Since its debut in 2019, the Kia Telluride has quickly become one of the most popular and highly regarded midsize SUVs on the market. Known for its impressive combination of style, comfort, technology, and value, the Telluride has won numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious MotorTrend SUV of the Year and a spot on Car and Driver’s 10Best list.
As with any vehicle, however, the Telluride is not without its drawbacks. In this in-depth analysis, we will explore the various pros and cons of the Kia Telluride to help potential buyers make an informed decision.
Pros Of The Kia Telluride
1. Spacious And Comfortable Interior
One of the standout features of the Kia Telluride is its spacious and well-appointed interior. The Telluride offers ample room for passengers in all three rows, making it an excellent choice for families and those who need to transport multiple passengers regularly. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the high-quality materials used throughout the cabin give it a premium feel.
2. Impressive Standard Features
The Kia Telluride comes with a generous list of standard features, even on the base model. These include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. This extensive list of features provides excellent value for money and enhances the overall driving experience.
3. Attractive Exterior Design
The Telluride’s bold and rugged exterior design has been widely praised. With its boxy silhouette, signature tiger-nose grille, and distinctive LED headlights, the Telluride stands out in the crowded midsize SUV market. The design strikes a balance between sophistication and toughness, appealing to a wide range of buyers.
4. Powerful And Smooth Performance
The Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for everyday driving and highway merging, and the eight-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth and responsive shifts. The Telluride also offers a comfortable and composed ride, with well-tuned suspension that absorbs road imperfections effectively.
5. Excellent Safety Ratings
Safety is a top priority for many SUV buyers, and the Telluride does not disappoint. It has received top safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The extensive suite of standard safety features, combined with its solid crash test performance, makes the Telluride a safe choice for families.
6. Advanced Technology And Infotainment
The Kia Telluride is equipped with an array of advanced technology and infotainment features. Higher trim levels offer a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a head-up display, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and wireless phone charging. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with intuitive menus and quick response times.
7. Generous Cargo Space
The Telluride offers impressive cargo space, with 21 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded flat. This makes it a versatile choice for those who need to carry a lot of cargo, whether for daily errands or long road trips.
8. All-Wheel Drive Availability
For those who need enhanced traction and stability, the Telluride offers an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option. The AWD system provides better performance in adverse weather conditions and on rough terrain, making the Telluride a capable vehicle for various driving environments.
9. Strong Resale Value
The Telluride has a strong resale value, thanks in part to its popularity and positive reputation. This makes it a smart investment for buyers who plan to sell or trade in their vehicle in the future, as it is likely to retain its value better than some competitors.
10. Long Warranty Coverage
Kia’s industry-leading warranty coverage is another significant advantage. The Telluride comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. This extensive coverage provides peace of mind and reduces the long-term cost of ownership.
Cons Of The Kia Telluride
1. Limited Availability And High Demand
One of the primary drawbacks of the Telluride is its limited availability due to high demand. Many buyers face long waiting lists and limited inventory at dealerships. This can make it challenging to find the exact model and configuration you want without waiting for an extended period.
2. Mediocre Fuel Economy
While the Telluride’s V6 engine provides strong performance, it also contributes to mediocre fuel economy. The Telluride is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, and 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive. These figures are not as competitive as some other midsize SUVs, which may be a concern for buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency.
3. Large Size And Handling
The Telluride’s large size can be both a pro and a con. While it provides ample interior space, it can also make the vehicle more challenging to maneuver and park, especially in tight spaces. Some drivers may find the Telluride’s handling to be less agile than smaller SUVs or crossovers.
4. Premium Trim Pricing
While the base model Telluride offers excellent value, the higher trim levels can become quite expensive. Fully loaded versions of the Telluride can approach luxury SUV pricing, which may be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers. The added features and premium materials may not justify the higher cost for all buyers.
5. Limited Engine Options
The Telluride is only available with one engine option, the 3.8-liter V6. While this engine is capable, some competitors offer a range of powertrain options, including turbocharged engines and hybrid variants. The lack of engine choices may limit the Telluride’s appeal to those seeking different performance characteristics or improved fuel efficiency.
6. Third-Row Comfort
While the Telluride’s third row is more spacious than many competitors, it may still be uncomfortable for taller passengers on long trips. The seating position is relatively low, and legroom can be tight for adults. Families with older children or frequent adult passengers may find this to be a drawback.
7. Visibility Issues
Some drivers have reported visibility issues in the Telluride, particularly due to the large rear pillars and small rear window. While the vehicle is equipped with modern driver assistance features such as a rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring, these visibility concerns may still affect driver confidence and ease of parking.
8. Infotainment System Glitches
Although the Telluride’s infotainment system is generally well-regarded, some users have reported occasional glitches and slow response times. These issues can be frustrating, particularly when trying to use navigation or media functions while driving.
9. Lack Of Hybrid Option
In an era where many automakers are introducing hybrid and electric variants of their popular models, the Telluride does not offer a hybrid option. This may be a disadvantage for environmentally conscious buyers or those looking to save on fuel costs through hybrid technology.
10. Noise Levels
While the Telluride offers a comfortable and composed ride, some drivers have noted that road and wind noise can be noticeable at higher speeds. This may detract from the overall refinement of the vehicle, particularly on long highway journeys.
Conclusion
The Kia Telluride is an impressive midsize SUV that offers a compelling combination of space, comfort, technology, and value. Its pros include a spacious and comfortable interior, a long list of standard features, attractive design, strong performance, excellent safety ratings, advanced technology, generous cargo space, all-wheel-drive availability, strong resale value, and long warranty coverage. These attributes make it a standout choice for families and those seeking a versatile and well-rounded vehicle.
However, the Telluride is not without its cons. Limited availability and high demand can make it difficult to purchase, and its mediocre fuel economy, large size, premium trim pricing, limited engine options, third-row comfort, visibility issues, infotainment system glitches, lack of hybrid option, and noise levels are important considerations for potential buyers.
By carefully weighing these pros and cons, buyers can make an informed decision about whether the Kia Telluride meets their needs and preferences. For many, the Telluride’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a top contender in the competitive midsize SUV segment. As with any vehicle purchase, conducting thorough research, test driving the vehicle, and consulting with a trusted automotive advisor can help ensure that the Telluride is the right fit for your lifestyle and requirements.