2020 Kia Telluride has broken cover. At a fashion show?

In what appears to be a complete surprise to everyone (except for the ones at Kia), Kia recently debuted the production model of the 2020 Telluride at the 2018 New York Fashion Week. Interesting to drop such a vehicle in the midst of high profile designers and celebrities, but it did get all the attention it needed. This will be the Korean marque’s biggest crossover to date, and will also be an eight-seater, joining the likes of the Ford Explorer.

The concept of the Telluride was first seen at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show, showing off multiple LED headlights, bigger wheels, wider stance, and suicide doors with a pillarless design. Things have been awfully quiet since then, and it seems that Kia needed all eyes on them after such a long wait. With many details and specifics still forthcoming, what we can tell so far is that the 2020 Kia Telluride is several inches wider and longer than the Sorento. It also has a boxy and truck like silhouette, so you’d be forgiven in thinking it was based on a body on frame design. Vertical tail lights and LED stacked headlights are a more conventional approach compared to the concept, and the large chromed tiger nose grille is seen in front.

To be fair, this is the first time the production model has been seen in the metal, and there’s a lot of added exterior bits to it to make it look the business, as to coincide with the theme of Brandon Maxwell’s Texan roots and Spring Summer Collection 2019. Think of it as a done-up and fancy version of the 2020 Kia Telluride.

The Georgia-assembled Kia Telluride will offer a V6 engine similar to that of the US model Sorento, so chances are it’s the 3.5L variant offering 270 hp. There’s also a rumor that it might have a twin-turbocharged version also found in the Kia Stinger. On the inside, there are touches of leather and wood trim, but there’s a good chance that the showroom models will carry the same stuff.

The 2020 Kia Telluride will be on sale next year, with no estimates in pricing as of this writing. This will be Kia’s most premium crossover offering to date, and we’re hoping it finds its way into the Philippines, soon. We will keep you posted once we find out more info.