2021 Kia Telluride
2021 Kia Telluride Review
- Plush ride and well-shaped seats offer all-day comfort
- Spacious interior for large families
- Lots of standard tech and safety features for the money
- Less small-item storage in cabin than in some competitors
- A Nightfall Edition package that adds black-painted wheels and trim
- Upgraded trailer-towing wiring harness (now a seven-pin)
- Remote engine start button has been added to the key fob
- Part of the first Telluride generation introduced for 2020
The Kia Telluride has deeply impressed us since its debut just last year. This is Kia's biggest SUV and, like most three-row midsize SUVs, it seats up to eight passengers. Yet in just about every other aspect, the 2021 Telluride does things a little better than the rest. Its cabin is luxury-like in its quality, for instance, and the third-row seat can comfortably fit adults. The Telluride also rides smoothly and is abundantly equipped with the latest technology and safety features.
That you get Kia's great warranty and competitive pricing almost seems like an unfair advantage over other automakers. Granted, it'll still be worth your while to check out the competition. In addition to the mechanically similar Hyundai Palisade, the Telluride is up against class stalwarts such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. All are capable SUVs. But the Telluride is our favorite.
What's it like to live with?
At Edmunds we've been testing a 2020 Telluride SX V6 AWD as part of our long-term test fleet. It's proved to be comfortable, capable and a dependable family hauler, and, if anything, our fondness for the Telluride has only grown after several thousand miles behind the wheel. Check out Telluride 20,000-mile long-term test to learn more about what it's like to own and live with.
Our verdict | |
The Telluride is an impressive three-row SUV. It boasts a quiet and upscale cabin, impressive tech, extensive standard features, adult-friendly third-row seating, and a satisfying driving experience. It has a few minor weaknesses, but overall this Kia is a great pick for a three-row crossover SUV. | |
How does the Telluride drive? | |
The Telluride is a satisfying SUV to drive. Its V6 engine is responsive, though outright acceleration is ultimately average for a three-row SUV. In Edmunds testing, our Telluride test vehicle sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which is similar to the acceleration of the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade. The brakes are strong and can bring the Telluride to a halt in a hurry. They're also easy to modulate for consistent and smooth stops. The steering is light at parking-lot speeds and weights up naturally in turns. The Telluride is stable when going around turns and doesn't exhibit excessive body roll. We also like that the engine's fuel-saving stop-start feature works smoothly and quietly. | |
How comfortable is the Telluride? | |
The Telluride is quite comfortable. The seats are supportive and nicely contoured, with almost pillow-like headrests. Outside noise barely makes it way inside, making for a luxury-car-quiet cabin even at freeway speeds. Engine noise is present, but it's never unpleasant or intrusive. For a three-row SUV, the Telluride is generally smooth-riding, although it can get a little rough over uneven pavement. The climate control system is easy to use and properly regulates temperature in all three rows. While the seat heating and ventilation aren't the strongest on the market, it's nice to see them available for both first- and second-row passengers. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The Telluride offers a very roomy and upscale-feeling cabin with easy access to all three rows. Passenger space is excellent in both the second and third rows. The space feels more open thanks in part to the abundance of large windows. Only front-passenger knee room is a little tight. The controls are clearly labeled and grouped logically. However, the driver has to stretch to reach the infotainment screen. Visibility is excellent thanks to plenty of large windows. The camera systems and parking sensors are helpful extras. | |
How’s the tech? | |
All Tellurides come with numerous collision avoidance and mitigation systems as well as adaptive cruise control that operates down to a stop. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come standard, and numerous USB ports are spread across all three rows, although only one can transmit data. The optional wider infotainment screen (EX and up) looks sharp, and it comes with navigation that offers several useful features. Our SX test vehicle also had the head-up display and rear-seat intercom features; both are useful. The upgraded 10-speaker sound system is also excellent. The turn-signal camera display in the gauge cluster is less impressive. It's small, low-res and mostly redundant given the regular blind-spot monitoring system. | |
How’s the storage? | |
Cargo space is generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubes with both rows folded down. The hatch opening is wide and accommodating, and there's also a useful underfloor compartment, too. With 5,000 pounds of max towing capacity, the Telluride matches class leaders. Small-item storage is a weakness: While there are several options for organizing small items, there's much less space for personal effects than in some competitors. Got small children? Child safety seats fit easily, and the car seat anchors are easy to find. | |
How economical is the Telluride? | |
The Telluride's EPA-estimated fuel economy is slightly below average at 21 combined (19 city/24 highway). On the plus side, our test Telluride achieved about 23 mpg on our 115-mile mixed driving evaluation route, indicating that the EPA's numbers are realistic. You can run the V6 on regular gas, unlike some rival SUVs that require premium gas to return their rated power and fuel economy numbers. | |
Is the Telluride a good value? | |
The Telluride might be the best value in the class for what you get. From the driving experience to the interior to the standard and available features, at every price point you just get a little bit extra, and in top trims you get a near-luxury experience. Overall, we are very impressed with the quality of the Telluride. You also get Kia's impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. | |
Wildcard | |
It seems like Kia went hard for a "baby Land Rover" feel, and it nailed it without the Telluride coming across as a knockoff. It's bargain luxury in a good way, and the Telluride's space, design and driving experience are a step above competitors. | |
Which Telluride does Edmunds recommend?
