Kia Telluride 2023 Automatic Transmission and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System

The 2023 Kia Telluride’s transmission and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system stand out as the best examples of how to handle power smoothly and get the most out of different driving conditions. An eight-speed automatic transmission carefully plans the release of power to ensure a perfect balance of precision and smoothness. It is at the heart of this exceptional SUV. The optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system works well with this transmission and is a modern marvel that will make your driving experience better. This all-wheel drive system not only improves traction and control, but it also gives you peace of mind when driving on rough terrain or in a variety of weather conditions. This makes the 2023 Telluride a versatile vehicle that can go on adventures both on and off the beaten road. At its core, the 2023 Kia Telluride promises a driving experience that combines power, adaptability, and control in a way that feels natural. It will set a new bar for SUV performance in its class.

2023 Kia Telluride Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

Automatic transmission

The automatic transmission has 8 forward speeds and one reverse speed.

• Press the brake pedal and the lock release button when shifting.
• Press the lock release button when shifting.
• The shift lever can be shifted freely.
  The individual speeds are selected automatically, depending on the position of the shift lever.

NOTICE
The first few shifts on a new vehicle, if the battery has been disconnected, may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and the shifting sequence will adjust after shifts are cycled a few times by the TCM (Transmission Control Module) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module).

For smooth operation, press the brake pedal when shifting from N (Neutral) to a forward or reverse gear.

WARNING
Automatic transmission

• Always check the surrounding areas near your vehicle for people, especially children, before shifting a vehicle into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
•  Before leaving the driver’s seat, always make sure the shift lever is in the P (Park) position; then set the parking brake fully and shut the engine off. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement can occur if these precautions are not followed in the order identified.
•  Do not use the engine brake (shifting from a high gear to a lower gear) rapidly on slippery roads. The vehicle may slip causing an accident.

CAUTION

•  To avoid damage to your transmission, do not accelerate the engine in R (Reverse) or any forward gear position with the brakes on.
•  When stopped on an incline, do not hold the vehicle stationary with engine power. Use the service brake or the parking brake.
• Do not shift from N (Neutral) or P (Park) into D (Drive), or R (Reverse) when the engine is above idle speed.

Transmission overheated

A: Transmission Hot! Park with the engine on
B: Vehicle Power is limited due to high transmission temperature
C: Trans cooled. Resume driving

• When the transmission is overheated, the safe protection mode engages and the “Transmission Hot! Park with engine on” warning message will appear on the LCD display with a chime.
  •  When driving on muddy and sandy roads under severe conditions, the transmission could be overheated.
  •  If this occurs, pull over to a safe location, stop the vehicle with the engine running, apply the brakes and shift the vehicle to P (Park), and allow the transmission to cool.
  • If you ignore this warning, the driving condition may become worse. You may experience abrupt shifts, frequent shifts, or jerkiness. To return to normal driving conditions, stop the vehicle and apply the foot brake or shift into P (Park). Then allow the transmission to cool for a few minutes with engine on, before driving off.
•  If you continue to drive with over- heated transmission, the above warning message is displayed and self-protection mode restricts the power output of the vehicle.
  • Move the vehicle to a safe location and shift the gear to P (Park), and stop the vehicle with the engine on. Wait until the transmission is sufficiently cooled down.
  • If the above message is continuously displayed, we recommend that you contact an authorized Kia dealer.

If the warning messages in the LCD display continue to blink, for your safety, have the system checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

Transmission ranges

The indicator in the instrument cluster displays the shift lever position when the ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ON position.

P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park). This position locks the transmission and prevents the front wheels from rotating.

WARNING

•  Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion will cause the drive wheels to lock which will cause you to lose control of the vehicle and possibly damage the transmission.
•  Do not use the P (Park) position in place of the parking brake. Always make sure the shift lever is latched in the P (Park) position and set the parking brake fully.
•  Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.

CAUTION
The transmission may be damaged if you shift into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion.

