2021 Kia Telluride Review

Name: 2021 Kia Telluride Review
Brand: Kia

Price Range: $20,995 - $39,998

+198

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.

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$30,803 avg. price

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2021 Kia Telluride Review

by Reese Counts^{Vehicle Test Editor
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.}

rating written Will Kaufman^{Senior Editor and Content Strategist, CarMax
Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at Edmunds. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.}

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.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale nearby

54 listings

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2021 Kia Telluride
LX 4dr SUV
$20,995
fair price
$1,125 below market
- 89,982 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 6cyl automatic
- Auto Buying Service (18 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Third-row seating
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
Close
Located in Fairfax, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
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:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5XYP24HCXMG119074
Stock: ABS7786
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-13-2025
2021 Kia Telluride
LX 4dr SUV
$22,495
good price
$1,698 below market
- 71,953 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- Driveway (226 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Third-row seating
Close
Located in Ramsey, NJ
CarFax No Accidents Reported,CarFax 1-Owner,3rd Row Seat,Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Keyless Start,Lane Kee...
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: 5XYP2DHC6MG181894
Stock: T25707P
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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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

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? 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.

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. 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.

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.

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? 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.

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

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.

Which Telluride 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

2021 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:

LX
Starts you off with:

18-inch wheels
Eight-passenger seating
Rear heating and air conditioning controls
Simulated leather upholstery
An 8-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
A six-speaker audio system
One USB media port and five USB charging ports

All Tellurides also come with these standard safety features:

Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Telluride and the car in front)
Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane is in your blind spot)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping assist (steers the car back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)

S
The midlevel S trim builds on the base LX, adding:

20-inch wheels
A sunroof
Roof rails
A power-adjustable driver's seat
Heated front seats
Second-row captain's chairs (seating for seven)

EX
The EX trim reverts back to the second-row bench and 18-inch wheels but adds even more features, including:

Hands-free liftgate
Leather seating
A power-adjustable passenger seat
Ventilated front seats
Second-row window sunshades
Dual-zone automatic climate control
A 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation
A wireless phone charger

You can add the EX Premium package to get:

20-inch wheels
Second-row captain's chairs
LED headlights

SX
The top-level SX includes all of the LX's standard and optional features listed above plus:

Dual sunroofs
Bigger information display in the instrument cluster
Upgraded driver's seat with memory settings
A 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system

An optional SX Prestige package tops it all off with:

Premium leather upholstery
Automatic windshield wipers
Heated and ventilated second-row seats

An optional Towing package available for the EX and SX includes:

Self-leveling rear suspension
Tow hitch with trailer wiring harness connector

Finally, the new Nightfall package for the EX and SX adds:

Unique black-painted 20-inch wheels
Revised black-painted exterior trim

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 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 $2.95 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$162/mo

$220/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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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

4.0

79 reviews

5(63%)

4(8%)

3(8%)

2(10%)

1(11%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Decent SUV but not for $5k they immediately added

Bostondrive, 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

M.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 …

The hype is deserved - drive one for yourself!

PapaDoc, 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

Adam, 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.

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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.

2021 Telluride Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$32,190
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$162/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	21.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

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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

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
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
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
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Kia Telluride Review

Price & Payment

2021 Kia Telluride Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale nearby

2021 Kia TellurideLX 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2021 Kia TellurideLX 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

What's it like to live with?

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Telluride does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Kia Telluride models

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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 $2.95 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Kia Telluride Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Decent SUV but not for $5k they immediately added

Disappointed

The hype is deserved - drive one for yourself!

FABULOUS

2021 Kia Telluride videos

Nissan Pathfinder vs. Kia Telluride | Midsize 3-Row SUV Comparison | Price, Interior, Towing & More

2021 Telluride Highlights

Safety

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2021 Kia Telluride
LX 4dr SUV

2021 Kia Telluride
LX 4dr SUV

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 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 $2.95 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}