Although a relative newcomer, the Kia Telluride has quickly become a much sought-after vehicle. This American-designed, American-built (assembled in Georgia) three-row SUV has knock-out good looks, a class-leading powertrain, and a cabin to rival some luxury brands. Like other popular family SUVs, the Telluride's desirability ensures strong resale values, something to keep in mind when shopping the used SUV market. However, buying a used Telluride has one great advantage: its warranty. While the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty reverts to 5 years or 60,000 miles when buying used, buying a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Telluride from a Kia retailer reinstates the original factory warranty, negating the need to spend more on a second-party extended warranty.
Kia Telluride Generations
Kia Telluride (1st Generation: 2020 - Current)
2020 marks the first year for the Telluride, and Kia didn’t pull its punches. The 3-row Telluride can seat up to eight passengers, offers multiple trims with various personalities, and comes loaded with standard features. The Telluride’s 291-horsepower V6 engine has more than enough power to move it along, pulled by its front wheels and offering the option of all-wheel drive (AWD). Even the least expensive Telluride will impress if you're a techie. Standard amenities include Kia's Drive Wise driver-assist suite, which includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, amongst others. Move up to more expensive trims, and you'll find cool features like a dual-panel sunroof, ventilated front and second-row seats, 64-color ambient lighting, a big 10.25-inch touchscreen display, a surround-view monitor, a head-up display, and a self-leveling rear suspension. The only place the Telluride falls behind the competition is its application of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which still require a wire to connect.
Model Updates: The 2021 Telluride picks up a new Nightfall Edition and has remote start added to the key fob. 2022 sees an expansion of available trims and a new grille design. New standard equipment includes a 10.25-inch navigation display, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more driver-assist technology. For 2023, the X-line and X-Pro trims join the lineup, featuring greater towing ability, more ground clearance, and all-terrain tires. The Telluride gets a mild makeover with revised front and rear styling. At the same time, its interior sees new tech, such as available dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screens, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Hyundai Digital Key, a more advanced semi-autonomous driving assist system (HDA 2.0), and a rear camera mirror.
Kia Telluride Buying Tips
Do you need help choosing the right Kia Telluride? Autotrader provides expert automotive advice to ensure you purchase the perfect vehicle.
Kia Telluride FAQs
Is the Kia Telluride a Good SUV?
The Kia Telluride has won numerous awards from Kelley Blue Book. The Telluride was most recently awarded the 2024 3-Row Midsize SUV of the Year award and earned a spot on the 2022 Best Resale Value list in the SUV category.
The Kia Telluride was released in 2020 and earned a spot on Autotrader’s Best New Cars for 2022 list. The first-generation Kia Telluride is an outstanding choice for those in the market for a well-rounded SUV.
