2027 Kia Telluride EX AWD

The 2027 Kia Telluride EX AWD is a midsize three-row SUV that’s getting a full redesign for the 2027 model year. In this episode, the hosts focus on a specific test configuration: the EX trim with all-wheel drive (AWD) and an out-the-door price of $48,080.

Out-the-door (OTD) price is the total amount you pay to take the car home, including the vehicle price plus taxes, registration, and dealer fees. It’s a more realistic number than the sticker price because it reflects the final checkout total.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is a closely related midsize three-row SUV that shares platform and some mechanical components with the Kia Telluride. The hosts mention it because the Telluride’s redesign uses shared underpinnings and similar engineering decisions.

A vehicle platform is the shared engineering foundation—things like the chassis architecture, mounting points, and major structural design. When two vehicles share a platform, they often also share some mechanical components and production efficiencies.

A turbocharged four-cylinder engine uses a turbocharger to force more air into the cylinders, allowing a smaller engine to make strong power. Compared with a naturally aspirated engine, turbocharging can improve torque and efficiency, especially at lower RPMs.

An 8-speed automatic transmission uses eight gear ratios to keep the engine operating in a more efficient or responsive range. More gears can help with smoother acceleration and better fuel economy, depending on the calibration.

A hybrid powertrain combines an internal-combustion engine with an electric motor and battery. The goal is to improve efficiency and reduce fuel use by using electricity for some driving and by recovering energy during deceleration.

Total system output is the combined power from all sources in a hybrid system—typically the engine plus the electric motor(s). It’s reported as one number so buyers can compare the overall strength of different powertrains on the same basis.

Driving position is how the seat, steering wheel, pedals, and overall cabin layout position your body while driving. A good driving position reduces fatigue and makes it easier to control the vehicle comfortably, especially in an SUV where ingress/egress (getting in and out) matters.

Powertrain refers to the components that generate and deliver drive power—typically the engine, transmission, driveshafts, differential(s), and related systems. When someone says they’re “mixed on the powertrain,” they usually mean the engine/drivetrain feel, smoothness, or response.

Chassis shutter is a vibration or shudder sensation that comes from the vehicle’s structure (the chassis/body) rather than from the engine or drivetrain. It’s often felt as a rhythmic shake under certain conditions and can point to mounting, alignment, or structural stiffness issues.

An optional paint color means the exterior color isn’t included in the base price and is typically offered as an extra-cost choice. In this segment, the hosts call out a specific paid color option by name.

Land Rover is a luxury SUV brand known for distinctive, upscale styling and off-road heritage. The hosts use it as a reference point to describe how the Telluride’s exterior design reminds them of that design language.

Jeep is a brand strongly associated with rugged SUV design, including recognizable grille shapes and headlight proportions. The hosts specifically compare the Telluride’s grille and overall front-end look to a Jeep-like style.

The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its upscale interior, off-road capability, and high-end comfort. It often comes up in discussions because it represents the brand’s flagship approach to blending daily drivability with serious terrain ability. In a podcast, it’s a common reference point when people talk about design cues, trim levels, or what “premium” looks like in an SUV.

Headlights are the front lights used for night driving, while taillights are the rear lights used for visibility and signaling. Their shape and design are often a major part of a vehicle’s identity and how it’s recognized at a distance.

The grille is the front opening (often with a mesh pattern) that sits between the headlights. On modern cars, it’s mostly a styling element but also helps with airflow to cooling systems.

The Dodge Power Wagon is a classic heavy-duty pickup known for its rugged, work-oriented design and off-road capability. It’s especially notable in pop culture because it has been referenced through media like “Simon and Simon,” which the podcast is alluding to. That’s why it comes up: it’s a recognizable example of an older, tough truck identity.

Bump absorption is how effectively a vehicle’s suspension reduces the shock from road irregularities like potholes and speed bumps. Better bump absorption usually means less harshness and less jarring movement for passengers.

The Kia Palisade is Kia’s similarly sized three-row SUV, often compared directly with the Telluride. Here it’s used as a benchmark for ride comfort, specifically bump absorption, meaning how well the suspension smooths out impacts.

Center console intrusion refers to how much the center console (the area between the front seats) takes up space and interferes with leg room. Less intrusion can make it easier to sit comfortably—especially for the driver’s right knee area.

Headroom is the vertical space between a person’s head and the roof or overhead structure. In SUVs, headroom strongly affects comfort for taller passengers, especially in the second row.

Recline adjustability is how far a seatback can be tilted backward from upright. More recline adjustment lets different body types find a comfortable driving or riding position, and it can also affect perceived headroom and leg comfort.

