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You are here: Home / New Vehicle Reviews / Kia Telluride: Opulent, Large Crossover

Kia Telluride: Opulent, Large Crossover

August 9, 2019 by admin 11 Comments

The 2020 Kia Telluride is this brand’s roomiest model.

Kia Motors continues to produce hit after hit, a trend that seems to have started way back in 2008 with the then all-new and ground-breaking Kia Soul.

This Korean manufacturer builds a variety of models, including the Forte sedan, Sportage crossover, and the Sedona minivan. In recent years, Kia has gone into new segments by delivering the luxurious K900 sedan, the performance Stinger hatchback, and now the big Telluride utility vehicle.

The Kia Telluride is this brand’s largest model ever, a three-row SUV with room for eight. It competes with the industry’s best, including the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Traverse, Toyota Highlander, Dodge Durango, Volkswagen Atlas, and the Honda Pilot. We’d be remiss if we left out the Subaru Ascent, Mazda CX-9, and the Buick Enclave.

One further note: the Telluride is similar to the all-new Hyundai Palisade. It also slots just above the current Kia Sorento.



2020 Kia Telluride Overview

Kia offers the 2020 Telluride in four trims: LX ($31,690), S ($33,990), EX ($37,090), and SX ($41,490). Add $1,095 for the destination charge. Choose all-wheel drive and you’ll pay an additional $2,000.

As for our test model, Kia supplied a 2020 Telluride SX V6 AWD edition. This one included the SX Premium Package ($2,000), which adds rain-sensing front wipers, a head-up display, a 110-volt inverter, upgraded leather, and heated/cooled second-row seats. This seven-passenger model has middle-row captain’s chairs. Some models offer a second-row bench seat, which increases overall passenger room to eight.

In all, our test model retailed for $46,860. Carpeted floor mats ($210) and a carpeted cargo mat ($115) were the accessory items added.

Kia Telluride Highlights

There is a lot to digest about the Telluride. We’ve saved our driving impressions for the section that comes next. Meanwhile, the following are the highlights of this model.

1. New design, familiar platform. The Telluride is a clean-sheet design, which means it offers a fresh look, not a derivative. Underneath its skin, this crossover has a modified version of the Sorento’s platform. There are approximately five additional inches between the wheels (six inches overall). Where the Sorento has a more flowing visage, the Telluride is decidedly boxy. It has a broad grille, wide hood, powerful shoulders, and a commanding presence.

2. Upscale with a purpose. We’ve already mentioned Kia’s mainstream competitors. But if you think Kia doesn’t have luxury shoppers in mind, you’d be mistaken. Especially as you move up the trim range. The available satin chrome exterior accents and handsome 20-inch alloy wheels could just as easily be found in a Mercedes-Benz or Lexus product. But that’s just the exterior embellishments.


The Kia Telluride offers seating for seven or eight.

3. Larger than any Kia ever. The K900 is Kia’s largest model by overall dimensions, but the Telluride offers the most interior room of any Kia: 178.1 cubic feet. Seating is excellent in the first two rows, but tight in the third row. The latter isn’t much of a surprise as that’s typical of most competing models (the VW Atlas is one noteworthy exception). Likewise, the storage space is quite good — 21 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 87 cubic feet behind the first row.

4. An interior that’s a cut above. Kia has been upping its game in recent years, delivering select models that punch above this brand’s weight. One of the earliest of its upscale models was the K900, followed by the Cadenza sedan and Stinger sportback. The Telluride aims high, delivering imitation leather on the lower trims and real leather elsewhere. The available Napa hides on the SX are pretty, luxurious, and comfortable — they’re quilted and supply extra padding. The simulated brushed metal and matte-finish wood trim impart elegance.

5. Let’s power up! All but the base trim offers a power driver’s seat. Besides full power accessories, the Telluride comes with power-adjustable side mirrors, which are also heated and include integrated LED turn signals. They fold (Ex and SX) when the vehicle is off and tilt down (SX) when operating the Telluride in reverse. Other power-controlled features include the liftgate (EX and SX) and the sunroof (S and EX). By the way, the SX has a dual sunroof.



