KIA TELLURIDE – RANKINGS, COMPARISONS AND INFORMATION SHEETS

Updated April 5, 2022

WHY IS THIS INFORMATION IMPORTANT?

 Buying a vehicle is a huge accomplishment and a huge financial outlay.  We want you to have as much information as possible, so that you can make the best decision for you.

The Kia Telluride is a mid-size crossover SUV, built by Kia. Originally introduced as a concept car in 2016, the vehicle debuted in the spring of 2019 as a 2020 model. It is named after the town of Telluride, Colorado. The Telluride is the largest vehicle Kia has ever produced in the United States. In 2020, the Telluride was named the 2020 World Car of the Year as well as MotorTrend’s SUV of the year for 2020.

— Source Wikipedia

  • Official Page – KIA Telluride
  • Price: Starts at $32,790 USD
  • Comparable to:  Chevrolet Blazer, Dodge Durango
  • Reliability: This vehicle has a JDPower reliability rating of 85/100 which is considered GREAT.
  • Maintenance costs: This vehicle will cost approximately $8,069 to maintain over 10 years.

REVIEWS AND IMPRESSIONS

We have put together as many reviews and impressions as we could find.   Each finds a way to touch upon something that the others missed.  If you are serious about this vehicle then these videos are worth the time.

OUR SCORE

You can view the overall Mid-Size SUV Rankings here and the Luxury Mid-Size SUV Rankings here.

Our Score

SCORES BY PUBLICATION:

Kelley Blue Book: 4.8 / 5

USNews: 8.6 / 10

Edmunds: 8.4 / 10

J.D. Power: 85 / 100

Car and Driver: 10 / 10

Motortrend: 8.6 / 10

What the critics have to say…

Our 2020 SUV of the Year winner is back for 2022 with a host of updates across its lineup. The 2022 Kia Telluride is a great option in the three-row midsize SUV segment and has turned out to be another big hit for Kia. The three-row SUV has struck a chord, regularly appearing among our most popular new cars researched.

Motortrend

HOW DOES IT DRIVE?

The Telluride is a satisfying SUV to drive. Its V6 engine is responsive, though outright acceleration is ultimately average for a three-row SUV. In Edmunds’ testing, our Telluride test vehicle sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which is similar to the acceleration of the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade. The brakes are strong and can bring the Telluride to a halt in a hurry. They’re also easy to control for consistent and smooth stops.

Edmunds

IS IT RELIABLE AND HIGH QUALITY?

Is the Kia Telluride Reliable?

The 2022 Kia Telluride has a predicted reliability score of 85 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

Kia Telluride Warranty

Kia covers the Telluride with a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

HOW COMFORTABLE IS IT?

The Telluride is quite comfortable. The seats are supportive and nicely contoured, with almost pillow-like headrests. Outside noise barely makes it way inside, making for a luxury-car-quiet cabin even at freeway speeds. Engine noise is present, but it’s never unpleasant or intrusive. For a three-row SUV, the Telluride is generally smooth-riding, although it can get a little rough over uneven pavement.

Edmunds

WHAT IS THE INTERIOR LIKE?

Regardless of people’s opinion about the Telluride’s bold outward appearance, its interior is undeniably upscale and comfortable. The build quality is excellent, the materials are attractive, and the desirable features are plentiful. The SX trim tops them all with the fanciest options that include driver’s seat memory settings, a head-up display, heated and ventilated rear seats, a premium headliner, and nappa leather upholstery.

Car and Driver

WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY LIKE?

All Tellurides come with numerous collision avoidance and mitigation systems as well as adaptive cruise control that operates down to a stop. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration also comes standard, and numerous USB ports are spread across all three rows, although only one can transmit data. The optional wider infotainment screen (EX and up) looks sharp, and it comes with navigation that offers several useful features.

Edmunds

WHAT IS THE CARGO SPACE LIKE?

Because the Telluride is several inches longer than the seven-passenger Kia Sorento, its cabin is even more spacious, especially for those in the wayback seat. There is room for eight with a second-row bench seat or room for seven with the optional captain’s chairs. Along with ample interior storage throughout the cabin, we managed to fit four carry-on suitcases behind its third row and stuffed a total of 35 carry-ons with both back rows folded flat.

Car and Driver

IS THIS VEHICLE A GOOD VALUE?

The Telluride might be the best value in the class for what you get. At every price point you just get a little bit extra, from the driving experience to the interior to the standard and available features. And in top trims you get a near-luxury experience. Overall, we are very impressed with the quality of the Telluride. You also get Kia’s impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Edmunds

IS THE Kia Telluride A GOOD SUV?

Yes, the Telluride is a very good midsize SUV. Its cabin is chock-full of quality materials and user-friendly features. There’s roomy seating for up to eight across three rows, and plenty of cargo room to boot. The Telluride delivers well-rounded performance, even if it doesn’t lead the pack in any one area. The standard V6 engine is a sturdy workhorse, and ride quality and handling are nicely balanced.

USNews

SHOULD I BUY THE Kia Telluride?

If you’re shopping for a family vehicle or an SUV with lots of versatility, the Telluride is absolutely worth considering. Still, there’s some good competition in this segment. Both the Hyundai Palisade and Honda Pilot offer similar attributes.

USNews

THE FINAL WORD

The Kia Telluride does just about everything well.  If you don’t require the luxury of a Mercedes, BMW or Audi then it should be on your short list.