Kia Telluride models
The 2021 Kia Telluride is available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX and SX. Each comes standard with a 3.8-liter V6 (291 horsepower, 262 lb-ft of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, though all-wheel drive is optional on all four trims. Highlighted features include:
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2021 Kia Telluride.
Trending topics in reviews
- appearance
- road noise
- safety
- driving experience
- infotainment system
- seats
- spaciousness
- dashboard
- maintenance & parts
- comfort
- value
- interior
- reliability & manufacturing quality
- wheels & tires
- climate control
- doors
- lights
- fuel efficiency
- engine
- warranty
- off-roading
- handling & steering
Most helpful consumer reviews
SUV drove very well and lots of new updates (looked at the mid range). Once we sat down to discuss the sticker price we were informed the Kia Dealership would be adding $5000 to the sticker price because “it’s popular” and that’s what we could start negotiating from ($42,820). It’s a great deal for the maker at the sticker price but not at starting above sticker.
Started looking at mid-size SUV's as the lease on my Infinity QX50 was ending. After checking with Edmunds I first looked at the Honda Passport, test drove it and liked it. But when I test drove the Telluride I couldn't believe how quiet and comfortable it was. Its tech and safety features rock! I know some are upset with the "market adjustment", what some in the auto industry call a bump sticker. I took that into consideration when I decided to trade in our late model corvette, which we loved as a week-end driver, but it wasn't practical. When the Kia dealership offered more than $11k higher than any previous trade-in offer the decision was easy and the increased trade-in amount more than offset the bump sticker. I traded the 'vette against a EX 2 wheel drive Telluride in white (we live in FL) with the premium package. In addition to the bumper to bumper 5 year and 10 year 100k mile powertrain warranty the dealership extended the latter to lifetime, for free. How can anyone beat that? We've been more pleased with it than any previous new car (about 12+) that we've ever leased or owned. If you're in the market for a mid sized (closer to full size) SUV you should include the Telluride in your search...drive it and you'll be hooked.
I went back and forth between Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. I liked the price and extra features in the Palisade, but just couldn't warm up to the styling. Went with Telluride and it looks more like a real SUV and I was more confident that it wouldn't have wind noise issue that seem to be common in Palisade, and it came with better tires, but still on 20" rims. My biggest issue is that if you want more of the luxury features, they force you to take the crappy 20" wheels with low profile tires. Low profile tires do not belong on an SUV! Even in the Nightfall edition, you still can't get 18" wheels and the better tire profile. Both wheel/tire combos are the same width and same rolling diameter so it would be easy for them to offer a slightly more "off-road" package with an 18" wheel and a more M/S tire like Jeep does in the Grand Cherokee, but NO! You must take the low profile tires which are prone to getting bent rims and flat tires if you take them even a few feet off road. The Telluride is a very nice design and seems like it could be more off road capable that the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander, but sadly Kia hamstrung it with the same fashion choices that the others have by forcing 20" wheels and low profile tires with anything beyond the basic trim. The driver assist features are much better in function and implementation that the Honda or Toyota competitive products.
Great car so far (only 1,200 miles in). We purchased lowest trim line to save money and are regretting not spending an extra 1K to get power adjustable seats. Manual adjustments a little bit of a pain when car has multiple drivers. I also keep wondering if we really needed such a big car. If not, would have purchased Subaru outback.
2021 Kia Telluride videos
Read Description
The 2021 Kia Telluride takes the prize as Top Rated SUV in the Edmunds Top Rated Awards for 2021. A repeat winner, the three-row midsize Telluride offers up a smooth ride, a luxurious interior, and the latest technology and safety features. Add in Kia's great warranty and competitive pricing, and it's easy to see why the 2021 Kia Telluride is the best SUV on the market today and our experts' choice for Edmunds Top Rated SUV for 2021.
