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.
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
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
Driver assistance features work well and are easy to use
Cons
Less small-item storage in cabin than some competitors
Slightly jerky acceleration under full acceleration
What's new
Updated front and rear styling
X-Line and X-Pro trim levels debut
Updated interior with larger displays
Enhanced driver assist features
Part of the first Telluride generation introduced for 2020
Overview
The Kia Telluride is quite simply the best three-row SUV you can buy today. Since its debut in 2020, the Telluride has impressed us enough to award it an Edmunds Top Rated award every year since. In particular, the Telluride rises above the rest of the class with a smooth ride quality, luxurious interior, and a third row of seats that can accommodate adult-size passengers. On top of all that, you get a lot of features for the money as well as a generous warranty.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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 $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Kia is also making a few updates to the 2023 Telluride, most notably introducing two new subtrim levels to the Telluride lineup: the X-Line and the X-Pro. Think of these more like option packages that can be added to a few of the existing trim levels to make them more rugged. The X-Line is offered on the EX, SX and SX Prestige, while the X-Pro is only offered on the SX and SX Prestige.
The X-Line features a slightly higher ride height and a reworked traction control system to better help the Telluride make its way over rough terrain. It also gains some exterior styling tweaks that include a distinctive grille, body-color door handles, bridge-type roof rails and 20-inch wheels. The lifted stance gives the Telluride X-Line about 8.4 inches of ground clearance, 0.4 inch more than the regular Telluride. That improves approach and departure angles very slightly, but at least gets in the conversation with the similarly outdoorsy Subaru Ascent (8.7 inches). The X-Pro's all-terrain tires are what gives it most of its added capability, and they are wrapped around 18-inch black-painted wheels. Additionally, the X-Pro adds a 110-volt power inverter in the cargo area and increases the Telluride's tow rating 500 pounds to a maximum of 5,500 pounds thanks to a more powerful electric fan for greater engine cooling.
Beyond the two new trims, the rest of the Telluride lineup gets a new set of displays, one for the instrument panel and another for the infotainment display, both measuring 12.3 inches and lined up side by side atop an updated dashboard. The updated infotainment display comes standard, while the larger instrument panel display is limited to SX models and above. Kia has also updated some of the driver assistance systems on the Telluride, making intelligent speed warning (a system that alerts the driver to changing speed limits and slows the car if necessary) standard and offering a front collision avoidance system that works at intersections and can track oncoming traffic as an optional extra. There's also an upgraded Highway Drive Assist system that can make automatic lane changes if the driver taps the turn signal while the system is activated, once again standard on the SX and above. Wrapping everything up is revised front and rear styling.
These changes only add to this SUV's appeal and help it continue to be an excellent choice for a three-row midsize SUV. Other possible models to consider include the popular Honda Pilot, the Hyundai Palisade (it's related to the Telluride) and roomy Volkswagen Atlas. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below for a full report on the Telluride's comfort, utility and more.
What's it like to live with?
We added a 2020 Telluride SX V6 AWD to the Edmunds long-term test fleet, where we lived with the vehicle for a full year to get the full ownership experience. While many test vehicles show their weaknesses, the Telluride reinforced our admiration. Note that while we tested a 2020 Telluride, most of our observations also apply to the 2023 model. Read our Telluride's 20,000-mile long-term test for more real-world impressions.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe 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
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. We recorded consistent stops from 60 mph in 123 feet, which is a bit shorter than average for the class. The brakes are also easy to control for consistent and smooth stops on the street.
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. Transmission upshifts can be a little rough under hard acceleration, and the transmission can hunt around on certain grades, but these are pretty small concerns overall.
Comfort
9.0/10
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 works its 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 off-road-oriented X-Pro turns out to be great on pavement as well, providing another layer of ride comfort and insulation from potholes and road seams.
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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
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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. Kia has repositioned the touchscreen closer to the driver, making a once extra-long reach a thing of the past. Visibility is excellent thanks to plenty of large windows. The camera systems and parking sensors are helpful extras.
