The Kia Telluride is a mid-size three-row crossover SUV built specifically for the North American market, earning a 9.5 out of 10 rating from Car and Driver. It seats up to eight passengers and comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty that rivals can’t match.
The 2027 redesign brings a 274-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a first-ever hybrid option at 329 hp, and a modernized interior with 10 standard airbags. Ten trim levels span from $39,190 to $58,335. A significant safety recall affecting 460,000 vehicles is a key factor buyers must investigate before purchase.
Here’s what this review covers: the full powertrain breakdown, trim-level analysis, safety features and the recall issue, real-world performance data, competitor comparisons, and pricing details to help you decide if the Telluride is the right three-row SUV for your family.
What Is the Kia Telluride?
The Kia Telluride is a mid-size three-row crossover SUV manufactured by Kia since 2019, built at the Kia Manufacturing Georgia facility and positioned as the brand’s flagship American SUV. It sits above the Sorento in Kia’s lineup. The 2027 model marks its second generation with a bolder exterior design and refined interior.
Kia designed the Telluride specifically for U.S. consumers. The name comes from Telluride, Colorado, a town known for its rugged mountain character. The design philosophy is called ‘Opposites United,’ which blends bold exterior lines with a sophisticated cabin. It’s the largest vehicle Kia has ever produced in America.
Here’s the thing: the Telluride shares its platform with the Hyundai Palisade. Both SUVs use the same wheelbase and powertrain components. But Car and Driver rates the Telluride 9.5 out of 10 versus the Palisade’s 9.0. That gap matters when you’re comparing like-for-like vehicles at similar price points.
Who Is the Kia Telluride Designed For?
The Kia Telluride targets active families who need three-row seating, 5,000-lb (2,268 kg) towing capacity, and long-term reliability backed by an industry-leading warranty in a single package. The eight-seat layout serves large households. The 10-year/100,000-mile coverage gives long-term owners meaningful financial protection.
In fact, the Telluride targets buyers who want luxury-adjacent features at a non-luxury price. Standard wireless charging pads, a large center console, and available heated and ventilated captain’s chairs in row two directly compete with premium SUVs costing $15,000 more. Starting at $39,190, the Telluride undercuts most three-row luxury alternatives.
How Does the Kia Telluride Compare to Rivals?
The Kia Telluride outscores every major rival in third-party testing, earning 9.5/10 versus the Hyundai Palisade’s 9.0, the Toyota Grand Highlander’s 8.5, and the Honda Pilot’s 8.5 in Car and Driver’s evaluation. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Hyundai Santa Fe score 8.5 and 8.0 respectively. No three-row SUV in its price range scores higher.
The Telluride’s strongest advantage is warranty coverage. Toyota offers 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. Honda and Jeep offer 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranties. Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile offer is simply in a different league for long-term buyers.
Comparison:
| Model | Rating | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Kia Telluride | 9.5/10 | $39,190 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 9.0/10 | ~$40,000 |
| Toyota Grand Highlander | 8.5/10 | ~$43,000 |
| Honda Pilot | 8.5/10 | ~$40,000 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee L | 8.5/10 | ~$43,000 |
What Engine and Performance Does the Kia Telluride Offer?
The Kia Telluride uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft (422 N-m) of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. This engine replaced the previous generation’s 3.8-liter V6. Kia’s Rack Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering system provides sharper feedback than the old column-mounted setup.
Car and Driver tested the 2027 Telluride and called the engine ‘responsive and refined.’ Power delivery is smooth at highway speeds. Towing capacity reaches 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) with the proper hitch, and maximum tongue weight is 500 lbs (227 kg).
Bottom line: the turbo-four performs well for a three-row family hauler. It’s not sporty, but it handles real-world demands with ease. Passing power above 60 mph (97 km/h) is adequate for highway driving.
Does the Kia Telluride Come in a Hybrid?
Yes. The 2027 Kia Telluride offers a first-ever hybrid powertrain that delivers a combined 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft (460 N-m) of torque, making it the most powerful Telluride ever produced. It’s the first hybrid Kia built at the Kia Manufacturing Georgia plant. The Hybrid starts at $46,490.
The Hybrid adds 55 horsepower over the standard gas model. Kia markets it as a separate model from the base Telluride. Here’s why that matters: the Hybrid variant appeals to buyers seeking power gains alongside efficiency improvements, not just fuel savings alone.
How Fast Is the Kia Telluride 0 to 60 mph?
The Kia Telluride completed the 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) run in 7.4 seconds in Car and Driver’s instrumented testing using the standard 274-hp turbocharged gas engine. This is competitive for the segment. The 329-hp Hybrid is expected to post a quicker result.
To be clear, 7.4 seconds is not fast by sports car standards. But in a three-row SUV weighing 4,381 lbs (1,987 kg), it’s entirely adequate. The Toyota Grand Highlander and Honda Pilot post similar 7.5 to 8.0-second results. Acceleration is not the Telluride’s primary selling point, but it handles real-world situations without hesitation.
