If we rise up, do you think KIA would add a boosted motor in 2021??

[JP1]

Hi All,
I know this was discussed at least once, months ago, but as we head into the last lap of 2019, I'm saying my prayers for some cool things to happen in 2020. I'd love to see a smoother, stronger engine available for the 2020 (2021?) Telluride. I was all set to buy a 2020, until I drove it. Meh. How can we learn what KIA is thinking? Is anybody here connected?
Thanks!

 

[alexdrums]

The engine is plenty smooth, not sure what you are talking about. And unless you are driving up mountain roads at elevation, it also has plenty of power.
The thing is, the Telluride has the perfect engine with the right amount of horsepower, torque and mpg for 95% of the driving that 95% of people will do with it.
Kia could offer a more powerful engine—but I wouldn’t get your hopes up—because it probably isn’t high on their list of priorities for this vehicle.

 

[Vietvet]

I know many who wish they had the "Stinger" motor in the T-Ride. From what I have gleaned from various sources... with power comes some loss. A turbo powered T-Ride ...for now... isn't going to happen, with the power/drive train it has. I even heard it would only be FWD... so a possible loss of the present AWD option. I have had more than my share of muscle cars and family sedans in my day. This is the second SUV for me. I don't find the present set up to be lacking for any type of driving I do. If I wanted to go off road and jump ditches...this is NOT the vehicle for that.... If I wanted a 0-60 in 3 sec.... not the vehicle I would buy. Intentions were for a very comfortable yet some luxury, vehicle that I can bring along 3 other adults and some extras without sacrificing comfort for the passengers. So far I am happy with the response and gas mileage it gives me. But...if you want those "EXTRAS" be prepared to pay MUCH MORE. I got the SXP/AWD with tow and found the $$$$ I put out was well worth the value. Do what you want but if you found you bought the wrong vehicle...maybe shoulda done more shopping. I say, enjoy what you have... Maybe, just maybe...corporate will hear and "attempt" to satisfy your hungers but..I think... and they know...they have a winner in the T-Ride and might say the Palisade... They came a long way from the Borrego. IMHO

 

[Tellmeride]

The engine is plenty for what the Tellmeride is. Agree with VV above, if you want a turbo 8 with 600 horses, go shop at the German stores.

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[JP1]

I don't disagree with any of your thoughts [B]alexdrums[/B], Vietvet and [B]Tellmeride[/B]. But I'll push back politely. The power curve on the existing motor has a decided surge once you hit the high mid range. Yes, yes I know, I'm talking like I raced off road motorcycles my whole life. But it is there, the motor "lags" below that level, and kicks in harshly and loudly, IMHO, when you hit that RPM level (sorry, I test drove it only and failed to make note of that RPM). For my tastes, a smoother more powerful offering would be of benefit. Just my two cents. But listening to your pretty level feedback, I'm probably wishful thinking, I get it. And yes, still considering the Germans, as a result. Otherwise, I loved it. We own Stinger GT2, its killer BTW, and my wife's Optima 4 banger turbo was possibly the best car we've ever owned. Her mom has it now. Great driving car.

 

[ucinn]

Owning a Stinger GT2, then you should be used to the lag down low even when using what they call Launch Control... but once she get's going, she pulls like a scalded dog.

 

[Gwyn]

The one thing that really annoys me about low rpm high torque on a large vehicle is it is very hard to maneuver in tight quarters. You barely touch the gas in reverse and you are spinning the wheels, then you slam on the brakes to stop, put in drive you barely touch the gas and you are flying forward.

See the Ascent complaints about full torque at 2000 rpm. You literally feel like a bobble head in a parking lot. Just hate it. Yes, you can get used to it, but I don't drive all that much and it gets really old very quickly.

I have a 1200 cc motorcycle, when I want to go very fast very quickly I have that. For me, the telluride is perfect, just the right about power vs gas mileage.

The engine upgrade will not happen until atleast 2022. And probably not until 2025.

 

[G-212872]

Owning a Stinger GT2, then you should be used to the lag down low even when using what they call Launch Control... but once she get's going, she pulls like a scalded dog.

Haha! Yes, it is a lot of fun. The sluggish response of the Telluride down low is MUCH more prominent than any lag in the Stinger. I still surprise myself when I punch it. Get out the way!!

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[alexdrums]

The power curve on the existing motor has a decided surge once you hit the high mid range.

As you probably know the mode you are in will make a big difference in how the motor responds. Did you mess around with that on your test drive? I noticed the Comfort mode lagged, but in Sport mode the engine responded quickly and there was smooth power delivery up to redline.

 

[regaphysics]

I dont get what people don't understand. There is almost no chance of this. You cannot just stick in a more powerful engine in any-ol-vehicle. Something like a turbo V6 would require turning the engine longitudinally, and a new transmission. That would require a complete rebuild of the vehicle. And you would lose a lot of interior space.