Technology
8.0/10
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 smartphone integration also comes standard, and numerous USB ports are spread across all three rows, although only one can transmit data. Wireless smartphone connectivity remains conspicuously absent. A standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is mounted in a housing that puts it right next to the gauge cluster. It gives all trim levels a large display that's easily reached from the driver's seat.
SX models and above also get a matching 12.3-inch instrument cluster display. The larger instrument cluster display makes the blind-spot view system more useful. The previous display only measured 7 inches and was small and pixelated, but the new one looks much clearer and works well in tandem with the blind-spot warning system to give the driver helpful information. Kia's Highway Driving Assist system is great. It accelerates and slows down smoothly while keeping the Telluride centered in its lane without ping-ponging from side to side.
Storage
8.0/10
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 a useful underfloor compartment too. With a max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, 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 small personal items than in some competitors. Got small children? Child safety seats fit easily, and the car seat anchors are easy to find.
Fuel Economy
7.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? The all-wheel-drive Telluride's EPA-estimated fuel economy is slightly below average at 21 mpg 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
8.5/10
Is the Telluride a good value? The Telluride might be the best value in the class for what you get. At every price point you just get a little bit extra, from the driving experience to the interior to the standard and available features. 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
9.0/10
It seems like Kia went hard for a "baby Land Rover" feel and 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?
It's tough to choose from the Telluride's trim levels. But our choice for the updated 2023 Telluride is the SX trim. It offers the upgraded instrument cluster with the 12.3-inch display, as well as more advanced driver assist features, leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats that add to cabin comfort.
Kia Telluride models
The 2023 Kia Telluride is available in five trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX and SX Prestige. There are also X-Line versions of the EX, SX and SX Prestige, along with X-Pro versions of the SX and SX-Prestige. Each trim 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, and all-wheel drive is available, except for the SX Prestige that comes with standard AWD. Highlighted features include:
LX
Starts you off with:
18-inch wheels
LED headlights
Keyless entry and push-button start
Eight-passenger seating
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Rear-passenger automatic climate control
Simulated leather upholstery
12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Six-speaker audio system
All Tellurides also come with these advanced driver aids:
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Telluride and the car in front; can also react to traffic signs and set speed)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
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)
S
The midlevel S trim builds on the base LX, adding:
20-inch wheels
Sunroof
Roof rails
Heated front seats
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Second-row captain's chairs (seating for seven)
Wireless phone charger
EX
The EX trim reverts back to the second-row bench (captain's chairs are optional) and 18-inch wheels but adds even more features, including:
Power-folding outside mirrors
Hands-free liftgate with smart opening system (stand behind the liftgate for 3 seconds with the key fob and it opens automatically)
Leather seating
Power-adjustable passenger seat
Ventilated front seats
Second-row window sunshades
Sound-absorbing front door window glass
Auto-dimming interior rearview mirror
SX
The SX includes all of the EX's standard and optional features listed above plus:
Dual sunroofs
Upgraded power driver's seat with memory settings
10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
12.3-inch instrument cluster display
Blind-Spot View Monitor (displays a blind-spot camera view in the Telluride's instrument cluster)
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Telluride and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Highway Driving Assist 2 (an adaptive cruise control enhancement that adds the ability to change lanes by simply bumping the turn signal)
Upgraded forward collision mitigation system that detects oncoming and cross traffic and adds evasive steering assistance
SX Prestige
The SX Prestige tops it all off with:
Premium leather upholstery
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Heated and ventilated second-row seats
Heated steering wheel
110-volt household-style power outlet
Customizable ambient interior lighting
An optional Towing package available for the EX and SX includes:
Self-leveling rear suspension
Tow hitch with trailer wiring harness connector
X-Line and X-Pro
There are X-Line versions of the EX, SX and SX Prestige. They additionally come with:
Standard all-wheel drive
Slightly lifted suspension for more ground clearance (0.4 inch)
Higher roof rails
Distinctive grille design
20-inch wheels with all-season tires
Enhanced traction control system
The X-Pro is for the SX and SX Prestige trims only. It has the same features as the X-Line but with:
18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
Increased towing capacity from 5,000 to 5,500 pounds
I bought my brand new 2023 Telluride in January, went to turn on my AC for the first time this May and it did not work. Took it to the service department at the dealer who said "we will take a look, but if a rock pierced the condenser it is not covered" (strange that would be the first thing he says, has this happened before????) to which we replied "we don't drive with the hood open" … and "don't work on our car until you call to say what is wrong" (we didn't want to get hit with a huge bill unknowingly). After a few hours the service department called back and said "a rock pierced your condenser and it will cost $2400 to repair and it is not covered under warranty" Turns out the grill has a designed flaw and allows rocks to pierce and break the air conditioning while driving. We called Kia Corporate, still waiting a week to hear back. We called back the Sales Manager who after discussing our concerns stated "I don't design cars, I just sell them, and if you don't like it, take your car and go somewhere else" So we had to pay $265 (Kia's fee) to diagnose that a rock pierced the condenser on a brand new car that never once had the air conditioning used. BTW, this is my 4th Kia that I have purchased, but never again. Do better KIA!!
