2021 Kia Telluride Review
Price Range: $17,199 - $38,998
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Great
8.4
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2021 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.
2021 Kia Telluride Review
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Less small-item storage in cabin than in some competitors
What's new
- 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
Overview
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.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
83 listings
- $26,250good price$2,239 below market
- 55,394 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 7 Seats, 19 City / 24 Hwy MPG
- Ourisman Kia of Bethesda (22 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Bethesda, MD
2021 Kia Telluride S CARFAX One-Owner. Certified. AWD Black Copper KIA CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED, 3RD ROW SEATING, BACKUP CAMERA, FRONT HEATED SEATS, ALL WH...
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: 5XYP6DHC5MG127328
Stock: PG127328
Certified Pre-Owned: Yes
Listed since: 09-30-2025 - $26,850great price$2,377 below market
- 63,751 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 8 Seats, 19 City / 24 Hwy MPG
- Ourisman Kia of Bethesda (22 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Bethesda, MD
2021 Kia Telluride EX CARFAX One-Owner. Certified. AWD Glacial White Pearl KIA CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED, REMOTE ENGINE START, 3RD ROW SEATING, BACKUP CAMER...
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: 5XYP3DHC6MG180368
Stock: TG180368
Certified Pre-Owned: Yes
Listed since: 10-23-2025
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 our Telluride 20,000-mile long-term test to learn more about what it's like to own and live with.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Will Kaufman
Great
8.4
out of 10
We drove the 2021 Kia Telluride on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Driving experience: 0-60, engine & performance
8/10
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.
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.
Comfort: seats, ease of use, and getting in & out
9/10
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.
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 infotainment screen. Visibility is excellent thanks to plenty of large windows. The camera systems and parking sensors are helpful extras.
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.
In-cabin tech: infotainment & phone integration
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.
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: cargo space & space for small items
8/10
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.
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.
MPG: gas mileage & fuel economy
7/10
How’s the fuel economy? 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.
Value: cost, features & warranty
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 impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
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.
2021 Kia Telluride trim level differences
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:
Which Telluride trim does Edmunds recommend?
Most people will be happy with the base Telluride LX. It's a great value that includes plenty of standard features, including all the latest safety features and tech, such as automatic climate control and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. If you're looking for more features, the EX model adds leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and a power liftgate yet remains relatively affordable.
Compare 2021 Kia Telluride trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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2027 Kia Telluride: Everything We Know
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$159/mo for Telluride LX
Telluride LX
vs
$218/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Reliability
The 2021 Kia Telluride has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 4 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5, ranks it #2 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#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
$404/yr
vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
0.13x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
7.4%
vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
4 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 24V407000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SC316
- Manufactured from:
- 2019-01-09 to 2024-05-29
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 462869
- Defect Description:
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
- Defect Consequence:
- A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
- Recall Number:
- 24V214000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SC303
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 427407
- Defect Description:
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away while in PARK.
- Defect Consequence:
- A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.
- Corrective Action:
- Owners are advised to manually engage the emergency parking brake prior to exiting the vehicle until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will update the electronic parking brake software and replace any damaged intermediate shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC303.
- Recall Number:
- 22V626000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SC247
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 36417
- Defect Description:
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Telluride vehicles potentially equipped with a Genuine Kia 4-pin tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
- Defect Consequence:
- A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse and a wiring harness extension. Dealers will also inspect and replace the tow hitch harness assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 12, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC247.
- Recall Number:
- 21V164000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SC207
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 142
- Defect Description:
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash, deployment of the front passenger air bag, with a child in that seat, can increase the risk of injury to the child.
- Corrective Action:
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC207.
Warranty
5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 10 years / 100,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
Kia Telluride Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(63%)
4(8%)
3(8%)
2(10%)
1(11%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Decent SUV but not for $5k they immediately added
4 out of 5 starsBostondrive, 12/08/2020
2021 Kia Telluride S 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
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.