6. Lots of standard safety tech. If you’re familiar with Kia, you probably know that it takes safety very seriously. In fact, the Telluride offers a generous level of standard and optional driver-assist safety features. You’ll find standard forward collision warning, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision-avoidance, lane departure warning, lane following/keeping assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, and adaptive cruise control with full stop and go. Upgrades include highway driving assist (EX and SX), and on the SX model only you’ll discover high beam assist, a blind-spot view monitor, parking distance warning, and a surround-view monitor. We particularly enjoyed the blind-spot view monitor, which activates cameras on either side of the vehicle to expand the forward vision. Notably, the cameras turn on when the particular left or right turn signal is activated.

7. Audio and practical tech galore. You’ll find upwards of six USB charging ports in the Telluride. Where Kia located four of them is what’s intriguing — one each is on the back side of the front seats. Two more are on the outer walls of the third row. Thus, there isn’t a bad tech seat in the house! Other features include a six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, an 8-inch color display, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX and SX trims gain navigation and a 10.3-inch display, while a 10-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system is included with the SX.

Quite easily, Kia takes on the competition with a strong model. It pushes the envelope with some of its luxury, tech, and safety features. Its quiet interior is a bonus.

Behind the Wheel

All Tellurides come with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, which shuttles power to the front wheels or all four wheels. This engine makes 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque and works with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The power numbers are very close to the 3.3-liter V6 motivating the Sorento. Indeed, the smaller V6 is one of Kia’s most power-dense engines, as it produces 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque in the Sorento. The Telluride’s engine choice did not surprise us, although its lower-than-expected output did.

Nearly every competing V6 engine in this segment produces more power and typically displaces 3.5 or 3.6 liters. But the Telluride’s V6 does offer an important towing advantage with its standard 5,000-pound rating. In comparison, the Sorento’s V6 is limited to 3,500 pounds.


Kia marries a 3.8-liter V6 to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The Telluride’s engine delivers a quick and smooth response at most times. But on occasion, we noticed some hesitation — similar to turbo lag — that held back power for a moment. It is an odd feeling for a naturally aspirated engine, an experience typically felt under hard acceleration. But once the engine kicked in, it moved the big crossover forward with authority. Equally, the transmission complied, delivering silky smooth shifts at all times.

Our test all-wheel-drive Telluride does its best to mimic a true four-wheel-drive SUV. The key to all this is the drive-mode selector knob, which includes comfort, sport, smart, eco, and snow modes. It also has a “lock” feature centered on the dial, which locks the center differential. By doing this, torque is evenly distributed between the front and rear axles.

If you’re tempted to take your all-wheel-drive Telluride off-road, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind.

First, consider the terrain. Well worn paths, modest hills, and beginner trails are the way to go. The Telluride doesn’t have the same “4-Lo” setting as a four-wheel-drive vehicle, which is necessary for freeing your vehicle from ruts.

Second, ground clearance measures just 8.0 inches, which is nearly an inch lower than most Subaru models and two inches below certain Land Rover SUVs. Further, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has a 10.8-inch ground clearance. The Telluride has a 17-degree approach angle and a 20.9-degree departure angle, which is less than half that of some Wrangler models. Kia doesn’t publish the all-important breakover angle figure, however.

Where the Telluride has modest off-road capabilities, its shines on the road. This crossover delivers a very comfortable ride, weighted steering, and competent handling. We’ve driven far more expensive models from luxury manufacturers, including the BMW X7, and find that Kia offers a solid and cost-effective option. The self-leveling rear suspension included with the Towing Package ($795) is a welcome feature.

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Choose the Telluride EX and you’ll gain dual-zone climate control, second-row window sunshades, leather trim, ventilated front seats, and woodgrain accents. This model also has a wireless phone charger, a UVO app suite, and the previously mentioned tech and safety upgrades. Your cost is still below $40,000, with only the optional trailer package and all-wheel drive pushing your final cost higher.

If there is one improvement we’d like to see it is with the powertrain. A quicker response and improved fuel efficiency (low 20s, at best) are two things that would make the Kia difficult to resist. In any case, the 2020 Kia Telluride is a strong entry in a highly competitive segment, blending value and luxury almost perfectly.


