The Kia Telluride is a three-row midsize SUV that first hit the market in 2020. It quickly gained popularity for its bold design, spacious interior, and impressive list of standard features. Designed to compete with luxury SUVs like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer, the Telluride offers a premium experience at a more affordable price point.
Exterior Design
The Kia Telluride’s exterior design is a perfect blend of ruggedness and sophistication. Its boxy silhouette, wide grille, and LED headlights give it a commanding presence on the road. The Telluride’s design is both modern and timeless, ensuring it stands out in a crowded parking lot while remaining stylish for years to come.
Key exterior features include:
- LED headlights and taillights
- Roof rails for added utility
- Available 20-inch alloy wheels
- Power-folding side mirrors
- Hands-free power liftgate
Interior
Step inside the Kia Telluride, and you’ll immediately notice the attention to detail. The interior is spacious, comfortable, and packed with premium materials. With seating for up to eight passengers, the Telluride is perfect for large families or those who frequently carpool.
Key interior features include:
- Premium leather upholstery (available)
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Panoramic sunroof
Performance and Engine Specs
The Kia Telluride is powered by a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers a smooth and powerful driving experience. Here are the key engine specifications:
- Engine Type: 3.8-liter V6
- Horsepower: 291 hp
- Torque: 262 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (standard) or all-wheel drive (available)
Fuel Efficiency
For a vehicle of its size and power, the Kia Telluride offers respectable fuel efficiency. The EPA estimates are as follows:
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for Kia, and the Telluride is packed with advanced safety features to protect you and your passengers. Standard safety features include:
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Lane-keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rearview camera
Higher trims offer additional features like:
- Surround-view camera
- Parking sensors
- Head-up display
- Safe exit assist
The Telluride has earned top safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), making it one of the safest SUVs on the market.
Technology and Infotainment
The Kia Telluride is equipped with a state-of-the-art infotainment system that keeps you connected and entertained on the go. The 10.25-inch touchscreen is intuitive and responsive, offering seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Other tech features include:
- Harman Kardon premium audio system (available)
- Navigation system
- USB ports for all rows
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability
Trim Levels and Pricing
The Kia Telluride is available in five trim levels, each offering a unique set of features to suit different budgets and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the trims and their starting prices (as of 2023):
- LX (Starting at $37,455):
- Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen, cloth upholstery, and a suite of advanced safety features.
- S (Starting at $40,455):
- Adds synthetic leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and additional USB ports.
- EX (Starting at $43,755):
- Includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
- SX (Starting at $48,355):
- Adds premium features like a Harman Kardon audio system, surround-view camera, and ventilated front seats.
- SX-Prestige (Starting at $52,755):
- The top-tier trim offers all the bells and whistles, including a head-up display, Nappa leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof.
All prices are for the front-wheel-drive models. Adding all-wheel drive increases the price by approximately $2,000.
Why Choose the Kia Telluride?
The Kia Telluride stands out in the crowded SUV market for several reasons:
- Affordable Luxury: It offers premium features and a luxurious feel at a price that’s more accessible than many competitors.
- Spacious Interior: With seating for up to eight and ample cargo space, it’s perfect for families and adventurers.
- Strong Performance: The V6 engine provides plenty of power for towing and off-roading.
- Top Safety Ratings: It’s one of the safest SUVs on the road, giving you peace of mind on every journey.
- Excellent Warranty: Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is one of the best in the industry.
Conclusion
The Kia Telluride is a standout choice for anyone in the market for a midsize SUV. It combines luxury, performance, and practicality in a way that few vehicles can match. Whether you’re navigating the bustling streets of Deepseek or embarking on a cross-country road trip, the Telluride is ready to take you there in style and comfort.