When MotorTrend named the Kia Telluride SUV of the Year, the auto world could be forgiven for being surprised. Several years ago, Kia was known for its lower price points, unreliability, and not much else. Kia has changed for the better over the last several years, and the 2020 Telluride is certainly worthy of the award.

Kia is truly a global company, with headquarters in South Korea and manufacturing facilities in eight countries, including the US. Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. is located in West Point, Georgia. KMMG’s factory is home to the Telluride, as well as the Sorento and the Optima. The Telluride’s “Made in the USA” status probably explains the SUV’s roominess and its long list of standard features.

Is Apple CarPlay available on the Kia Telluride? 

People want to access their smartphones all the time, even when they’re driving. iPhone users love having Apple CarPlay in their vehicles, which seamlessly integrates their phones into their vehicle’s infotainment system. 

Other SUVs, including the Toyota RAV4, have Apple CarPlay. The Telluride certainly has a lot of cool features, but is CarPlay one of them?

In the 2020 Telluride, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard in all four trims: LX, S, EX, and SX. That means all smartphone users can access their favorite music and navigation apps while on the road. Kia was, in fact, an early adopter to Apple CarPlay, offering it in some of its vehicles as early as 2014 and 2015. 

The 2020 Kia Telluride is a comfortable, tech-loaded ride.

Kia went all out on tech options for the 2020 Telluride, which certainly helped it catch MotorTrend’s attention. A surprising number of features are standard on this roomy SUV, including a 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen on the EX and SX. The LX and S both have an industry-standard 8-inch touch screen. 

In the Telluride, being a passenger is just as comfortable as being the driver. This is especially true in the EX and SX. Both trims feature Driver Talk, which allows the driver’s voice to be amplified through the rear speakers. That’s a handy feature, considering Telluride models have seven and eight-passenger seating.

In addition, each row of seating in the EX and SX has its own USB charger ports, for a total of six throughout the vehicle. That means everyone can stay connected on longer car trips. Privacy glass is also standard in the passenger and cargo areas. 

Kia had cutting edge safety in mind when designing the 2020 Telluride. Pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and blind spot detection are standard on all 2020 models.

Kia Access with UVO link offers remote features.

Telluride drivers with a UVO link subscription and the Kia Access app have access to a range of remote features. If movement is detected in the second and third-row seats after the doors are locked, Rear Occupancy Alert sends a notification to the driver’s smartphone. Both the EX and SX offer remote climate control, which means drivers can heat or cool their cars before getting in. Find My Car and Remote Lock and Unlock round out Kia Access’s features.

The Kia Telluride is affordable luxury.

Popular Mechanics reminds us that, “Fifteen years ago, a Kia was the rental car you hoped you didn’t get stuck with.” No longer a car to avoid, Kia and its Telluride now have a solid, well-deserved reputation. And Kia stands by the Telluride, with a 10 year/100,000 miles warranty.

With options like heated Nappa leather seats, the Telluride is stepping into luxury territory. Staying true to its affordable roots, the Telluride still has an affordable price tag. The MSRP for an LX starts at just $31,690.