What Are the Interior and Cargo Dimensions of the Kia Telluride?
The Kia Telluride features a modernized, streamlined interior for 2027 with a large front center console, dual wireless smartphone charging pads as standard equipment, and available faux-wood trim that gives the cabin a luxury-adjacent look. The NVH package adds triple door seals, expanded sound-absorbing materials, and thicker door glass for a noticeably quieter cabin experience.
The center console between the front seats provides generous small-item storage. Faux-wood trim appears on select trims. The entire interior received a modern redesign that Car and Driver described as giving the Telluride ‘an even more upscale look than before.’
And here is the best part: standard wireless charging and key fob cargo access come on the base LX. You don’t have to step up to a higher trim for basic premium conveniences. Smart device remote engine start is also standard across the lineup.
How Many Seats Does the Kia Telluride Have?
The Kia Telluride seats 7 or 8 passengers depending on the second-row configuration, with the standard three-across bench delivering 8-seat capacity and the available captain’s chairs reducing capacity to 7 while adding comfort and available heating and ventilation. Third-row access remains unobstructed in both configurations.
Captain’s chairs in row two are available on select trims. The upgrade makes sense for families who regularly carry five adults. Buyers with larger families may prefer the bench configuration for full eight-seat utility. The Telluride’s seating flexibility matches the Honda Pilot and exceeds many rivals in its class.
What Trim Levels Does the Kia Telluride Come In?
The Kia Telluride is available in ten trim levels for 2027: LX, S, EX, X-Line EX, SX, X-Line SX, X-Pro SX, SX Prestige, X-Line SX Prestige, and X-Pro SX Prestige, giving buyers a wide range of comfort, capability, and price options. The LX is the entry point. The X-Pro trims add off-road hardware. The Prestige trims represent the full-feature flagship.
Base LX models ride on 18-inch aluminum wheels. Higher trims upgrade to 20-inch alloys. X-Line variants add rugged exterior styling. X-Pro trims include additional underbody protection and terrain-specific drive modes for buyers who take their Telluride off paved roads.
Trim Overview:
- LX: entry-level, 18-in. alloy wheels, standard safety tech
- S: adds comfort features over LX
- EX: mid-level, dual-zone climate, expanded tech
- X-Line EX: EX features with rugged styling package
- SX: premium infotainment, ventilated front seats
- X-Line SX: SX with off-road exterior appearance
- X-Pro SX: terrain mode selector, off-road-rated hardware
- SX Prestige: top-spec luxury features, full technology suite
- X-Line SX Prestige: luxury plus trail-ready styling
- X-Pro SX Prestige: full capability flagship configuration
Which Kia Telluride Trim Is Worth the Price?
The Kia Telluride EX offers the strongest value for most family buyers, adding dual-zone climate control and expanded comfort technology over the base LX at a modest price premium that most buyers will recoup through daily convenience improvements. Car and Driver recommends mid-range trims for family-focused owners who don’t need off-road hardware.
The X-Pro trims deliver genuine trail value for buyers who take their SUV beyond paved surfaces. The Hybrid version is the clear choice for buyers covering 15,000 miles (24,140 km) or more annually. The SX Prestige suits buyers who want every available feature without managing a separate luxury brand service schedule.
What Safety Features Does the Kia Telluride Include?
The Kia Telluride includes 10 standard airbags for 2027, with the new front-row center airbag positioned between the driver and front passenger to reduce cross-cabin impact in specific collision scenarios. Kia Connect provides real-time remote tracking and security. An industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty covers major mechanical failures.
Standard driver-assistance features include forward collision avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, blind-spot collision warning, and driver attention warning. These systems are active across most trim levels without requiring an upgrade package. Kia is recognized among TIME’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies for 2025.
Is the Kia Telluride Safe for Families?
Yes. The Kia Telluride is engineered for family buyers with 10 standard airbags, a full suite of driver-assistance systems, and a 10-year/100,000-mile (160,934 km) warranty that covers powertrain defects for far longer than any competitor. Safety scores from major testing organizations rank it competitively in its class.
Now here is the thing: there is a serious caveat. A recall affecting approximately 460,000 Telluride SUVs was issued after Kia’s initial fix failed to hold. Kia advised affected owners to park the vehicles outside as a precaution. Buyers of used models must verify their VIN through the NHTSA recall database before any purchase decision.
Key Safety Features:
- 10 standard airbags including new front-row center airbag
- Forward collision avoidance assist
- Lane-keep assist
- Blind-spot collision warning
- Driver attention warning
- Kia Connect remote vehicle tracking and security
What Is the Kia Telluride’s Fuel Economy?
The Kia Telluride uses Gasoline Direct Injection with the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and recommends regular unleaded 87-octane fuel, making it more affordable to run than premium-fuel competitors in the same class. The EPA classifies the base Telluride as a Small SUV 2WD configuration.
