Kia Telluride make car shopping easy. Among three-row midsize SUVs, it has reigned supreme since its debut in 2020, once again finding itself on our 10Best Trucks list for the sixth consecutive year. That’s a rare feat, especially in the face of newer challengers. Not only does it meet expectations for passenger space, it exceeds them by providing adult-friendly seating in all three rows. It also over-delivers on interior refinement, with its materials and design rivaling some entry-level luxury SUVs. Want to take the family on an adventure? The X-Pro models can tackle moderate off-road terrain. Need to tow a trailer? It can pull up to 5500 pounds.
What’s New for 2025?
The Telluride returns with no significant changes for 2025.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2025 Kia Telluride starts at $37,885 and goes up to $55,180 depending on the trim and options.We can’t resist recommending the SX trim. It delivers a near-luxury experience with all of the important options at a still-reasonable price. The SX comes standard with high-end features including a 10-way power driver’s seat, black-painted 20-inch rims, a Harman/Kardon stereo, front and rear sunroofs, and second-row captain’s chairs. Those who want the added sense of security that comes with all-wheel drive can have it for an extra $2000.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the hood of every Telluride is a naturally aspirated V-6 that makes 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission that feeds the front wheels, though all-wheel drive is optional across the board. The Telluride’s ride is on the firm side, with harsh pavement sometimes throwing the three-row SUV off its intended path. A self-leveling rear air suspension is also available. The brakes are excellent and the steering is precise, with a nice heft to its feel. The Telluride boasts up to 8.4 inches of ground clearance for off-road excursions.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The maximum towing capacity for the 2024 Kia Telluride is 5500 pounds for X-Pro models. All other trim levels have a maximum of 5000 pounds. Neither the tow hitch nor the trailer wiring harness isstandard, but both can be added as accessories either at the time of purchase or at a later date.
| Category | Telluride X-Line | Telluride SX Prestige AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | AWD, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon | AWD, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon |
| Base / As-Tested Price | $46,820 / $53,615 | $51,955 / $52,970 |
| Options | SX-Prestige Package, Paint ($6,795 total) | Paint, Interior Pkg, Floor Mats ($1,000 total) |
| Engine | 3.8L DOHC V6, direct injection | 3.8L DOHC V6, direct injection |
| Displacement | 231 in³ / 3778 cm³ | 231 in³ / 3778 cm³ |
| Power | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Suspension (F/R) | Struts / Multilink | Struts / Multilink |
| Brakes (F/R) | 13.4 in vented / 12.0 in disc | 13.4 in vented / 12.0 in disc |
| Tires | Michelin Primacy LTX 245/50R-20 | Michelin Primacy LTX 245/50R-20 |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 in | 114.2 in |
| Length / Width / Height | 196.9 / 78.3 / 70.5 in | 196.9 / 78.3 / 69.3 in |
| Passenger Volume | 151 ft³ | 58 / 57 / 36 ft³ (F/M/R) |
| Cargo Volume | 21 ft³ | 87 / 46 / 21 ft³ (F/M/R) |
| Curb Weight | 4469 lb | 4490 lb |
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Unlike many rival three-row SUVs, the Telluride is only offered with a gasoline V-6 powertrain. The EPA estimates the front-drive version is the thriftiest, with ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. All-wheel-drive models drop to 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The all-wheel-drive Telluride we tested on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route returned 26 mpg—exceeding its government highway rating.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Regardless of people’s opinions about the Telluride’s bold outward appearance, its interior is undeniably upscale and comfortable—especially in the top trims. The build quality is excellent, the materials are attractive, and features are plentiful. The SX trim tops them all with the fanciest options, which include driver’s seat memory settings, a head-up display, heated and ventilated rear seats, a rich-looking headliner, and nappa leather upholstery. Because the Telluride is several inches longer than the seven-passenger Kia Sorento, its cabin is even more spacious, especially for those in the wayback. There is room for eight with a second-row bench seat or seating for seven with the optional captain’s chairs. Along with ample interior storage throughout the cabin, we managed to fit four carry-on suitcases behind its third row and stuffed a total of 35 carry-ons with both back rows folded flat.
| Performance Metric | X-Line | SX Prestige AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 0–60 mph | 6.8 sec | 6.7 sec |
| 1/4-Mile | 15.1 sec @ 94 mph | 15.1 sec @ 93 mph |
| 100 mph | 17.2 sec | 17.6 sec |
| 130 mph | 38.3 sec | 38.6 sec |
| Rolling Start (5–60 mph) | 7.3 sec | 7.3 sec |
| Top Gear (30–50 / 50–70 mph) | 3.6 / 4.6 sec | 3.7 / 4.7 sec |
| Top Speed (C/D est.) | 132 mph | 135 mph |
| Braking (70–0 mph) | 175 ft | 176 ft |
| Skidpad (300-ft) | 0.80 g | 0.79 g |
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Kia provides some of the best comprehensive coverage out there, with the longest powertrain warranty in the business. However, it lacks the complimentary scheduled maintenance of rivals such as the Toyota Highlander and the Chevy Traverse.No complimentary scheduled maintenance.Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles.Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
