe you could fool a few more people into thinking it’s a truck. A bit lower you may find yourself staring heavily into the properly designed, but poorly executed front grille. Sure the interior aspects are all right, but the fitment is off as the edges seem to disappear under the hood. It is a nice feature, but could have extended over to the overly large headlights. Now as for the headlights, they are will fitted with enclosed features, but in all truth, they are just oversized bland bubbles from the 90’s. If Kia had stuck with their original headlights, we might give it a standing ovation. But they didn’t and that’s why we’re here. And on top of that if you go in for a further inspection, you will find that the headlights and beltline do give the illusion that this could be a Yukon. No were not kidding, go in for a closer look on one corner and see for yourself.  Following the simple beltline from the hood to the rear we find ourselves staring at an unusual set of tail lights. Not saying that they are odd, but they do have their own appeal from the rest of the rear end. And really they could have added some smoke to the backup lights. Out back we tend to find ourselves staring at nothing as there really isn’t anything great happening here. A lack of any true character lines or features, make this one underutilized rear ends of 2020. It was nice that Kia did listen to us and integrated their exhaust ports into the rear skid plate, but they could have left out the cheap plastic cladding. The only other thing we can say about this ride, is that it definitely has some junk in the trunk. Sliding around the corner we find ourselves again staring at the side profile of the Telluride. Sure it is big, but it isn’t menacing. That is truly seen when gaze upon the empty space between the lower door sill and the beltline. We’re not saying that this is a bad thing as it does work with the Telluride. One thing that Kia didn’t really think about, was the added chrome features. Sure their placement was properly thought out, but the size and layout could have been done better. As you may have noticed that your eyes are constantly drawn to the B-pillar and the step in the chrome accent strip. This is a handy feature as it does bring your eyes up and away from the bland side profile. But it does make you wonder if they ran out of material on the final concept and just stuck with it. We could say that bout the side gill on the front bumper as well. As this is the cheapest feature on the entire model. Maybe next time they will do without or just integrate the gill into the bumper profile. All around the 2020 Telluride is a sure fire hit for Kia as there was a need for this model within their lineup. And add to that the fact that it does portray an SUV profile very well and you have the makings of a near perfect entry into the full size marketplace. Now let’s just hope that they bring us some of those aftermarket versions that we have seen and maybe we could be swayed into loving this CUV. Everett J. #AutoLooks, @AutoLooks, AutoLooks.net
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