Specific 2027 EPA ratings are pending final certification at publication. The previous generation’s 3.8-liter V6 returned approximately 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway (8.5 to 9.1 L/100 km). The new downsized turbocharged four-cylinder is expected to improve on both figures based on comparable engines in similar vehicles.
Does the Kia Telluride Get Good Gas Mileage?
The Kia Telluride returns competitive fuel economy for a three-row SUV of its size and weight, with real-world figures expected in the 19 to 25 mpg range depending on drive cycle and configuration. The Hybrid adds significant efficiency gains for buyers with high annual mileage demands. Regular 87-octane fuel keeps operating costs low.
The Hybrid version is the clear pick for road trip regulars or commuters covering over 15,000 miles (24,140 km) per year. The gas model handles everyday suburban driving efficiently. Fuel savings from the Hybrid variant can offset its $7,300 premium within a reasonable ownership period for high-mileage buyers.
What Do Kia Telluride Reviews Say?
Car and Driver’s official verdict on the 2027 Kia Telluride confirms it ‘builds on the previous model’s success with more space and refinement’ and rates it among their top recommended three-row SUVs at 9.5 out of 10. Reviewers highlighted the smooth ride quality, quiet cabin, and the turbocharged four-cylinder’s refinement as standout attributes.
The 2027 exterior styling received strong positive attention. Car and Driver’s ‘First Look’ headline read: ‘2027 Kia Telluride Has Major Range Rover Vibes.’ Interior reviewers praised the premium material quality and the intuitive infotainment layout. The update is described as ‘more refined in execution’ versus the outgoing generation.
What Are the Most Common Kia Telluride Complaints?
The most significant issue in Kia Telluride reviews is a safety recall affecting approximately 460,000 vehicles where Kia’s original repair fix failed to hold, prompting Kia to advise owners to park the affected vehicles outside as a precaution. This is not a minor complaint. Buyers of pre-owned Tellurides must treat this as a due-diligence priority before purchase.
Reviewers also note that the 2027 Telluride ‘feels slightly bigger than the old model from behind the wheel,’ which affects urban maneuverability. Handling is described as ‘competent-but-muted,’ meaning the driving dynamics lean toward comfort rather than engagement. Buyers seeking a sporty driving experience should look elsewhere in the segment.
What Do Owners Love About the Kia Telluride?
Owners consistently highlight the Kia Telluride’s combination of three-row space, quiet cabin, standard wireless charging, and Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile warranty as the reasons they chose it over Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai alternatives. The warranty is cited repeatedly as the single most decisive factor among long-term ownership buyers.
The Telluride’s resale strength benefits from sustained demand and strong segment reputation. Award recognition from Car and Driver reinforces long-term owner confidence. Many buyers report the warranty saved them thousands on powertrain repairs that would have been out-of-pocket on a Toyota or Honda of similar age and mileage.
How Much Does the Kia Telluride Cost?
The 2027 Kia Telluride starts at $39,190 for the base LX FWD configuration and reaches approximately $58,335 for the top X-Pro SX Prestige trim, with the Hybrid powertrain available from $46,490 for buyers seeking improved efficiency and more power. All figures are MSRP before destination charges, taxes, and dealer fees.
The 2026 model range ran $40,735 to $58,335. The 2027 base price represents a slight reduction from the outgoing model’s entry point. Kia America offers seasonal financing and lease promotions through its network of approximately 800 U.S. dealers.
Pricing by Configuration:
| Powertrain | Starting MSRP | Top Trim MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Gas (2.5L Turbo) | $39,190 | ~$58,335 |
| Hybrid (2.5L Turbo-Hybrid) | $46,490 | TBD |
Is the Kia Telluride Worth the Price?
Yes. The Kia Telluride delivers one of the strongest value equations in the three-row segment by combining a 9.5/10 third-party score, an industry-leading 10-year warranty, and premium standard features at a price that undercuts most comparably equipped rivals by $3,000 to $8,000. Car and Driver’s verdict supports this conclusion directly.
The warranty alone carries real financial weight. Toyota’s powertrain coverage expires at 5 years/60,000 miles (96,560 km). Kia’s doubles that. For families planning 6 to 8 years of ownership, that gap translates into direct savings on repairs that other owners absorb out of pocket.
Should You Trust Eat Proteins for Your Kia Telluride Research?
You’re about to spend $39,000 to $58,000 on a family SUV. You deserve accurate, structured research before you sign. Our team at Eat Proteins pulls data directly from Car and Driver, official Kia specifications, and verified consumer sources to give you the facts without the noise of 40 competing review pages.
The Kia Telluride earns its 9.5/10 score through genuine performance, a class-leading warranty, and consistent top-tier praise from professional testers. But the 460,000-vehicle recall issue is real. You need the full picture before negotiating at the dealership. Our experts at Eat Proteins give you exactly that, and nothing more than that.
Start your research here. Check the latest 2027 Telluride pricing, compare trims side by side, and verify your VIN against the NHTSA recall database before purchase. The 2027 model is available now through Kia’s nationwide dealer network.