R (Reverse)
Use this position to drive the vehicle backward.

CAUTION
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse); you may damage the transmission if you shift into R while the vehicle is in motion, except as explained in “Rocking the vehicle” in this section.

N (Neutral)
When in Neutral, wheels and transmission are not engaged. The vehicle will roll freely even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or service brakes are applied.

WARNING
Do not drive with the shift lever in N (Neutral). The engine brake will not work and could lead to an accident.

CAUTION
Always park the vehicle in “P” (Park) for safety and engage the parking brake.

D (Drive)
This is the normal forward driving position. The transmission will automatically shift through an 8-gear sequence providing the best fuel economy and power.

NOTICE
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into D (Drive).

Manual mode
Whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion, Manual mode is selected by pushing the shift lever from the D (Drive) position into the manual gate. To return to D (Drive) range operation, push the shift lever back into the main gate.

In Manual mode, moving the shift lever backward or forwards will allow you to make gearshifts rapidly. In contrast to a manual transmission, the Manual mode allows gearshifts with the accelerator pedal depressed.

• Up (+): Push the lever forward once to shift up one gear.
• Down (-): Pull the lever backward once to shift down one gear.

NOTICE

• In Manual mode, the driver must execute upshifts in accordance with road conditions, being careful to keep the engine speed below the red zone.
•  In Manual mode, only the 8 forward gears can be selected. To reverse or park the vehicle, move the shift lever to the R (Reverse) or P (Park) position as required.
•  In Manual mode, downshifts are made automatically when the vehicle slows down. When the vehicle stops, 1st gear is automatically selected.
•  In Manual mode, when the engine rpm approaches the red zone, shift points are varied to upshift automatically.
  To maintain the required levels of vehicle performance and safety, the system may not execute certain gear shifts when the shift lever is operated.
•  When driving on a slippery road, push the shift lever forward into the + (up) position. This causes the transmission to shift into the 2nd gear which is better for smooth driving on a slippery road. Push the shift lever to the – (down) side to shift back to the 1st gear.
•  When Manual mode is activated:
  • The engine rpm will tend to remain raised over a certain length of time even after releasing the accelerator.
  •  Upshifts are delayed when accelerating.
•  In Manual mode, the fuel efficiency may decrease.

Shift lock system

For your safety, the Automatic transmission has a shift lock system that prevents shifting the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse) unless the brake pedal is engaged.
Shifting the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse)
To shift the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse):

1.  Press and hold the brake pedal.
2.  Start the engine or place the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position.
3. Move the shift lever. If the brake pedal is repeatedly engaged and released with the shift lever in the P (Park) position, a chattering noise near the shift lever may be heard. This is a normal condition.

WARNING
Always fully depress the brake pedal before and while shifting out of the P (Park) position into another position to avoid inadvertent motion of the vehicle which could injure persons in or around the vehicle.

Overriding the shift lock

If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position into the R (Reverse) position with the brake pedal engaged, continue engaging the brake, then do the following:

1. Place the ENGINE START/STOP button in the OFF position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Carefully remove the cap covering the shift-lock release access hole.
4. Insert a tool (e.g., flathead screwdriver) into the access hole and press down on the tool.
Move the shift lever.
Remove the tool from the shift-lock override access hole then install the cap.

If the shift lever does not move even after performing this procedure, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer immediately.

ENGINE START/STOP button interlock system

The ENGINE START/STOP button will not change to the OFF position unless the shift lever is in the P (Park) position.

Good driving practices

• Never move the shift lever from P (Park) or N (Neutral) to any other position with the accelerator pedal engaged.
• Never move the shift lever into P (Park) when the vehicle is in motion.
•  Be sure the vehicle is completely stopped before you attempt to shift into R (Reverse) or D (Drive).
•   Never take the vehicle out of gear and coast down a hill. This may be extremely hazardous. Always leave the vehicle in gear when moving.
•  Do not “ride” the brakes. This can cause them to overheat and malfunction. Instead, when you are driving down a long hill, slow down and shift to a lower gear. When you do this,  engine braking will help slow down the vehicle.
•  Slow down before shifting to a lower gear. Otherwise, the lower gear may not be engaged.
•  Always use the parking brake. Do not depend on placing the transmission in P (Park) to keep the vehicle from moving.