Under-leg support refers to how well the seat cushion and seat height support the underside of your thighs and legs. Good under-leg support can reduce fatigue on longer trips and improve comfort for different leg lengths.

Emergency flashers (hazard lights) are the button that makes all turn-signal lights blink at the same time. Drivers use them to warn other road users when the car is stopped or in danger.

Sport mode is a driving setting that changes how the vehicle responds—often by sharpening throttle mapping, holding lower gears longer, and sometimes adjusting shift behavior. Here, it’s used to make passing feel easier, implying the default calibration is less aggressive.

A V8 is an engine with eight cylinders arranged in a “V” configuration. In enthusiast discussions, V8s are often associated with stronger acceleration feel (more torque and power potential), so mentioning V8 vs V6 is a shorthand for why passing might feel better or worse.

A V6 is an engine with six cylinders arranged in a “V” shape. Compared with a V8, a V6 typically makes less peak power and torque for the same displacement class, which can affect how strongly it accelerates during passing—especially in a heavier SUV.

“RPM” (revolutions per minute) is how fast the engine spins. When an engine is operating at lower RPMs, it can produce more noticeable vibration and a rougher-sounding character, especially if the engine is lugging or working harder than it should.

Torque is the twisting force an engine produces, and it’s what helps the vehicle accelerate from low speeds. In this segment, the host says the engine has torque but can “lug,” meaning it may be forced to work at low RPMs where the sound and vibration become more noticeable.

A “turbo four” is a turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. Turbocharged small engines often make strong low-end torque, but they can also have a distinct intake/exhaust sound and character that some people find mismatched in a quiet, family-oriented SUV.

A panoramic panel is a wide, continuous-looking display surface used to present information across a larger area of the dashboard. In this Telluride example, it’s part of the driver’s screen setup that combines the climate display and other information.

A climate display is the screen area dedicated to showing and controlling HVAC settings like temperature and fan speed. This segment criticizes the Telluride’s climate display because it’s positioned behind the steering wheel and requires more visual attention and hand movement than the driver would prefer.

Infotainment is the in-car system that combines entertainment and information functions—typically things like audio, navigation, phone integration, and vehicle settings. In this segment, the hosts contrast the center screen’s infotainment with the climate display behind the steering wheel.

A climate panel is the set of controls used to manage cabin heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). When climate functions are buried in menus or share screen space with other controls, it can increase driver distraction compared with dedicated physical knobs/buttons.

A touch bar is a narrow, touch-sensitive control strip—often placed near the driver—used to trigger shortcuts or menus. Because it lacks physical “click” feedback, it can be harder to use accurately without looking, increasing the chance of input mistakes.

A rolling stop is when you slow down and creep through an intersection or stop sign without coming to a complete stop. The hosts say the Telluride’s powertrain feels more hesitant in this situation than when they do a full stop.

Power surges are noticeable, uneven changes in delivered acceleration—where the car seems to lurch forward and then ease off repeatedly. The hosts describe this as the power “up and down” during harder-than-gentle throttle inputs, along with bumpy shifts.

Bumpy upshifts are harsh or jolting gear changes when the transmission moves to a higher gear. The hosts link this to the “frenetic” feeling they notice during stronger throttle inputs.

“Heaves up” describes a vertical body motion where the car rises noticeably over an undulation. The hosts use it to illustrate how the suspension responds not just to a single bump, but to longer road features that move the whole car up and down. Excessive heave can contribute to a floaty feel in the cabin.

“Underdamped” describes a suspension that doesn’t use enough damping to control oscillations after a bump. Instead of quickly returning to level, the car continues to bounce or float, which the hosts link to a “soft” feel. It’s essentially the difference between absorbing the hit and then settling quickly.

“Primary ride” is the suspension’s initial response to a bump—how well it absorbs the first impact. The hosts contrast it with later motion after the car has been disturbed, arguing that most consumers prioritize bump absorption because it’s what you notice immediately. In other words, primary ride is about the first impression over rough pavement.

“Secondary ride” refers to what happens after the initial bump—how quickly the suspension settles and stops the car from continuing to oscillate. The hosts say the Telluride feels underdamped, so it doesn’t settle as quickly as they’d like. That can translate to more lingering motion in the cabin, especially with multiple passengers.

“Pitching” is a rotational body motion where the car’s nose and rear move in opposite directions—like the front dipping or the rear lifting. The hosts mention “no head tossing, no pitching” as a sign of better body control, meaning the suspension keeps the cabin steadier over impacts. Less pitching generally improves perceived stability and comfort.

In steering feel, “feedback” refers to the information the driver gets through the steering wheel about traction and vehicle response. More feedback typically makes the car feel more communicative and easier to place precisely in a turn.

The throttle is the driver’s input that controls how much engine power is requested. In this segment, they’re saying the newer Telluride is less responsive to throttle changes for “minor adjustments” while cornering.

“Twist action” describes a shifter mechanism that requires twisting the lever (not just moving it straight) to select gears. The hosts say the twisting itself feels fine, but the overall shifter placement is the problem.

The shifter stock is the physical lever/rod you move to select gears. This segment criticizes its placement and how it interacts with the driver’s leg position, affecting comfort and visibility.

“Ignition start” here refers to the push-button start location and how it’s positioned relative to the driver. The hosts find it odd because, depending on seating position and steering wheel angle, it can be hard to see.

Muscle memory is the automatic, learned movement pattern your body performs after repeated practice. The hosts suggest you’d eventually reach the start button and shifter without thinking because you get used to their positions.

The Hyundai Genesis refers to the Genesis brand and its vehicles, which were built to compete in the luxury segment with a focus on comfort and feature content. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned in relation to interior design and layout—specifically how controls and consoles are arranged. That kind of discussion often comes up when people talk about ergonomics and how a cabin feels in daily use.

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) automatically maintains a set following distance from the car ahead by adjusting your speed. Instead of holding a constant speed like traditional cruise control, it can slow down and speed back up as traffic changes.

The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV built for families and larger groups, with seating and cargo space meant for everyday use and road trips. It’s frequently discussed because it’s a common choice in the full-size SUV category and can be compared in terms of size, comfort, and driving feel. In the podcast, it’s mentioned in a more critical tone, likely tied to how it drives or how it fits the speaker’s preferences.

A third row seat is the rearmost seating in a three-row SUV, typically intended for kids, occasional adult passengers, or short trips. Fit can vary a lot based on headroom, seat cushion shape, and how much space the second row leaves behind it.

The hosts list the Telluride’s standard driver-assistance features and then share real-world impressions of how they behave. A key focus is lane-centering stability versus unwanted side-to-side motion.

Blind spot warning uses sensors to detect vehicles in areas you can’t easily see in your mirrors. It alerts you when you’re about to change lanes, helping reduce side-swipe crashes.

AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) detects an imminent collision and can automatically apply the brakes to reduce speed or avoid impact. It’s designed to help when the driver doesn’t react in time.

Pedestrian and cyclist detection is a type of forward-collision sensing that identifies people and bicycles, not just cars. This enables more targeted warnings and braking when those road users are in the vehicle’s path.

Auto high beams automatically switch between high beams and low beams based on detected traffic and lighting conditions. The goal is to keep visibility high without blinding other drivers.

Lane keeping assist helps keep the car from drifting out of its lane by providing steering corrections when lane markings are detected. It’s typically an assistive system rather than full autonomous driving.

Lane departure warning monitors lane position and alerts you if the vehicle begins to leave the lane without signaling. It’s usually a warning (visual/audible) rather than a steering intervention.

Lane centering assistance is a driver-assistance feature that actively steers to keep the car near the middle of the lane. The hosts discuss how some Kia/Hyundai/Genesis systems can “ping-pong” within lane lines, while the Telluride feels more stable—suggesting better tuning of the steering control.

A direct driver monitoring system uses cameras or sensors to watch the driver’s attention and behavior. If it detects distraction or inattention, it can warn the driver or reduce/disable certain driver-assistance functions.

In driver-assistance systems, “intervention” is when the car actively takes action—typically steering—to correct your lane position. This segment describes a sequence where steering intervention happens first, followed by a warning if the situation becomes more serious.

Steering wheel vibration is a haptic alert method used by driver-assistance systems to notify the driver without relying on loud beeps. In this segment, the hosts discuss choosing vibration versus an audible alert for lane departure warnings.

Android Auto is Google’s in-car phone integration that mirrors compatible apps and navigation onto the vehicle’s infotainment screen. “Wireless” Android Auto means you don’t need to plug your phone in for the connection, which makes setup and daily use easier.

Dual wireless phone chargers provide two charging spots so both the driver and passenger can charge phones at the same time without cables. Wireless charging uses induction, which is convenient but can be slower than wired charging depending on the phone and charger output.

The Toyota Highlander is a three-row midsize SUV that competes directly with the Kia Telluride in the US family-SUV market. Here, it’s used as the Telluride’s likely “strongest competitor,” with pricing differences and similar feature content driving the comparison.

MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is the sticker price a carmaker recommends dealers sell the vehicle for. When the hosts say dealers were charging well over MSRP, they’re describing a markup—often driven by limited supply and high demand.