DO NOT BUY ANY KIA
1 out of 5 stars
Mark, 06/13/2023
2023 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
Bought the 2023 Telluride in April. Good for one week. Back gate started opening on its own WHILE driving. Dealer has tried to fix it 4 times but can't figure out the cause. The dealer has tried to work with Kia corporate and so have we. Kia corporate is of NO help. Engineers are unresponsive and so is customer support. Lemon law has been enacted but they won't send us the paper work. … Once we sell this car back to Kia we will be looking for a new car, because Kia customer support has been so terrible.
Update: Kia is now saying they will not issue Lemon Law...however, the dealer has had the car for more than 30 days, attempted more than 4 times to fix AND it is a safety hazard. A lawyer will now be involved!
2023 Telluride Instrument Cluster
1 out of 5 stars
Frustrated New 2023 Kia Owner, 02/16/2023
2023 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
Under 7000 miles on my 2023 and my instrument cluster went blank (blinking blank). Dealer is helpful, but I cant say that I am thrilled to pay over MSRP AND lose my vehicle for an unknown amount of time so my instrument gauges work.
Of course this is my rating for now, I will follow up...
2023-2024 Telluride Buyers Beware (caveat emptor)
2 out of 5 stars
Matt, 06/25/2023
2023 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A)
If you are looking for a grocery-getter, school taxi, beach valet, the 2023-2024 Tellurides are wonderful vehicles.
However, if you think you might need a trailer hitch for the slightest reason, stop and move on to another vehicle.
Despite purchasing their top of the line X-Pro advertised for towing and marketed with a tow hitch displayed, there is no OEM hitch available. I have been … back and forth with KIA corporate for months on the availability of an OEM hitch and wire harness. Their latest response basically stated, there is no solution, no ETA for a solution, but you can have your dealer install a third-party product. The response to the warranty question was frustratingly vague and based on my limited experience with KIA I would expect them to deny any warranty related work related remotely to towing or the hitch once installed. Let's not even mention the fact that third party hitches either hang below the bumper (compromising ground clearance) or require cutting of the facia trim since KIA doesn't supply one.
The warranty document referenced in their reply basically states they will not warranty a third-party product (normal warranty exclusion), which is what I expected. Given their track-record with electrical fires I'm more concerned about the wire harness, which the warranty does state: *"****What is*** ***not covered****: Damage or corrosion due to such factors as accidents, negligence, improper repairs or adjustments, misuse, alterations or collision."* They key part of this phrase is "*Damage due improper alterations*" A third-party wire harness (even the palisade one) could be construed as an improper alteration.
So. This will be my first and last KIA product. ***caveat emptor***
Off-Road Tested: Kia Telluride X-Pro vs. Subaru Forester Wilderness | Just an Appearance Package?
We know, we know: The Kia Telluride and Subaru Forester are different classes of SUV and not directly comparable. But that's not the point of this comparison test! In this video, we put these two family SUVs' off-road trims — the Telluride X-Pro and the Forester Wilderness — to the… test to see if they really do bring added capability or if they're just gussied-up appearance packages.
