The Kia Telluride represents a bold move for Kia into the near three row SUV segment, blending bold styling with upscale materials and a refined ride. Designed alongside the more compact Seltos, it targets families and drivers who want presence, comfort, and technology without crossing into luxury brand prices.
Under the hood, the Telluride offers a choice between a responsive turbocharged four cylinder and a smooth V6, paired with available all wheel drive and advanced safety suites. Together, these elements position it as a compelling option in the competitive mid size SUV class.
| Trim Level | Drivetrain | Engine | Curb Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LX | FWD | 3.8L V6 | 4,425 |
| S | FWD / AWD | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 4,182 / 4,314 |
| EX | FWD / AWD | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 4,220 / 4,352 |
| SX | AWD | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 4,385 |
| Calligraphy | AWD | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 4,405 |
Exterior Design and Road Presence
Bold Styling and Lighting Signature
From the street, the Kia Telluride announces itself with a wide, sculpted hood, LED daytime running lights, and a distinctive waterfall grille. Sharp creases flow into 21 inch wheels on most trims, while available LED adaptive headlights add a premium touch and improve visibility at night.
Practical Dimensions and Capability
With a length of over 19 feet, the Telluride offers commanding road presence while remaining manageable in urban settings. Its approach and departure angles, combined with available all wheel drive, make it confident on light off road paths, highway on ramps, and in crowded parking lots.
Interior Comfort and Materials
Quiet Cabin and Premium Touches
Acoustic glass, thick door seals, and generous insulation keep noise, vibration, and harshness under control, making highway drives relaxed. Soft touch plastics, leather wrapped surfaces, and contrast stitching create an interior atmosphere that competes with more expensive brands.
Family Friendly Layout and Seating
The 60 40 split third row provides a practical seating option for two small passengers or as additional cargo space when folded flat. Heated front and second row seats, ventilated front seats on higher trims, and power liftgate all highlight the Telluride focus on comfort.
Driving Dynamics and Technology
Responsive Power and Refined Gearbox
The turbocharged four cylinder pairs with a smooth eight speed automatic, delivering quick acceleration while maintaining good fuel efficiency. The V6 option adds effortless power for passing and towing, while the available AWD system adapts traction on the fly.
Driver Assistance and Infotainment
Kia Drive Wise brings forward collision avoidance, lane centering, and adaptive cruise control as standard on most trims. An available 12.3 inch digital cluster and 10.25 inch infotainment screen with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep tech savvy drivers connected.
Safety Ratings and Real World Protection
Top Scores and Comprehensive Coverage
Testing by major agencies reflects strong protection for adults and children, with high marks in side impact and rollover resistance. Standard safety suites include multiple airbags, stability control, and advanced driver alerts, giving families confidence on long trips and daily commutes.
Ownership Experience and Long Term Appeal
- Strong combination of comfort, safety, and capability in one package
- Flexible seating and generous cargo space for growing families
- Competitive pricing with class leading warranty terms
- Refined drive dynamics with available turbocharged engine and AWD
- High quality materials and technology features that age well
FAQ
Reader questions
How does the turbocharged four cylinder perform in everyday driving?
It delivers brisk yet smooth acceleration for city merges and highway passing, with responsive steering and minimal turbo lag, making the Telluride feel agile for its size.
Is the third row usable for adults on longer trips?
It works well for short journeys or children, and adults can handle longer rides if the route is mostly highway, though taller passengers may prefer occasional front row seating.
What are the main differences between the V6 and turbocharged four cylinder trims?
The V6 offers more low end torque and towing capacity, while the turbo four cylinder provides better fuel efficiency and lower pricing, with both options feeling refined in daily use.
How does the Telluride compare to competitors in terms of value?
It positions itself with competitive pricing, upscale interior materials, strong warranty coverage, and available third row seating, challenging more expensive brands without their luxury badge premium.