KIA Telluride
The Kia Telluride is a midsize SUV available exclusively as a 4-door body style, offering seating for seven to eight passengers depending on the configuration. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available as an option. Real-world fuel economy typically ranges from around 19 to 24 miles per gallon, varying by drivetrain and driving conditions. The Telluride boasts a spacious interior with up to 178 cubic feet of passenger volume and a cargo capacity maxing out at 87 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Key safety features include standard advanced driver-assistance systems such as blind-spot collision warning, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert, making it a well-equipped family SUV.
One of the Telluride’s major strengths is its excellent value proposition, combining a luxurious, roomy interior with strong reliability ratings and a comprehensive warranty backing. Resale values are competitive, especially for a vehicle in the midsize SUV segment. Owners often praise its smooth ride and user-friendly tech, while common weaknesses include somewhat bulky size that may challenge maneuverability in tight urban environments and average fuel economy typical of V6 SUVs. Some minor concerns noted in owner reports relate to infotainment glitches or occasional interior panel rattles, but overall the Telluride maintains a solid reputation for dependability and owner satisfaction.
Key specs and highlights
The 2025 Kia Telluride features a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It is available with front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive offered on most trims, enhancing traction and control. With a length of 196.9 inches and a wheelbase of 114.2 inches, it offers a spacious cabin that accommodates seven or eight passengers depending on second-row seating configuration.
Cargo space is substantial, starting with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46 cubic feet behind the second, and reaching up to 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Its towing capacity is an impressive 5,000 pounds, positioning it well for family trailers or recreational gear. Notable features include 20-inch alloy wheels, a user-friendly 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an available 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and modern driver assist technologies such as blind spot detection and forward collision avoidance.
Driving experience
The Telluride offers a comfortable ride that soaks up bumps effectively, making long trips less tiring for all occupants. Handling is composed for an SUV its size, with responsive steering that inspires confidence without sacrificing comfort. Although the acceleration is not sporty, the 291-horsepower V6 provides adequate power for highway merging and daily commuting.
Brake feel is firm and predictable, contributing to a secure driving experience. Cabin noise is well muted, thanks to Kia’s attention to sound insulation, although road and wind noise do become noticeable at higher speeds. Visibility out of the expansive windows is good, plus seating is supportive and roomy, particularly in the first and second rows, enhancing overall driver and passenger comfort.
Trims and equipment
The Telluride is offered in several trims including LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige, with seating configurations varying slightly between 7 and 8 passengers. The base LX comes well-equipped with essential features like an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and key safety technologies. Moving up to the S and EX trims adds more premium amenities such as leatherette upholstery, a larger touchscreen, sunroof, and upgraded driver assistance features.
The top-tier SX and SX-Prestige trims bring luxurious touches like Nappa leather seats, ventilated front seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. All trims include an 8-speed automatic and the choice of front- or all-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is standard on the highest trims and optional on lower levels.
Reliability and maintenance
The Kia Telluride has established a reputation for strong reliability, receiving favorable scores from consumer groups and automotive reviewers. Common issues reported by owners tend to be minor and mostly related to in-car electronics rather than mechanical components. Routine maintenance intervals generally follow standard schedules with oil changes recommended every 7,500 miles and inspections at 15,000-mile intervals.
Long-term ownership costs are competitive for its class, thanks in part to Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty that offers reassurance against costly repairs. Potential buyers should confirm all software updates have been applied and inspect for any infotainment glitches during test drives. Overall, maintenance expenses are manageable and expected to remain so with proper care.
Fuel economy and running costs
Fuel economy is average for a midsize SUV powered by a V6 engine. Real-world figures commonly range between 19 and 24 miles per gallon, depending on whether the model is front-wheel or all-wheel drive. This makes the Telluride neither a standout saver nor notably inefficient, performing as expected compared to rivals.
Insurance costs are roughly in line with similar family SUVs, while depreciation tends to be moderate, with Kia’s improving brand reputation helping maintain resale values. Owners should budget for fuel costs consistent with a vehicle of this size and power output, but overall running costs remain reasonable within the segment.
Safety and driver assistance
Safety is a strong suit for the Telluride, equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive features. Standard equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and full lane-keep assist. These systems work seamlessly to enhance occupant safety without intruding on the driving experience.
Additional available technologies include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and a surround-view camera system that aids parking and low-speed maneuvering. The Telluride consistently earns high qualitative safety marks from independent evaluators, reflecting its construction and advanced accident avoidance systems.
Model history and changes
Since its introduction in 2019, the Kia Telluride has evolved steadily with incremental updates each model year. The 2024 and 2025 versions brought subtle styling refinements and additions to available technology, including expanded digital displays and enhanced driver-assist packages.
Early models laid a strong foundation with solid performance and comfort, while newer versions refine the user interface and add premium materials, especially in the higher trims. Buyers generally prefer the latest two model years for their improved features and slightly enhanced refinement, although previous years remain excellent value purchases.
Competitors and alternatives
Key competitors to the Kia Telluride include the Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot. The Hyundai Palisade shares many attributes with the Telluride, including powertrain and dimensions, but often leans more toward luxury with slightly more upscale materials.
The Toyota Highlander offers hybrid powertrain options and renowned Toyota reliability, appealing to those seeking fuel efficiency. The Honda Pilot focuses on practicality and cargo versatility. Compared to these, the Telluride stands out with its commanding road presence, generous space, and value-oriented luxury.
Buying advice and verdict
The Kia Telluride is ideal for families or drivers prioritizing spacious comfort, safety technology, and a smooth driving experience in a midsize SUV. Its strong warranty, well-rounded feature set, and generally positive ownership history make it a compelling choice in a crowded segment.
Pros include a roomy and upscale interior, plenty of safety features as standard, and strong towing capacity. On the downside, fuel economy is average and its large footprint can challenge parking and urban maneuvering. Before buying, prospective owners should test all electronics thoroughly, confirm a clean service history on used models, and evaluate trim levels to find the best balance of features and price.
In summary, the Kia Telluride remains one of the most well-regarded midsize SUVs thanks to its blend of refinement, capability, and value, making it a smart buy for anyone needing a versatile and confident three-row SUV.