2020 Kia Telluride Review

Name: 2020 Kia Telluride Review
Brand: Kia

Price Range: $17,695 - $34,998

+152

The 2020 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 weaknesses, but overall this Kia is a great pick for a three-row crossover SUV.

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$26,366 avg. price

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2020 Kia Telluride Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

Robust standard V6 with decent towing power
Spacious interior for large families
Lots of standard tech and safety features
Plush ride and well-shaped seats offer all-day comfort

Cons

No available powertrain upgrades
Less small-item storage in cabin than some competitors

What's new

All-new model
Kia's biggest SUV yet
Seating for seven or eight people

Overview

For many years, Kia has offered up its Sorento as a choice for shoppers looking for a three-row crossover SUV. As much as we like the Sorento, it comes up short in two important areas: cargo and rear passenger space. That's why we're excited to see the new 2020 Kia Telluride. It addresses those shortcomings with a larger size and a lot more interior capacity.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale nearby

58 listings

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2020 Kia Telluride
LX 4dr SUV
$17,695
great price
$2,131 below market
- 111,764 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- Dulles Kia (6 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Third-row seating
Close
Located in Leesburg, VA
AWD, CLEAN 1 OWNER CARFAX, THIRD ROW, LANE KEEP ASSIST, BLIND SPOT, SOFINO LEATHER INTERIOR, APPLE CARPLAY/ANDROID AUTO, BLUETOOTH, NEW TIRES, VA INSP...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (19 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5XYP2DHC3LG074641
Stock: DX24285A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-25-2025
2020 Kia Telluride
EX 4dr SUV
$18,444
great price
$3,675 below market
- 100,008 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- Auto Buying Service (18 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Fairfax, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (19 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5XYP3DHC5LG004152
Stock: ABS6559
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-03-2024

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The Telluride, an all-new three-row midsize SUV, is now Kia's biggest vehicle and about the same size as a Honda Pilot. It can seat up to eight passengers and offers a maximum of 87 cubic feet of cargo capacity. A 291-horsepower V6 is standard as are plenty of advanced driver safety features. The interior design is upscale, and Kia is also offering some family-focused features such as an available driver intercom system. Another draw is the Telluride's bold styling, a rarity in the class.

Even better, Kia has thoughtfully executed just about every aspect of the vehicle. It drives well, has plenty of utility and a pleasant passenger space, and offers up just about all the features we expect from this class of vehicle. In higher trim levels, it becomes an even more appealing near-luxury choice, delivering a premium experience. If you're shopping for a three-row crossover SUV, Kia's new Telluride is one of the top models to check out.

Notably, we picked the 2020 Kia Telluride as one of Edmunds' Best 3-Row SUVs for 2020, as well as ranking the Telluride as Edmunds' Top Rated SUV of 2020. See all of the Top Rated Vehicles on our Best Cars page.

What's it like to live with the Telluride?

The Kia Telluride quickly became one of our favorite three-row midsize SUVs after its debut. It impressed us with its comfortable seating, flexible cargo space, and upscale and feature-packed design. We liked it so much our editorial team acquired a 2020 Kia Telluride SX AWD to test out for a whole year. Check out our long-term Telluride test to learn even more. We cover everything from seat comfort to real-world reliability.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Great

8.4

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8/10

How does the Telluride drive? Overall, the Telluride is a satisfying SUV to drive. In Edmunds testing, our Telluride sprinted from 0 to 60 mph time in 7.5 seconds, which is an average time for this type of vehicle. Still, the V6 feels able and responsive. The brakes are strong and easy to judge, returning a 60-0 mph stopping distance of 120 feet. That result is among the best in its class.

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, and that the transmission responds quickly when you need a downshift.

Comfort

9/10

How comfortable is the Telluride? The Telluride is quite comfortable. The seats are supportive and nicely contoured, with almost pillow-like headrests. Noise is incredibly well-handled, making for a luxury-car-quiet interior 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.

Interior

8.5/10

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 new, wider infotainment screen. Visibility is excellent thanks to plenty of large windows. The camera systems and parking sensors are helpful extras.

Technology

8/10

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.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? Trunk space is generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubes with both rows folded down. Beyond that, the hatch opening is wide and accommodating. There's also a useful underfloor compartment. 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. Car seats fit easily, and the car seat anchors are easy to find.

Fuel Economy

7/10

How’s the fuel economy? The Telluride EPA-estimated fuel economy is about average. On the plus side, our Telluride actually lived up to its promise and achieved about 23 mpg in our mixed driving.

Value

8/10

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 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is the best in the class.

Wildcard

9/10

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?

The base LX trim is an excellent budget choice that comes with just about all of the standard features you'll need, such as the latest driver safety tech and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To get some useful SUV convenience features, such as a power liftgate and keyless access and push-button ignition, consider stepping up to the EX.

Compare 2020 Kia Telluride trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2020 Kia Telluride models

The 2020 Kia Telluride is a midsize SUV with seating for seven or eight passengers. Under the hood is a 3.8-liter V6 (291 horsepower, 262 lb-ft of torque) that is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available as an option. There are four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX.

