When headed out on a long drive, there are at least a few imperatives, among them being the comfort, safety and reliability of your vehicle. Although it is nearly impossible to keep up with the demand, Dave Listul, general manager of Findlay Kia of St. George, is optimistic and loves to recommend the Telluride.
“People love the size,” Dave says of the seven-passenger sports utility vehicle. “That’s what made them popular. And they’re priced right.”
One of the 2023 Car and Driver 10Best Trucks and SUVs for the fourth year in a row, the Telluride is roomy, but not huge.
Safety is also a highlight of the Telluride. Along with features like smart cruise, lane keep assist and forward collision avoidance, Kia also has a head-up display. The transparent display shows metrics, such as speed, at eye level, so a driver does not have to look down.
“I won’t buy another car without it,” Dave says. “I love the head-up display—it’s such a nice feature.”
Like all Kia vehicles, the Telluride has a 10-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.
If the midsize SUV is not the ideal fit for you, another option Dave recommends is the all-electric EV6 sedan. Another vehicle that is hard to keep on the lot—the Motorweek’s 2023 Drivers’ Choice “Best of the Year” and “Best EV” can go 310 miles on a full charge.
“You could drive that electric car clear across the country and really not have a problem,” Dave says. “There are enough charging stations clear across.”
Dave also takes the time to explain how Kia is about more than cars—it is about community. Beyond the recognition as one of the 100 Best Global Brands, Kia has also been active in local communities, including southern Utah. Through the company’s Accelerate the Good program, Findlay Kia works closely with Neighborhood Connection—an organization administered by Donna MacBean. Neighborhood Connection provides food over the weekend to students who qualify for school breakfast and lunch programs.
In 2022, Findlay Kia and the other Findlay dealerships hosted their annual charity golf tournament where they donated $12,000 to Neighborhood Connection as well as $12,000 to the Washington County School District Foundation.
Dave and Findlay Kia have also been active, along with Lukas and LaRae from Planet 105.1, to recognize local teachers through the Best Teacher on the Planet. Each Wednesday a Washington County School District teacher is recognized and given a $50 bill from Dave and entered into a drawing for $500 for themselves and $500 for their school.
“I love it because I appreciate really good teachers,” Dave says. “Teachers don’t get enough credit, so I’m glad to be a part of that.”
This year Findlay Kia is sponsoring four teachers, along with their schools, to be the grand prize winners.
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of more than 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.
Designed for the U.S. market, the Telluride is a head-turning proposition and a sales success. In response to consumer demand, for the 2023 model year, production in West Point, Ga., has increased to 120,000 units.