WARNING
Exercise extreme caution when driving on a slippery surface. Be especially careful when braking, accelerating or shifting gears. On a slippery surface, an abrupt change in vehicle speed can cause the drive wheels to lose traction and the vehicle to go out of control.

•  Optimum vehicle performance and economy is obtained by smoothly pressing and releasing the accelerator pedal.

WARNING

•  When driving uphill or downhill,  always shift to D (Drive) for driving forward or shift to R (Reverse) for driving backward, and check the gear position indicated on the cluster before driving.
  Driving in the opposite direction of the selected gear can lead to a dangerous situation by shutting off the engine and affecting the braking performance.
•  Always buckle-up! In a collision, an unbelted occupant is significantly more likely to be seriously injured or killed than a properly belted occupant.
•  Avoid high speeds when cornering or turning.
•  Do not make quick steering wheel movements, such as sharp lane changes or fast, sharp turns.
•  The risk of a rollover is greatly increased if you lose control of your vehicle at highway speeds.
•  Losing control often occurs if two or more wheels drop off the roadway and the driver oversteers to reenter the roadway.
•  In the event your vehicle leaves the roadway, do not steer sharply. Instead, slow down before pulling back into the travel lanes.
•  Never exceed posted speed limits.

WARNING
If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc., then you may attempt to rock the vehicle free by moving it forward and backward. Do not attempt this procedure if people or objects are anywhere near the vehicle. During the rocking operation, the vehicle may suddenly move forward or backward as it becomes unstuck, causing injury or damage to nearby people or objects.

2023 Kia Telluride Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

Moving up a steep grade from a standing start
To move up a steep grade from a standing start:

1.  Press the brake pedal, release the parking break, and shift the shift lever to D (Drive).
2. Select the appropriate gear depending on load weight and steepness of the grade, and release the parking brake.
3. Press the accelerator gradually while releasing the service brakes.

When accelerating from a stop on a steep hill, the vehicle may have a tendency to roll backward.

WARNING
When you start driving after the car was stopped on a hill, even though the shift lever is in D (Driving) position, if you do not step on the accelerator pedal or brake pedal, the car may roll backward, resulting in a fatal accident. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into D (Drive).

All Wheel Drive (AWD) system (if equipped)

The All Wheel Drive (AWD) system delivers engine power to front and rear wheels for maximum traction. AWD is useful when extra traction is required, such as when driving slippery, muddy, wet, or snow-covered roads. If the system determines there is a need for four-wheel drive, the engine’s driving power will be distributed to all four wheels automatically.

WARNING
If the AWD warning light ( ) stays on the instrument cluster, your vehicle may have a malfunction with the AWD system. When the AWD warning light ( ) appears, have your vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

WARNING
To reduce the risk of SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:

• Do not drive in conditions that exceed the vehicle’s intended design such as challenging off-road conditions.
•  Avoid high speeds when cornering or turning.
•  Do not make quick steering wheel movements, such as sharp lane changes or fast, sharp turns.
•  The risk of a rollover is greatly increased if you lose control of your vehicle at highway speeds.
•  Loss of control often occurs if two or more wheels drop off the roadway and the driver oversteers to reenter the roadway.
•  In the event your vehicle leaves the roadway, do not steer sharply. Instead, slow down before pulling back into the travel lanes.

AWD (AWD/SNOW MODE)

AWD helps the vehicle’s performance by controlling 4 wheels.

Switching from/to SNOW MODE

You can switch from DRIVE MODE to SNOW mode by turning the knob.

NOTICE
Even if you turn off the vehicle in SNOW mode, DRIVE mode will be set when you restart the vehicle.