Kia Telluride LX

Standard features for the LX include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, selectable drive modes, adaptive cruise control, simulated-leather upholstery, 60/40-split folding second- and third-row seating, Bluetooth, five USB charge ports, an 8-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker stereo with satellite radio and USB input.

Standard advanced safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and a drowsy driver warning system.

Kia Telluride S

The S trim upgrades 20-inch wheels, roof rails, a sunroof, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and second-row captain's chairs. (The bench seating remains optional.)

Kia Telluride EX

You get a lot more when you step up to the EX. It adds LED taillights, power-folding mirrors, acoustic glass for front doors, a hands-free liftgate, keyless entry and ignition, three-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, the second-row bench, an extra USB charge port, a 10.3-inch touchscreen, a driver voice amplifier for the rear seats, a Quiet Mode (which silences the rear speakers), and a wireless charging pad.

Kia Telluride SX

At the top of the list is the SX trim. This Telluride has all of the above plus LED headlights and foglights, dual sunroofs, front parking sensors, an upgraded driver information display, interior ambient lighting, driver-seat memory functions, the second-row captain's chairs, a surround-view parking camera system, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system. It also receives a blind-spot camera system, automatic high beams and a low-level automated highway driving system.

An optional 5,000-pound towing capacity tow package with a self-leveling suspension is available for EX and SX trims. The SX with AWD is eligible for the Prestige package, which brings premium leather, a head-up display, heated and ventilated second-row seats, automatic wipers, a household power outlet, and a heated steering wheel.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Kia Telluride LX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$159/mo

$218/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

See Edmunds pricing data

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#2 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Kia Telluride from 2008-2022.}

$404/yr

vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.13x/yr

vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

7.4%

vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Kia Telluride Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.1

139 reviews

5(59%)

4(17%)

3(6%)

2(7%)

1(11%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Ac blowing hot

Samantha Moon, 08/29/2020

2020 Kia Telluride S 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A)

My car is 2 months old and the air started blowing hot.Brought it in to dealer and first thing out of service techs mouth was oh a rock must of hit your condenser.Then comes to tell me yah it was a rock and your warranty doesn't cover that. Then go to read 30 other reviews of the same issue and how they were told to make a claim with their insurance and just pay the deductible to get it …

Telluride is not what I hopef

Ak2024, 12/01/2020

2020 Kia Telluride SX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A)

2020 Kia Telluride SX. Being long time satisfied Toyota owners, we decided to take the leap. For 3 months, everything was great and then we noticed revving and not wanting to accelerate. After multiple trips to the dealership, the transmission was replaced. This fall when the weather cooled down the heater would not get more than Luke warm. The dealership said this was normal. …

Kia Telluride

James Longley, 04/12/2021

2020 Kia Telluride LX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A)

My Kia Tellude after 17,000 miles started randomly slaming on breaks with no cars in front of vehicle. We have had it in Kia dealership for 4 weeks and they have no idea how to fix it. They said they had 3 other Telluride doing same thing. Will never buy another Kia. Sad thing is it will take someone being killed in the car to get recalls. But it won't be my family selling ASAP.

Great car electrical issue

Rick, 12/29/2019

2020 Kia Telluride SX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A)

I love this car. The only problem is an electrical issue that the dealer has not been able to fix. When the car sits for more than 3 days, it does not start. It has been at the dealer twice and is currently there since 12/9. They have replaced parts in the door but it still has an issue

See all 139 reviews of the Kia Telluride

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2020 Kia Telluride videos

How Reliable Is a Kia Telluride After a Year? Long-Term 2020 Kia Telluride Review

For the second year in a row, the Kia Telluride was voted as Edmunds Top Rated SUV. What better way to validate that decision than by owning one for a year? That's exactly what we did. What was it like to live with a 2020 Kia Telluride for nearly a year? What makes the Kia Telluride our favorite SUV for two years in a row? Find out as Edmunds wraps up its ownership of a…

2020 Telluride Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$31,890
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$159/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	21.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Telluride models:

Blind-Spot View Monitor: Displays a live camera view of your 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 your 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

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Marginal
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

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2020 Kia Telluride Review

Price & Payment

2020 Kia Telluride Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale nearby

2020 Kia TellurideLX 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2020 Kia TellurideEX 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

What's it like to live with the Telluride?

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Telluride does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Kia Telluride models

Kia Telluride LX

Kia Telluride S

Kia Telluride EX

Kia Telluride SX

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Kia Telluride LX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Kia Telluride Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Ac blowing hot

Telluride is not what I hopef

Kia Telluride

Great car electrical issue

2020 Kia Telluride videos

How Reliable Is a Kia Telluride After a Year? Long-Term 2020 Kia Telluride Review

2020 Telluride Highlights

Safety

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2020 Kia Telluride
LX 4dr SUV

2020 Kia Telluride
EX 4dr SUV

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Kia Telluride LX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}