Telluride Overlanding / Offroad

[Haus]

Anyone considering this vehicle for overlanding / offroad? Let's discuss it here.

I'm currently in the market for an overland vehicle. This is one of the ones on my list. My family consists of my wife and our dog, so I definitely don't need the third row.
I am also looking at full size trucks, but I'd rather have the space on the interior. Plus, the gas mileage and road comfort are nice to get to the trails.

A few things to consider:

Available active on-demand all-wheel drive2 helps provide enhanced driving performance by actively distributing torque between front and rear wheels depending on road conditions and driver input. The system utilizes electro-hydraulic AWD coupling to precisely activate the multi-plate clutch plate, constantly redistributing the amount of power transferred to the front and rear wheels. During normal driving, power is distributed according to the drive mode selected. “Eco” and “Smart” modes deliver 100 percent power to the front wheels. “Comfort” and “Snow” modes deliver 80 percent power to the front wheels and 20 percent to rear. Sport mode splits the power 65-35 percent between front and back. “Lock” mode delivers power evenly to all four wheels

1. From reading the marketing and specifications page (above), it seems that the Telluride has an electronic coupling differential, similar to a lot of other CUVs on this page. However, the fact that "Lock" mode gives a 50/50 power distribution is interesting. If anyone has any more information on this, such as how the locking differential works and if it functions similar to an electric locking differential found in trucks and jeeps would be nice to see.

2. One of the first mods necessary to make this any decent off road would be to remove the 18-20" wheels and go with 15-17" wheels wrapped in all terrains. Anyone have an idea of what tire size will fit without a lift/rubbing?

3. Here are some basic off road stats pulled directly from Kia's specs page.

Ground clearance (in.)	8.0 in.
Approach angle (degrees)	17.0
Departure angle (degrees)	20.9

It looks like ground clearance and approach / departure angles are not too great. Would definitely need a 1" lift at least, and possibly an after market front and rear bumper. The approach and departure angles are very low compared to any other vehicle that is meant to go off road.

4. The roof rails look extremely low profile and I can't find any stats on the roof load capacity or if standard roof rails will fit. Any information on this would be awesome.


Anyone else have anything to offer regarding overlanding / offroad?

 

[AnyVare]

For number 2, many of the SEMA articles list each modified cars parts. Most include BlackRhino wheels and 32" tires. Here are some links

SEMA: Kia’s 2020 Telluride Will Be Gutsy Adventure Vehicle

Kia’s all-new Telluride large crossover will carry eight passengers and have enough power and capability to venture off-road.

www.trucks.com

The Kia Telluride Gets Tarted Up for Off-Road Duty at SEMA

Four different modified prototypes show the new three-row SUV's wilder side.

www.caranddriver.com

Kia's SEMA Tellurides: Behind the Build

You may remember the five overland Tellurides Kia brought to SEMA, but what you haven't seen is the woman behind them.

www.drivingline.com

Not sure I'd take it to MOAB, but I'm sure it would handle some light snow on the Interstate.

 

[ucinn]

I believe the AWD system is the same one used n the Sorento... It is a very good system, so look that one up and you might find more answers on how it works. It is a dynamax system.

 

[AnyVare]

You're right, there are a lot of good articles about the Sorento and the dynamax system. I think with some basic mods, it could be an ok overlander. It might take some serious work to be an offroader. Time and the 3rd party market will tell....

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[Haus]

I feel that the Telluride has the potential to be a great overlander, depending on a few variables. Most people who want an overlanding vehicle are not rock crawling, mudding, or off roading for sport. Overlanding involves thousands of miles of on-road travel, which the Telluride would excel at. In addition, there is a lot of room for cargo. The locking differential (from what I've just read on it from the Sorento) appears to be good enough to handle moderate off roading. The limitations will be the angles and the suspension travel.

The question to be answered over the next few months: Is this just a offroad-marketed mini van? Or will the Telluride take a few steps beyond CUV towards SUV?

 

[Kamauxx]

I wouldn't buy it for overlanding. For that I'd stick with a body on frame SUV with true 4x4/locking diffs.

I don't think there will be a huge demand for aftermarket parts geared toward taking the road less traveled.

A few years ago I had a fully built armored/winched/lift/33s Xterra that I traded to build a more comfortable overlander. I ended up with a 2016 4runner with a 2" lift and 33 tires that would semi-comfortably (tires were loud) get me most places I could ever want to go.

If you're wanting more luxury than a 4runner or Wrangler can provide maybe step up to an GX460? It'll cost less than a comparably capable pick-up, have a relatively luxurious interior, you can lock all your stuff inside instead of in a bed, has lots of aftermarket support, true 4x4...

On the downside the 2nd and 3rd row seats don't match up when folded down so sleeping inside would suck. My Xterras were great to sleep in because of how flat everything folded. You'll probably want a roof top tent if you go with anything other than a truck. I wouldnt want to be the first owner to try to sleep on the Telluride's roof, though.

If I were you I'd buy a lightly used GX460. Then I'd find a small (4x6) used off-road trailer to carry my roof top tent, propane, high-lift jack, food, water, fuel, random tools, etc.

 

[Jenny Wang]

My brother used to go "mud bogging" in an old Ford Bronco. He thinks he'll be able to do the same in the Telluride. What should I tell him?

 

[syadasti]

It should be easy to get stuck if you drive with crappy overflated stock tires like this:

Watch Two Hyundai Palisade SUVs Get Beached During Embarrassing Off-Road Demonstration

Luckily, this is likely more than the average Palisade driver will ever ask of their big crossover.

thedrive.com

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[Kamauxx]

My brother used to go "mud bogging" in an old Ford Bronco. He thinks he'll be able to do the same in the Telluride. What should I tell him?

Buy new tires (deflate said tires), traction mats, and a recovery rope.

 

[G-179788]

Do it. If you have the itch to beat the trails up RENT a Jeep. Just like in Moab... many places to rent Jeeps and SxS.