AWD transfer mode selection

Transfer mode	Selection mode		Description
AWD AUTO			AWD AUTO is used when driving on roads in normal conditions, roads in urban areas, and on highways. All wheels are in operation when a vehicle travels at a constant speed. Required tractions applied on front and rear wheels vary depend- ing on road and driving conditions, which will be automatically controlled by the computing system. When the cluster’s AWD display mode is selected, the cluster displays the status of how four wheels’ traction forces are distributed.
SNOW		SNOW	SNOW mode is used to appropriately distribute the vehicle’s traction forces and help prevent wheel slippage when driving on snowy or slippery road.
AWD LOCK		(Indicator light is illuminated)	The main goal of AWD Lock mode is to allow a driver to maximize the vehicle’s traction under extreme driving conditions such as unpaved off-road, sandy roads, and muddy roads. AWD Lock mode is in operation only when a vehicle travels at 25 mph (40 km/h) or less. When traveling at 25 mph (40 km/h) or faster, the mode will switch to AWD Auto. When traveling at 20 mph (30 km/h) or less, the mode will switch back to AWD Lock. Press the AWD Lock mode switch again to switch back to AWD Auto.

 

When the AWD LOCK mode is deactivated, a shock may be felt as the drive power is delivered entirely to the front wheels. This shock is not a mechanical failure.

NOTICE
Normal road conditions

• Maintain AWD Auto mode when driving on roads in normal conditions.
•  When driving under normal road conditions (especially when cornering) in AWD Lock mode, a driver may find minor mechanical vibration or noise, which is extremely normal phenome-non, not a malfunction. When AWD Lock mode is released, such noise or vibration will be immediately gone.

For safe All Wheel Drive (AWD) operation

WARNING
All Wheel Drive
The conditions of on-road or off-road that demand All Wheel Drive mean all functions of your vehicle are exposed to more extreme stress than under normal road conditions. Slow down and be ready for changes in the composition and traction of the surface under your tires. If you have any doubt about the safety of the conditions you are facing, stop and consider the best way to proceed.

•  Do not try to drive in deep-standing water or mud since such conditions can stall your engine and clog your exhaust pipes. Do not drive down steep hills since it requires extreme skill to maintain control of the vehicle.
  
•  When you are driving up or down hills drive as straight as possible. Use extreme caution in going up or down steep hills, since you may flip your vehicle over depending on the grade, terrain and water/mud conditions.
  

WARNING
Hills
Driving across the contour of steep hills can be extremely dangerous. This danger can come from slight changes in the wheel angle which can destabilize the vehicle or, even if the vehicle is maintaining stability under power, it can lose that stability if the vehicle stops its for-ward motion. Your vehicle may roll over without warning and without time for you to correct a mistake that could cause serious injury or death.

•  You must learn how to corner in an AWD vehicle Do not rely on your experience in conventional FWD vehicles when cornering the vehicle in AWD mode. For starters, you must drive slower in AWD.

WARNING
All Wheel Drive (AWD)
Reduce speed when you turn corners. The center of gravity of AWD vehicles is higher than that of conventional FWD vehicles, making them more likely to roll over when you turn corners too fast.

WARNING
Steering wheel
Do not grab the inside of the steering wheel when you are driving on unpaved roads. You may hurt your arm by a sudden steering maneuver or from steering wheel rebound due to impact with objects on the ground. You could lose control of the steering wheel.

•  Always hold the steering wheel firmly when you are driving on unpaved roads.
•  Make sure all passengers are wearing seat belts.

WARNING
Wind danger
If you are driving in heavy wind, the vehicle’s higher center of gravity decreases your steering control capacity and requires you to drive more slowly.

•  If you need to drive in water, stop your vehicle, set your transfer to the AWD LOCK mode and drive at less than 5 mph (8 km/h).

WARNING
Driving through water
Drive slowly. If you are driving too fast in water, the water can get into the engine compartment and wet the ignition system, causing your vehicle to suddenly stop. If this happens and your vehicle is in a tilted position, your vehicle may roll over.