The Telluride is a three-row SUV designed to carry families with a focus on space and everyday comfort. In the podcast, it’s specifically mentioned in connection with a potential hybrid version, which is a common reason to discuss it—because hybrid updates can change fuel economy and powertrain behavior. The conversation suggests they’re watching whether that hybrid plan will come to fruition or be improved.

The Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger, three-row version of the Highlander aimed at buyers who want more space. Here it’s used as a benchmark within the same family-SUV segment, with the hosts noting it costs more than the Telluride.

The Honda Prelude is a sporty coupe that Honda produced for multiple generations, known for its driver-focused feel and classic styling. It’s often discussed by enthusiasts because it represents a simpler, more performance-oriented era of Honda’s lineup. In the podcast context, it’s likely being referenced due to a recent review or interest from someone shopping for one.

Embedded navigation is a built-in GPS/navigation system that’s integrated into the car’s infotainment screen. It typically relies on the car’s connectivity and subscription terms, so the navigation features can change or become paid after a trial period.

An embedded satellite-radio app means the car’s infotainment system includes a built-in interface for satellite radio. If the app isn’t included, you may need a phone-based or aftermarket solution to get satellite-radio-style content.

Apple CarPlay is a smartphone-to-car system that brings compatible iPhone apps to the vehicle’s infotainment display. Like Android Auto, it generally depends on the phone for data and app functionality.

Android Automotive (often called Android Automotive OS) is an in-car operating system that runs apps inside the vehicle’s infotainment hardware. It’s different from Android Auto: instead of mirroring a phone, the car can run services directly, though some features may still depend on connectivity.

Google is referenced as the provider of the in-car software ecosystem behind Android Automotive and related services. In this context, it’s the company whose platforms enable connected navigation and app functionality in supported vehicles.

Offline maps are navigation maps stored on the vehicle so routing can work without a live internet connection. The segment explains that with certain in-car systems, you may need to pre-download maps and enable an automatic offline download setting in the vehicle’s privacy/offline settings.

A hotspot is a way to share a phone’s cellular data connection with the car, letting the vehicle get internet access for connected services. In this segment, it’s presented as an alternative to relying on pre-downloaded data when live updates aren’t available.

Live updates are real-time or regularly refreshed data delivered over a network connection, such as current traffic, map updates, or connected services. The segment notes that with Android Automotive, you may lose live updates if you don’t have connectivity, requiring pre-downloaded content instead.

Volvo is mentioned as an OEM that offers longer connectivity trials than some competitors. The point is about how long you can use connected features before you may need paid plans or workarounds like offline maps or a phone hotspot.

SiriusXM is the subscription satellite-radio provider the hosts are discussing. They’re treating it like a “deal breaker” because the Honda Prelude in question lacks built-in SiriusXM, and they’re debating whether automakers will stop offering it or move away from built-in satellite radio.

Satellite radio is a paid radio service that broadcasts music and talk channels from satellites, so reception isn’t limited to local terrestrial towers. In the segment, the hosts discuss whether a car has built-in satellite radio (specifically SiriusXM) and whether that feature can be replaced or added via phone apps or interfaces.

A subscription fee is ongoing payment required to keep certain in-car services working, even if the vehicle has the hardware capability (like navigation or connected features). The hosts explain that some automakers require a subscription no matter what, while others bundle it with a trim or offer different purchase models.

Offline data means the navigation/maps are stored in the vehicle (or on a device) so the system can still guide you even without a live internet connection. The hosts mention that some systems can use offline map data from mapping suppliers like TomTom or HERE.

HERE is a mapping and location-data provider whose map data can be used for in-car navigation. The hosts group HERE with TomTom as examples of suppliers that provide offline map data for navigation systems.

TomTom is a mapping and navigation brand whose map data can be used by in-car navigation systems. In this segment, TomTom is mentioned as one of the suppliers providing offline map data that keeps navigation working without connectivity.

Route planning is the navigation process of choosing an optimal path and guidance steps based on map data and constraints. The hosts connect it to EVs by noting that some manufacturers integrate route planning with the vehicle’s range information, which can affect charging stops and how the route is selected.

In modern cars, the touch screen is the main interface for infotainment functions like navigation, audio, and settings. The host contrasts using voice control (e.g., “Hey Google”) versus manually interacting with the screen.

Waze is a navigation app that uses live traffic and user-reported information to suggest routes. The host likes that it can be shown through the car’s center screen for turn-by-turn guidance.

BMW is mentioned in the context of selling features like heated seats as paid add-ons rather than including them with the vehicle. The host references a backlash where customers protested, and the practice was later dropped.

Heated seats are seats with built-in electric heating elements that warm the driver and passenger. In modern cars, some brands may offer them as an activation or subscription feature instead of enabling them immediately.