Kia Telluride Review: Redefining the Modern Family SUV

Introduction: A Bold Entry into the Family SUV Market

The Kia Telluride has quickly become a standout in the midsize SUV segment, offering a rare blend of premium styling, robust capability, and family-friendly practicality. Built for both suburban drives and mountain adventures, the Telluride brings a compelling mix of style, utility, and value that has captivated drivers and critics alike. At MotorVero, we've taken a deep dive into what makes this vehicle so appealing.

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Design and Aesthetic Appeal

The 2020 Telluride boasts an unmistakably rugged and upscale design that sets it apart from competitors. With a boxy silhouette inspired by classic SUVs and premium details like LED headlights and a bold grille, it exudes confidence. The spacious cabin features high-quality materials, intuitive layout, and soft-touch surfaces that rival luxury brands—an especially surprising touch for its price point.

Interior Comfort and Space

Inside, the Telluride excels with class-leading passenger and cargo space. With seating for up to eight, the SUV offers exceptional legroom in all three rows—rare in this segment. Available second-row captain’s chairs enhance passenger comfort, and the third row is genuinely adult-friendly. Tri-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front and rear seats, and an optional head-up display further elevate comfort levels.

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Technology and Infotainment

The Telluride comes standard with a responsive 8-inch touchscreen (upgradeable to 10.25 inches), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports across all rows. Higher trims add premium features like a Harman Kardon sound system, wireless phone charging, and integrated navigation. Unlike some rivals, Kia's interface is user-friendly with minimal lag and a clean layout

Performance and Capability

Powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, the Telluride delivers confident acceleration and ample passing power. An 8-speed automatic transmission provides smooth shifts, while available all-wheel drive ensures year-round versatility. With a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, it's well-suited for family road trips, trailers, or recreational gear.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a cornerstone of the Telluride’s appeal. Standard features include Forward Collision Warning, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. The vehicle earned a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS, showcasing its commitment to protecting passengers. Its suite of sensors and cameras delivers comprehensive situational awareness, a must-have for families.

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Child Safety and Car Seat Compatibility

In a MotorVero-conducted car seat check, the Telluride performed admirably. With ample room for rear-facing infant seats, convertible seats, and booster seats, it supports safe travel for growing families. LATCH anchors are easy to access, and the third row remains functional even with two seats installed in the second. This makes the Telluride an ideal choice for families prioritizing child safety and flexibility.

Trim Levels and Pricing Overview

The Telluride is offered in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, each delivering strong value. Even the base model includes key tech and safety features, while the SX trim introduces luxurious elements like dual sunroofs, a 360-degree camera, and Nappa leather seating. Pricing remains competitive, making it an attractive alternative to more expensive rivals like the Ford Explorer or Honda Pilot.

Real-World Impressions

During hands-on testing, reviewers consistently praised the Telluride’s quiet ride, minimal body roll, and composed handling. It delivers a driving experience that’s both refined and practical. Families appreciated the thoughtful storage solutions, from door pockets to underfloor compartments. Whether navigating city streets or winding mountain roads, the Telluride remains composed and confident.

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Telluride vs. Kia Sorento: Which Should You Choose?

While the Kia Sorento also offers 3-row seating, the Telluride surpasses it in spaciousness, comfort, and premium features. The Sorento's smaller footprint and available hybrid variants may appeal to urban commuters or eco-conscious drivers. However, for buyers seeking maximum space and luxury touches, the Telluride is the more compelling pick—effectively outclassing the Sorento within Kia’s own lineup.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency

Despite its size, the Telluride offers respectable fuel economy: 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for FWD models, and slightly lower with AWD. Thanks to efficient engine tuning and lightweight materials, the SUV remains competitive with other V6-powered rivals in the segment. Its fuel economy aligns with expectations for a family hauler of its class and size.

Final Verdict: Why the Telluride Dominates

With a winning formula of style, comfort, technology, and safety, the Kia Telluride stands out as one of the best midsize SUVs available today. It appeals to growing families, adventure seekers, and design-conscious drivers alike. Backed by Kia’s industry-leading warranty, it’s a smart long-term investment. Simply put, few competitors offer as much for the money.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Kia Telluride good for long-distance travel? Yes, its spacious cabin, smooth ride, and advanced driver assists make it ideal for road trips.
• Does the Telluride come with AWD? Yes, all trims offer optional all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and off-road capability.
• How reliable is the Kia Telluride? Initial data and customer reviews indicate excellent reliability, backed by Kia’s robust warranty.