Here Are the Latest Photos of Kia's New Three-Row SUV

It'll hold up to eight people, while the Sorento can only hold seven between its two front seats, three-across second-row bench, and its admittedly tight two-place third-row seat.

That means you can expect the Telluride's third row (which reclines) to accommodate three humans, although a seven-seat version with captain's chairs in the second row will be available.

Beyond its extra size, the Telluride also is far more distinctive than the Sorento, with interesting head- and taillight designs and a boxy, trucklike silhouette.

The interior brings a Mercedes GLE vibe, with double grab handles on the center console and an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen.

The optional quilted nappa leather is real, but the aluminum and matte wood are phony. Regardless, it's a handsome interior.

The Kia's styling is so trucklike and bold, in fact, that you could be forgiven for thinking it's an old-school, body-on-frame SUV along the lines of Chevrolet's Tahoe or GMC's Yukon.

Nonetheless, the Telluride rides on a front-wheel-drive-based unibody platform shared with the Hyundai Palisade. Both will be built at the same Georgia plant where Kia assembles the Sorento.

The Telluride uses a single engine and transmission, a 3.8-liter V-6 shared with the Palisade that sends 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic.