Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is among the most popular midsize SUVs in America. Its combination of style, value and functionality, plus Kia's reputation for quality and reliability, makes the Telluride a must-consider vehicle for families.
Explore the evolution of the Kia Telluride
Get our expert take on used Kia Telluride models, or view year-by-year changes.
First generation Kia Telluride
Introduced in 2020, the midsize Kia Telluride SUV offers seating for up to eight passengers in three comfortable rows. A powerful 3.8-liter V6 engine and automatic transmission are standard across all ten trim levels. The most affordable LX trim is available with front-wheel drive only. All-wheel drive is optional on the S, EX, and SX trims and standard on all six upper trim levels.
The Telluride's long list of standard driver-assist features includes lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functions, automatic emergency braking, and parking collision avoidance assistance.
Inside, the Telluride can be outfitted with heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats, optional captain's chairs in the second row, and a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Some models offer a camera-based rearview mirror system, wireless device charging, a 10-inch head-up display, and a Harman Kardon® audio system. Additional off-road capability is available on X-Line and X-Pro trim levels. A self-leveling rear suspension is available on several trim levels, including X-Line and X-Pro.
Model highlights
Seating for up to eight passengers
3.8-liter V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission
Front-wheel or all-wheel drive
Available Harman Kardon® audio
Roomy cargo area
Off-road trims provide extra ground clearance
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2020 - 2025
2025 Kia Telluride
Highlights
X-Line and X-Pro get dual 12.3-inch touchscreens
Highway Driving Assist, which enables short hands-free stints, becomes standard
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2024 Kia Telluride
2023 Kia Telluride
Highlights
Updated styling
X-Line and X-Pro trims added
12.3-inch touchscreen in all models
Highway Driving Assist system added automatic lane changes
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2022 Kia Telluride
Highlights
10.25-inch touchscreen and dual-zone automatic climate control became standard
Advanced driver-assist systems now standard on all trim levels
New Kia badge design
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2021 Kia Telluride
Highlights
Nightfall Edition package added black-painted wheels and trim
Trailer-towing wiring harness upgraded to seven pins
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2020 Kia Telluride
Highlights
All-new Telluride introduced as a spacious midsize crossover SUV
“Baby Land Rover” styling
Front- or all-wheel drive
3.8-liter V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission
Three rows of seats for up to eight people
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Reliability
RepairPal gave the Kia Telluride an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Kia Telluride 2nd out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Kia Telluride is $404, compared to an average of $494 for Midsize SUVs and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Kia Telluride owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.1 times per year, compared to an average of 1.0 times for Midsize SUVs and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 7% for the Kia Telluride, compared to an average of 14% for Midsize SUVs and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Jeff Zurschmeide has been an automotive journalist for more than 20 years, covering the new car business as well as motorsports and industry news. He lives in Tillamook, Oregon, at the confluence of great roads, nice weather, and plenty of space for a collection of strange old automobiles.
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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