Kia Impresses At 2022 New York International Auto Show

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• The Kia Telluride that debuted in 2018, became the auto brand flagship, selling over 90,000 just in 2021, attended the 2022 New York International Auto Show.
• There are four dive models available including the Sport, Eco, Smart, and Comfort, each containing different powertrains, drivetrains, and steering options.
• The Kia Niro also made an appearance at the 2022 New York International Show, featuring an all-electric model, a plug-in hybrid model, and traditional hybrid variants.

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NEW YORK- Out of all the companies that attended the 2022 New York International Auto Show (April 13-24), it’s hard to find one who tried to make a bigger splash than Kia. Their display included several automobiles from past lineups, the 2023 Sportage and even a futuristic concept SUV. Yet, there are two automobiles that Kia officials are focused on presenting to the public as they unveil the 2023 Telluride and the 2023 Niro. “These two products are what I hope customers come to the show to take a look at,” said Kia Chief Designer Tom Kearns.  

2023 Telluride at the 2022 New York International Auto Show

For long-time Kia customers, the Telluride is a familiar name. From the moment the three-row eight-passenger SUV first hit the market three years ago, it became one of the company’s most popular vehicles. More than 93,000 units have been sold in 2021. With large passenger room, the Telluride arrives with two all-new trim levels for 2023: X-Line and X-Pro. They are specifically for owners who want a more rugged personality with features and capabilities that allow the Telluride to go almost anywhere off-road. Both all-wheel-drive models offer a roster of exclusive upgrades and enhancements over other Telluride trims X-Line model replaces the former Telluride Nightfall Edition.  

2023 Telluride Design

When designing the 2023 Telluride, Kearns and his design crew didn’t want to make any drastic overhauls. “With the Telluride, we’re just tweaking what customers already love about it,” Kearns said. “We can’t keep these in stock. So we just tweaked a few things.” Those slight changes include upgrading the technology that was already part of the Telluride. Which includes a standard WiFi Hotspot and optional digital key supporting compatible iPhone, Apple Watch, and Samsung Galaxy smartphones. The X-Line’s key elements are a 0.4-inch-higher ride height, a new Tow mode, roof rails, a redesigned grille, and trim-specific 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro comes with a 110-volt outlet in the cargo area, swaps the 20-inch wheel for 18 inches with all-terrain tires, and has an increased tow rating of 5500 pounds.  

Drive Models

Customers will have a choice of four drive modes – Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort. Each uses different settings for powertrain, drivetrain, and steering effort mapping to provide the desired driving experience. Kearns was especially proud of the job his team did on the exterior design. “You notice the grille, the lighting and the wheels,” Kearns said. “We’ve got a couple of new packages with the X-Line and X-Pro. And the interior, the display. It’s just kind of a tweaked version of the telluride.” The redesigned Telluride is expected to go on sale near the end of the third quarter.  

Kia Niro at the 2022 New York International Auto Show

On the other end of the spectrum for Kia is the Niro. The company is expanding its brand into the EV market with the Niro. While its variety of color schemes and design will undoubtedly be the first elements that customers notice about the Niro. That, or its street name, the Aero Blade. But Kia officials specifically point out the improving technology that is making their EVs even more efficient. “Kia’s electrified vehicle momentum continues with the launch of the all-new second-generation Niro. It offers more refinement, versatility, connectivity, and technology than ever,” said Kia America COO Steven Center. “The 2023 Niro is designed for today’s needs and for sustainable future mobility.”  

Kia Niro Options

Whatever stage of going electric customers find themselves, the Niro has them covered. The new lineup includes all-electric, plug-in hybrid and traditional hybrid variants. The Niro EV expects to have a target range of 253 per charge. The Niro Hybrid is to achieve 53 mpg combined with an estimate driving range of 588 miles. According to Kearns, its design is a key reason why the Niro will function well on the roads. Air channels through an opening and then exits out the back via a similarly sized opening. The strakes on the door molding also help direct the air where Kia wants it to go through the Aero Blade.  

“The Niro is pretty much all new. Especially from the exterior. It’s a two-tone feature that also serves to aid in aerodynamics,” Kearns said. “But it also just kind of gives it a cool look. It offers the ability to personalize it with different colors. Kearns knows how important the EV market is going to be for Kia now and going forward. He believes they have the lineup that can challenge any other company out there. “EVs will be huge,” Kearns said. “We’ve also got our dedicated EV, the EV6. For customers wanting to look at an all luxury vehicle, dedicated electric, solely, 100 percent, come check out the EV6.”  

The Niro will go on sale this summer.

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