2021 Kia Telluride review
Kia Telluride highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Loads of passenger space, for up to eight people
- Luxury-car level of refinement and comfort
Cons
- Limited places to stow small items
- Just one engine offered
Mileage (EPA estimate)
19 city, 24 highway, 21 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $27,998*
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2021 Kia Telluride competes among the top midsize SUVs
The Kia Telluride arrived in 2020 and quickly established itself as one of the midsize SUVs to beat in a competitive crowd. Sitting above the Sorento in the Kia range, the Telluride competes with the Ford Explorer, the Honda Pilot, and a lengthy list of others. Like most of its rivals, the Telluride has three rows of seating and accommodates up to eight people in the entry LX trim. The head count drops by one in the S trim and above, because two captain's chairs replace the second-row bench. Going up a level, the EX adds to the already comprehensive features of the base LX, and the SX feels positively luxurious with its extensive comfort and convenience features.
That luxury doesn't cost much either: The Telluride is competitively priced against its rivals, while its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is a standout in the industry. There's only one engine choice, a 291-hp 3.8-liter V6 that drives the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is an option on any trim level. The Telluride is a spacious, well-equipped, and easy-to-drive midsize SUV, and it's well worth a look if you need a capable, comfortable, feature-packed family vehicle.
All Kia Telluride years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Kia Telluride generation from 2020 to 2025
What is new for the 2021 Kia Telluride?
- Telluride trims have been upgraded with Remote Start as standard equipment this year.
- DVD Video System features are now available as options on select trims.
- The LX trim now comes with Power Seat(s) as standard equipment.
- The S trim now comes with Quad Seats as standard equipment.
2021 Kia Telluride trims
Curious how Kia Telluride trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesLX:
The base trim comes with a ton of standard features like eight-passenger seating, rear heating and air conditioning control, simulated leather upholstery, an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration, a USB media port and five USB charging ports.
S:
Upgrade to the Telluride S and you'll get 20-inch wheels, a sunroof, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and second-row captain's chairs (seats seven).
EX:
The EX trim adds leather seating, a hands-free liftgate, a power-adjustable passenger seat, ventilated front seats, second-row window sunshades, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation.
SX:
The top-spec SX gives you additional equipment including dual sunroofs, a larger 10.3-inch information display in the instrument cluster, an upgraded driver's seat with memory settings, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Kia Telluride photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Kia Telluride
1. Athletic exterior
With a modern exterior design, the 2021 Telluride is anything but boring. Check out the great details on the intricate grille, giving the whole vehicle an imposing look. The super cool Evonik Acrylite exterior headlights on the Avenir trim sport more than 100 individual LEDs, too. Who says you can't have form and function?
2. Latest tech
The 2021 Kia Telluride comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen as part of the infotainment system. You can even opt for a larger 10.25-inch system, which comes with standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. This means easy access to your favorite music and navigation apps. All this on top of the available driver-assistance features makes the Telluride an impressive SUV.
3. Cool trim options
Opt for the super cool Telluride Nightfall Edition and add a healthy dose of attitude. This package is available on AWD versions of the EX Premium and SX. It features exclusive exterior features including a gloss black exterior trim, black 20-inch alloy wheels, a black radiator grille, Nightfall Edition Logos, and more.
4. Comfort for eight
The 2021 Telluride is more than just a pretty face. With standard third-row seating at all trim levels, you can bring everyone along on your epic journey. Plus, with standard dual-zone climate control and available heated and ventilated seats, you can arrive at your destination in comfort.
5. Extra cargo capacity
Even with room for up to eight passengers, there is also a generous 87 cu-ft of space behind the front seats with the second and third rows folded down. The Telluride also features a wide rear opening, which is great for bulky objects and sports gear. You can also make use of a handy underfloor compartment for more secure storage.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Kia Telluride, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade is a family-friendly three-row crossover SUV with a robust 3.8L V6 engine that can tow an estimated 5,000 lbs., when properly equipped.
The engine pairs with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission that effortlessly finds the right gear.Standard features on the 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade SE include:
LED headlights
Height-adjustable driver's seat
Eight-inch touchscreen display
Following a substantial upgrade in 2017, the Nissan Pathfinder is a great choice if you're looking for a three-row SUV that can tow. 2019 models offer an estimated towing capacity of 6,000 lbs across all trim levels with the V6 engine, when properly equipped.
Look for the SV trim on 2017–2020 models for adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.Standard features of the 2016–2020 Nissan Pathfinder base trim S include:
Rear privacy glass
Six-speaker sound system
Tri-zone automatic climate control
A comfortable interior with nice materials and abundant cargo space are among the strongest suits of the Honda Pilot. Model years 2017–2021 are fitted with various standard driver-assistance features and an easy-to-use infotainment system. You can seat up to eight people thanks to the third-row seat, which means you can bring your whole crew along for the ride in models from 2017. Here are some of the standard features you'll find on all 2017–2021 Honda Pilots:
Five-inch touchscreen
Bluetooth connectivity
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration
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Ratings & 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.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Kia TellurideKia Telluride features and specs
Curious how Kia Telluride trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
LX 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Heated Mirrors
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Full Roof Rack
- Rear Entertainment System
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.8L
Horsepower
291
Torque (ft-lbs)
262
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
18.8
Wheelbase
114.2"
Overall length
196.9"
Width
78.3"
Height
68.9"
Leg room
F 41.4"/M 42.4"/R 31.4"
Head room
F 40.9"/M 40.2"/R 38.1"
Front tires
P245/60HR18
Rear tires
P245/60HR18
Seating capacity
8
Max towing capacity
500/5000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Kia Telluride FAQ
The 2021 Kia Telluride is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- LX: 20 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- SX: 20 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- S: 20 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- EX: 20 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
The Kia Telluride received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Kia Telluride as 1 out of 32 among Midsize SUV
The 2021 Kia Telluride has received an average 4.1 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Kia Telluride, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Kia Telluride Reviews.
The 2021 Kia Telluride has a maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Kia Telluride:
- Remote Start
- Rear Entertainment System
- Heated Mirrors
- Quad Seats
More about the 2021 Kia Telluride
Color options
Exterior colors:
Black Copper
Dark Moss
Ebony Black
Everlasting Silver
Glacial White Pearl
Gravity Gray
Sangria
Snow White Pearl
Wolf Gray
Interior details
Standard eight-passenger seating with simulated leather and optional leather seating.
Available reclining dual captain's chairs for easy third-row access.
Dual-zone climate control is standard across all trim levels.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
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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