It should come as no surprise that the Hyundai Palisade is the Telluride's closest rival since they both share similar engines, transmissions and technology features. For some people, deciding between them may come down to styling and personal preference, though the Telluride does hold a slight advantage in regard to some features.
The Honda Pilot remains one of the better picks in the class. A redesigned model is coming for 2023 and will likely be another compelling choice for a three-row SUV. The previous-generation Pilot was noteworthy for its clever storage solutions, and we expect more of the same for the new model but with updated technology features.
The Volkswagen Atlas distinguishes itself from the rest of the class with a maximum cargo capacity (with second and third rows stowed) that exceeds the Telluride's by a sizable margin. Otherwise, the Atlas trails the Kia in a few areas. Most notably, neither of VW's engine choices is particularly powerful, and sadly, fuel economy doesn't benefit as a result.
Displays a live-camera view, in the gauge cluster, 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.
Highway Drive Assist 2
An enhanced adaptive cruise control system that works down to a stop in traffic and can perform lane changes on its own if prompted by the driver via the turn signal.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
The Kia Telluride is our favorite SUV in the crowded three-row segment. It's won the Edmunds Top Rated SUV award for three years in a row, ever since its debut. It doesn't get more dominant than that, but Kia isn't keen to rest on its laurels, and it's made some small but significant changes for 2023.
Perhaps most obvious of all will be what Kia has done to the car's front end. More evolution than revolution, the headlights get a reworking with a new dual-bar design, and the air dam beneath the grille is slightly larger but better hidden than before. The rear end also gets a nip and tuck, and the taillights, though not different in shape, have also been revamped. The engine, however, hasn't changed. The V6 that resides under the hood still makes 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It sends that power through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the front or all four wheels.
Kia is adding two models to the Telluride lineup in 2023: X-Line and X-Pro. The X-Line is Kia-speak for "this is better for off-roading," and to that end Kia has added a slightly higher ride height, improved approach and departure angles, a reworked traction control system, unique 20-inch wheels, a trim-specific grille and a roof rack. X-Pro models get everything from the X-Line but replace the 20s with 18-inch wheels and 18-inch all-terrain tires and add a 110-volt power inverter in the cargo area. The X-Line and X-Pro models also up the Telluride's tow rating 500 pounds to a maximum of 5,500 pounds.
Inside, the Telluride gets a new set of displays, one for the instrument panel and another for the infotainment display, both measuring 12.3 inches. The steering wheel is new, and the dash gets a slight redesign as well. Kia has also seen fit to add more driver assistance systems to the Telluride, making intelligent speed warning (a system that alerts the driver to changing speed limits and slows the car if necessary) standard and offering a front collision avoidance system that works at intersections, as well as dead ahead, an optional extra. A Wi-Fi hotspot also now comes standard across the lineup.
Edmunds says
Are the changes for 2023 enough to stave off the competition for yet another year? We'll find out as soon as we drive the updated Telluride. Stay tuned.
FAQ
Is the Kia Telluride a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 Telluride both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.4 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 Telluride gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 46 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Telluride has 21.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Kia Telluride. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Kia Telluride?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Kia Telluride:
Updated front and rear styling
X-Line and X-Pro trim levels debut
Updated interior with larger displays
Enhanced driver assist features
Part of the first Telluride generation introduced for 2020
To determine whether the Kia Telluride is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Telluride. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Telluride's 3-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Kia Telluride a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Kia Telluride is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 Telluride and gave it a 8.4 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 Telluride gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 46 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 Telluride is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Kia Telluride?
The least-expensive 2023 Kia Telluride is the 2023 Kia Telluride LX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $35,890.
Other versions include:
LX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $35,890
S 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $37,790
LX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $37,890
S 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $39,790
EX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $41,490
EX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $43,490
EX X-Line 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $45,685
SX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $45,690
SX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $47,690
SX X-Line 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $49,085
SX X-Pro 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $50,085
SX-Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $50,590
SX-Prestige X-Line 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $51,985
SX-Prestige X-Pro 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $52,985
If you're interested in the Kia Telluride, the next question is, which Telluride model is right for you? Telluride variants include LX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A), S 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A), LX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A), and S 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A). For a full list of Telluride models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more