Disappointed
2 out of 5 starsM.T., 03/21/2021
2021 Kia Telluride SX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
After a 4 month wait to get my new Telluride I have become quickly dissatisfied. The car is a perfect size and rides great. When the features work I love it. Unfortunately I have had it in the shop 4 time's for the same problem. The blind spot detector doesn't work. Currently in a loaner car. I also had an emergency when the car wouldn't start. Lights were flashing. Called 2 … dealership's for 2 days with out a return call. I called a roadside service for help.
The hype is deserved - drive one for yourself!
5 out of 5 starsPapaDoc, 04/08/2021
2021 Kia Telluride S 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
Spent a year looking at the VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport - certain I would purchase one of these - or maybe the CX-9 or Highlander. I often skipped over reviews of the Telluride simply because it was a KIA - regardless of how often it came out as the #1 SUV in comparison reviews. A local dealer was offering bonus cash on trade-ins, and I went for a test drive. Then I drove it over … to the wife for a look. Then I bought the damn thing. Same day. I watched 2 other Tellurides sell off the lot while I made my deal. Note: The dealer listed all of their Tellys @ MSRP. No markups.
The Telluride is everything you’ve already read about. Really.
Safety - GREAT standard safety features including Lane Keep Assist, Auto-Break (collision avoidance), Rear Cross-Traffic alerts, and Blind-spot monitoring. All of that is included on the lowest trim (LX). All the safety ratings are great - you feel confident driving and riding in this vehicle.
Drive - super smooth in all drive modes and powerful enough in Sport mode to scratch the occasional itch. The drive can best be described as Composed and Comfortable. It’s an SUV so you’ll be reminded of that in sharper turns, but it feels grounded and handles great.
Design - there’s nothing for me to tell you that your eyes can’t see - it’s beautiful. I turn and look at it after parking it like an a-hole, because it’s just that pretty and I don’t care about the opinions of others. Rugged and refined, it can easily be mistaken for a Volvo XC90 or other higher priced SUV.
Infotainment - Top trims get the bigger touchscreen, and all the “bells and whistles” you’d hope to find in a high end SUV in 2021 - including customizable interior mood lighting, Driver Intercom, etc. The standard package is great on the S trim I have - easy to use, sounds very good for stock (I’m told the Harmon Kardons in the top trim are nice, but also not class-leading).
Function - 3rd Row is big enough to comfortably handle my 6’0” son with zero complaints, and even has cup holders and USB ports back there. Both 2nd and 3rd row collapse flat with cargo floor at push of a button. Simple and easy to access both rows - 2nd row captain’s chairs are as nice as the Front Row seats - equally comfortable.
Conclusion - If you’re interested in a 3-row SUV because you have a growing family and need the 3rd row, or you need the versatility of a people mover and a stuff-hauler, OR if you just really like the midsize SUV package, the Telluride is without doubt, the best value you can find... if you’re purchasing new. Because of the current supply is not enough to fulfill the demand for this vehicle, used prices are at least $4k-$6k over true KBB - and there are a lot of dealers nationwide, marking up NEW models at the same amount. DONT PAY OVER MSRP - there are reputable dealers out there still selling at MSRP. Find them and give them your business.
Form, Function, and Value. KIA absolutely nailed it.
FABULOUS
5 out of 5 starsAdam, 02/13/2021
2021 Kia Telluride S 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
Don't let the dealers markup your vehicle, they are inflating the price as much as $10,000 if you aren't careful. Don't be afraid to shop around and walk out in you need too.
2021 Kia Telluride videos
Nissan Pathfinder vs. Kia Telluride | Midsize 3-Row SUV Comparison | Price, Interior, Towing & More
When the Kia Telluride debuted in 2019 to critical and commercial success, it was a sign that Ford and Honda no longer ruled the three-row midsize SUV market. Over the past couple of years, the Telluride has been recognized as one of the best three-row SUVs. We named it the Edmunds Top Rated SUV for 2020 and 2021.
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2021 Telluride Highlights
LX
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $32,190 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
front wheel drive | |
| Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Telluride models:
- 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 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover15.5%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedMarginal
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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