NOTICE

•  Do not drive in water if the level is higher than the bottom of the vehicle.
• Check your brake condition once you are out of mud or water. Press the brake pedal several times as you move slowly until you feel normal braking forces return.
•  Shorten your scheduled maintenance interval if you drive in off-road conditions such as sand, mud or water Always wash your vehicle thoroughly after off-road use, especially cleaning the bottom of the vehicle.
•  Since the driving torque is always applied to the 4 wheels the performance of the AWD vehicle is greatly affected by the condition of the tires.  Be sure to equip the vehicle with four tires of the same size and type.
•  A full-time All all-wheel drive vehicle can- not be towed by an ordinary tow truck. Make sure that the vehicle is placed on a flatbed truck for moving.

WARNING
All Wheel Drive (AWD) driving

• Avoid high cornering speed.
•  Do not make quick steering wheel movements, such as sharp lane changes or fast, sharp turns.
•  The risk of rollover is greatly increased if you lose control of your vehicle at high speed.
•  In a collision, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die compared to a person wearing a seat belt.
•  Loss of control often occurs if two or more wheels drop off the roadway and the driver over-steers to re-enter the roadway. In the event your vehicle leaves the roadway, do not steer sharply. Instead, slow down before pulling back into the travel lanes.

CAUTION
Mud or snow
If one of the front or rear wheels begins to spin in mud, snow, etc. the vehicle can sometimes be driven out by engaging the accelerator pedal further; however, avoid running the engine continuously at high rpm because doing so could damage the AWD system.

Driving in sand or mud

• Maintain slow and constant speed. Operate the accelerator pedal slowly to ensure safe driving (wheel-slip prevention).
•  Use tire chains when driving in mud if necessary.
• Keep sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
•  Reduce vehicle speed and always check the road condition.
•  Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications, and sharp turns to prevent getting stuck.
•  When the vehicle is stuck in snow, sand or mud, the tires may not operate.
•  This is to protect the transmission and not a malfunction.

NOTICE
Moving the car forcibly to get out of mud or sand can cause damage/overheating of the engine or damage/break-down of the transaxle, differential or 4WD system as well as damage to tires. If excessive wheel slip occurs after entering a sandy/muddy road, the vehicle may fall into the sand/mud. When it happens, put a stone or a tree branch under the tire, and then try to pull out the car, or try to get it unstuck by repeatedly moving forwards and back-wards.

WARNING
Your vehicle is equipped with tires designed to provide safe ride and handling capability. Do not use tires and wheels that are different in size and type from the originally installed ones. It can affect the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could lead to steering failure or rollover and serious injury. When replacing the tires, be sure to equip all four tires with the tire and wheel of the same size, type, tread, brand and load-carrying capacity.

WARNING
Jacked vehicle
While the full-time AWD vehicle is being raised on a jack, never start the engine or cause the tires to rotate.
There is the danger that rotating tires touching the ground could cause the vehicle to go off the jack and to jump forward.

•  Full-time AWD vehicles must be tested on a special four-wheel chassis dynamometer.

NOTICE
Never engage the parking brake while performing these tests.

•  A full-time AWD vehicle should not be tested on an FWD roll tester. If a FWD roll tester must be used, perform the following:

1.  Check the tire pressures recommended for your vehicle.
2. Place the front wheels on the roll tester (1) for a speedometer test as shown in the illustration.
3.  Release the parking brake.
4. Place the rear wheels on the temporary free roller (2) as shown in the illustration.

WARNING
Dynamometer testing
Keep away from the front of the vehicle while the vehicle is in gear on the dynamometer. This is very dangerous as the vehicle can jump forward and cause serious injury or death.

CAUTION

•  When lifting up the vehicle, do not operate front and rear wheels separately. All four wheels should be operated.
• If you need to operate the front wheel and rear wheel when lifting up the vehicle, you should release the parking brake.

FAQ