Better tires. It’s always my first modification and always the most useful. Sure, a new vehicle comes with new tires, but manufacturers use tires that are always a compromise, often with a focus on economy and longevity. Those priorities aren’t the ones I value, preferring traction and grip for my environment and intended use.
It doesn’t matter what capabilities a vehicle has, it all comes down to four patches of rubber on the road.
On the Telluride I went with Falken Wildpeak Trail in the stock 20” size. With the “peak mountain snowflake” designation these have been extremely capable in the 21,000 miles I’ve run them. Living in the mountains of Western Washington State, my Telluride has seen paved & unpaved roads, snow, ice, and temperatures from low teens to almost 100°.
The Falken Wildpeak just works great.
They also look fantastic.