[MUSIC PLAYING] ELANA SCHERR: Despite a number of new competitors we've evaluated this year, none have changed our expectations about SUVs the way the Kia Telluride has. Our defending champion has successfully defended. So for the second year in a row, it remains our top-rated SUV. And it isn't just one feature or a few small advantages here and there. It's the Telluride's overall package that continues to impress. ALISTAIR WEAVER: Depending on which variant you choose, this large, three-row SUV seats seven or even eight passengers. So there's plenty of space for family hauling. Inside, we love the attention to detail from the handsome design to the high-quality materials to the oodles of storage space. There's plenty of tech too. An easy-to-read center touch screen works well whether you're using the inbuilt system or syncing your phone. A host of exterior cameras makes parking a breeze. And for 2021, Kia has introduced a new seven-pin trailer connector which improves its towing capability. ELANA SCHERR: Where other SUVs have a similar list of attributes, they often sacrifice things like warranty coverage or simply aesthetics. Not the Telluride. Its 10-year/100,000-mile power train coverage is among the best you can get. And its design is exceptionally attractive. Not only have we evaluated one in our long-term test fleet, we even have a Telluride owner on staff. For the money, there's simply no better option. [MUSIC PLAYING]
Features & Specs
| SX 4dr SUV AWD 3.8L 6cyl 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $44,390 |
| MPG | 19 city / 24 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 7 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| EX 4dr SUV AWD 3.8L 6cyl 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $39,590 |
| MPG | 19 city / 24 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| S 4dr SUV AWD 3.8L 6cyl 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $36,590 |
| MPG | 19 city / 24 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 7 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| S 4dr SUV 3.8L 6cyl 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $34,590 |
| MPG | 20 city / 26 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 7 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6000 rpm |
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Safety
Our experts’ favorite Telluride safety features:
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Displays a live-camera view of blind spots when the turn signal is activated.
- Safe Exit Assist
- Warns if a vehicle or bicyclist is approaching your parked car and locks the doors to prevent you from opening them into traffic.
- Forward Collision Avoidance
- Warns if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
| Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4 / 5 |
| Driver | 4 / 5 |
| Passenger | 4 / 5 |
| Side Crash Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
| Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Back Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Rollover | Rating |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 |
| Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
| Risk Of Rollover | 15.5% |
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Kia Telluride vs. the competition
Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade
The Telluride and Palisade are nearly identical underneath the sheet metal. They share the same engine, transmission and optional all-wheel-drive system. Many of the technology features are similar, too. As such, picking one can come down to your preferences about such things as styling or getting the best deal.
Kia Telluride vs. Honda Pilot
Both are great midsize three-row SUVs. The Pilot has more storage bins, pockets and cubbies for your personal items, while the Telluride counters with a few more standard features and more refined operation of some of its advanced driver safety features.
Kia Telluride vs. Volkswagen Atlas
The Atlas shines when it comes to interior space. The spec sheet indicates that it's no larger than the Telluride, but the space has a more open and usable feel to it. It also has a smooth ride, secure handling and easy-to-use controls. But the Telluride is quicker and has a more refined and upscale interior.
FAQ
Is the Kia Telluride a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Kia Telluride?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Kia Telluride:
- A Nightfall Edition package that adds black-painted wheels and trim
- Upgraded trailer-towing wiring harness (now a seven-pin)
- Remote engine start button has been added to the key fob
- Part of the first Telluride generation introduced for 2020
Is the Kia Telluride reliable?
Is the 2021 Kia Telluride a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Kia Telluride?
The least-expensive 2021 Kia Telluride is the 2021 Kia Telluride LX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $32,190.
Other versions include:
- SX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $44,390
- EX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $39,590
- S 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $36,590
- S 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $34,590
- EX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $37,590
- LX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $32,190
- SX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $42,490
- LX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $34,190
What are the different models of Kia Telluride?
More about the 2021 Kia Telluride
2021 Kia Telluride Overview
The 2021 Kia Telluride is offered in the following submodels: Telluride SUV. Available styles include SX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A), EX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A), S 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A), S 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A), EX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A), LX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A), SX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A), and LX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A).
What do people think of the 2021 Kia Telluride?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2021 Kia Telluride and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2021 Telluride 4.3 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2021 Telluride.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2021 Kia Telluride and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2021 Telluride featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2021 Kia Telluride?
2021 Kia Telluride SX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
The 2021 Kia Telluride SX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $45,615. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Telluride SX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) is trending $675 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $675 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $44,940.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Telluride SX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) is 1.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 9 2021 Kia Telluride SX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Denver area.
2021 Kia Telluride EX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
The 2021 Kia Telluride EX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $40,815. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Telluride EX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) is trending $619 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $619 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $40,196.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Telluride EX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) is 1.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 8 2021 Kia Telluride EX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Denver area.
2021 Kia Telluride S 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
The 2021 Kia Telluride S 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $37,815. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Telluride S 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) is trending $537 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $537 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $37,278.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Telluride S 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) is 1.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 4 2021 Kia Telluride S 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Denver area.
2021 Kia Telluride LX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
The 2021 Kia Telluride LX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $35,415. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Telluride LX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) is trending $508 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $508 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $34,907.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Telluride LX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) is 1.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 4 2021 Kia Telluride LX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Denver area.
2021 Kia Telluride LX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
The 2021 Kia Telluride LX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $33,415. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Telluride LX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) is trending $472 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $472 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $32,943.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Telluride LX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) is 1.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2021 Kia Telluride LX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Denver area.
Which 2021 Kia Tellurides are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2021 Kia Telluride for sale near. There are currently 51 new 2021 Tellurides listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $33,865 and mileage as low as 1 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2021 Kia Telluride.
Can't find a new 2021 Kia Tellurides you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Kia for sale - 5 great deals out of 24 listings starting at $22,915.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2021 Kia Telluride?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Kia lease specials