Detroit show: Kia confirms Telluride name

KIA has announced that its full-size SUV concept will be called Telluride, ahead of the high-riding wagon's official unveiling at this week's Detroit motor show.

The moniker follows parent company Hyundai Motor Group's strategy of using American town or city names for some of its models, including the Santa Fe and Tucson.

It was previously suggested that the concept could adopt the Mohave nameplate, continuing a moniker that has been used on a Korean-market SUV since 2008, but the new model will adopt the south western Colorado town's name instead.

Kia is keeping details of the big wagon concept under wraps until they come off in Detroit, saying only that the Telluride “pushes the boundaries of technology and luxury with unique in-cabin health-and-wellness technology”.

The announcement was accompanied by a single image of the dash that includes some 3D-printed components, which the South Korean car-maker said “add a distinct, modern design element to the dashboard, door panels, and steering wheel”.

A large screen dominates the instrument cluster, there is stubby gear-shift lever and the overall look of the dash is clean and modern.

While Kia is saying the Telluride is a concept, it is believed it will be close to production ready, with a full production version likely to lob later this year.

Kia has already announced that the model will be the largest passenger vehicle the company has produced, and it will compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia in the United States market.

The forthcoming seven-seat Jeep – which could take the Grand Wagoneer nameplate – is also a likely rival.

As reported, the lack of right-hand drive production means the Telluride is unlikely to make it to Australian Kia showrooms.

The exterior of the Telluride was teased in a shadowy image last week showing a large boxy off-roader in what appears to be a green anodised or mirror film-wrapped finish.

More details will be announced when the Telluride is revealed at Detroit this week.