2020 Kia Telluride Specifications


Kia 2020 Telluride
Segment Large crossover
Base Sticker Price $32,785 (including a $1,095 destination charge)
Price as tested (estimated) $46,860
Engine 3.8-liter, V6
Horsepower 291 @ 6,000 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.) 262 @ 5,200 RPMs
Transmission Eight-speed automatic
Seating 7 or 8
Curb Weight (pounds) 4,112 to 4,482
Wheelbase (inches) 114.2
Length (inches) 196.9
Width (inches) 78.3
Height (inches) 68.9
Headroom (f,m,r…inches) 40.9, 40.2, 38.1
Legroom (f,m,r…inches) 41.4, 42.4, 31.4
Shoulder room (f,m,r…inches) 61.6, 61.2, 55.3
Hip room (f,m,r…inches) 58.9, 58.0, 43.7
Storage (cubic feet) 21.0, 46.0, 87.0
Gross vehicle weight (pounds) NR
Towing (pounds) 5,000
Payload (pounds) NR
Fuel Regular
Fuel Tank (gallons) 18.8
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway) 20/26/23 (FWD); 19/24/21 (AWD) city/highway/combined
Manufacturing Plant West Point, Georgia

See Also — Live! From the 2019 Chicago Auto Show!

2020 Kia Telluride photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Vehicle Reviews Tagged With: all-wheel drive, crossover, Hyundai Palisade, Kia, Kia Sorento, Kia Telluride, SUV, utility vehicle, V6 engine

About admin

Matt Keegan has maintained his love for cars ever since his father taught him kicking tires can be one way to uncover a problem with a vehicle’s suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, G-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment system in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources.

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  1. Live! From the 2019 Chicago Auto Show! says:
    August 9, 2019 at 9:32 am

    […] not familiar with the Kia Telluride yet, you will soon become acquainted with this vehicle. The 2020 Telluride slots in as Kia’s largest vehicle when it goes on sale this summer. It seats eight passengers and […]

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  2. At a Glance: 2020 Ford Explorer says:
    August 9, 2019 at 9:34 am

    […] Kia Sorento, and the Hyundai Santa Fe XL. The two latter models will soon be replaced by the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, […]

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  3. Behind the Wheel of a 2019 Nissan Pathfinder says:
    August 13, 2019 at 8:02 am

    […] the many competitors are the Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride, Chevrolet Traverse, Toyota Highlander, Dodge Durango, Volkswagen Atlas, Buick Enclave, and the […]

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  4. Highlights of the 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    September 18, 2019 at 7:46 am

    […] a year later. As before, the Sedona shares the same platform as the Sorento crossover and the all-new Telluride. The difference with the Sedona includes its sliding rear side doors and fold-down second- and […]

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  5. Premium Delight: Buick Enclave Avenir — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    May 21, 2020 at 8:28 am

    […] Atlas, Mazda CX-9, Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Dodge Durango, Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and the Subaru Ascent. We’ve driven them all and the competition is fierce. […]

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  6. The Latest, Greatest Toyota Highlander — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    June 25, 2020 at 12:46 pm

    […] Among the Highlander’s chief competitors are the Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, and the Dodge Durango. Other models in this segment include the Subaru Ascent, Volkswagen Atlas, Buick Enclave, Hyundai Palisade, GMC Acadia, and the Kia Telluride. […]

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  7. Kia Sets K5 to Replace Optima — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    July 28, 2020 at 1:40 pm

    […] K5 is built in West Point, Georgia, alongside the Telluride SUV. It will arrive in U.S. showrooms this […]

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  8. Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    September 10, 2020 at 7:24 pm

    […] Fe XL is now gone, replaced by the Hyundai Palisade. From Kia, you have both the Sorento and the Telluride. Rounding out the list of competitors are the Subaru Ascent and Mazda CX-9. That’s more than a […]

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  9. What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    January 8, 2021 at 6:26 pm

    […] the segment features many other competitors including the Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Kia Telluride, Volkswagen Atlas, Mazda CX-9, Subaru Ascent, and the Hyundai Palisade. Most of these models offer […]

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  10. Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    January 14, 2021 at 9:45 am

    […] perhaps breathing new life and giving customers a strong option to utility vehicles, including the Kia Telluride. Auto Trends will have more information about this model closer to its release date or when we […]

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  11. Introducing the All-New 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Crossover SUV — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    February 8, 2021 at 2:19 pm

    […] competitors. These include the Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9, Kia Telluride, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Volkswagen Atlas, […]

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