Kia Telluride

Kia Telluride

Model Years Produced: 2020 to Current

Summary

The Telluride changed everything for Kia. Together with the Stinger, the Telluride was designed to help push Kia away from its cheap economy car roots of 20 years ago and move them more upmarket – not necessarily premium, but at least on par with Japanese competitors like Honda and Toyota. It immediately drowned in awards upon its release and commanded thousands of dollars in dealer markups, something it still does to this day in its third model year.

The Telluride is a textbook example of smart cost-cutting. Everything you interact with regularly looks and feels nice, while all the “cheap” materials are in places you don’t normally see like the kick panels. It rides great, it’s reliable, the ergonomics and controls are top-notch, the seats are comfortable, and it looks fantastic both inside and out. Its only flaws are that the engine is a little slow – though not as anemic as the Toyota 4Runner – and the build quality is still typical Kia, meaning some squeaks and rattles should be expected after a year or two. Overall, it’s a solid SUV.

Warranty - New

Information is as of 2022 model year

  • Limited: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Powertrain:
    • 10 years/100,000 miles for original owner
    • 5 years/60,000 miles for secondary owners
  • Corrosion (Perforation Only): 5 years/100,000 miles
  • Emissions: 8 years/80,000 miles
  • Roadside Assistance: 5 years/60,000 miles – includes trip interruption reimbursement
  • Trip Reimbursement: Yes

Warranty - CPO

Information is as of 2022 model year

  • Repair Deductible: $0 per visit for limited warranty, $50 per visit for powertrain warranty
  • Limited: 6 years/75,000 miles from original in-service date
  • Powertrain:
    • 10 years/100,000 miles from original in-service date for CPO owner
    • 5 years/60,000 miles from original in-service date for secondary owners (though CPO warranty is transferable for private party sales)
  • Roadside Assistance: 10 years/unlimited miles
  • Rental Car: Up to $50/day for 10 days
  • Trip Reimbursement: $100/day, maximum $500 per occurrence
  • Rental Coverage: $35/day, up to 10 days

Verdict

Pros

  • Looks cool
  • “Refined” ride
  • Huge interior capacity
  • Great standard safety features
  • Controls are very well thought-out

Cons

  • Somewhat down on power (though not obscenely slow)
  • Kia build quality
  • Kia dealership experience (for both sales and service)
  • AWD is not standard on any trim levels

Reviews

Consumer Reports

SavageGeese

Other Outlets

Specifications

All figures are as of 2022 model year.

  • Transmission: Hyundai 8-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: FWD standard, AWD optional
    • 2-speed transfer case not available
    • Electronically locking center differential not available
    • Electronically locking rear differential not available
  • Base curb weight: 4211 lbs
  • Max cargo capacity: 87.0 cu ft
  • Seating: 3 rows
  • Rear leg room: 42.4  in
  • Towing capacity: 5000 lbs

Engines

Hyundai Lambda II G6DN - 3.8L V6

Power Figures

  • 291 hp
  • 262 lb-ft

Fuel Economy

  • 23mpg combined
  • 20mpg city
  • 26mpg highway