Performance
All 2025 Tellurides are powered by a 3.8-liter V6. It delivers a peak of 291 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. This is a sizable V6, allowing it to run relatively unstressed whether you’re driving around town, on the highway, or towing up to 5,000 pounds. The power is managed by an 8-speed transmission, which then sends torque to the front wheels or all four, depending on the trim.
EPA fuel economy estimates for city, highway, and combined miles per gallon are similar to those of turbo 4-cylinder competitors, with 20/26/22 for front-wheel drive models and 18/23/20 for all-wheel drive models.
The chassis features a 4-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup in the rear, all tuned to deliver a smooth highway ride. Brakes are sized to suit the Telluride’s dimensions, with 13.4″ ventilated discs at the front and 12.0″ solid discs in the rear.
Exterior
The Telluride features a notably clean exterior free from fleeting styling trends that may not age well. The front showcases the largest version of Kia’s familiar “Tiger Nose Grille,” flanked by compact headlight clusters that also incorporate dual vertical DRLs. The profile is simple, with black pillars providing a smooth line of side windows, complemented by tasteful bright trim. Vertical taillights curve into the rear tailgate against a cleaner surface design that will stand the test of time.
The alloy wheels range from 18 to 20 inches, which still provides plenty of sidewall to absorb road bumps. Exterior trim varies from chrome to satin chrome to gloss black, depending on the trim.
Interior
The interior is, predictably, quite spacious, with room for up to eight. Even third-row passengers can enjoy a comfortable ride, with 31.4 inches of legroom and 38.1 inches of headroom. The dash is decidedly upscale, starting with the uncluttered single housing for both the available 12.3-inch gauge cluster and the similarly sized standard center touchscreen. There are plenty of buttons for when buttons work best, and knobs for when they work best, all laid out in a handsome horizontal fashion. You don’t have to opt for the top models to be surrounded by pleasant materials. However, the SX trim does offer indulgent extras, such as Nappa leather seating surfaces, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a rich-looking headliner.
Behind the third-row seats, there is 21.0 cubic feet of cargo space, which is about 13% more than in a Honda Pilot. Fold down the third row, and you’ll have 40 cubic feet of cargo space. With both the second and third row seats folded, you get 87.0 cubic feet of cargo space in full cargo mode.
Technology
The Telluride begins with a generous list of technology features, which naturally increase as you move up the model lineup. At the entry-level LX model, you’ll find dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch center display with navigation, smartphone compatibility, a voice command system, and Bluetooth to keep your devices connected and calls hands-free. It also offers five USB charging ports and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Available in the lineup is a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with QuantumLogic Surround Sound and Clari-Fi, which enhances compressed music sources.
The available Digital Key enables you to use your cellphone as a car key and provides a similar ability to those you trust. The helpful Driver Talk system amplifies and transmits the driver’s voice through speakers aimed at the back two rows, allowing for better communication with passengers without yelling into the windshield.
Safety
The Telluride has an overall 5-star rating from the NHTSA. In addition, all models feature a full array of driver assistance and safety technologies, including:
These features include:
- Adaptive cruise control with complete stop ability
- Blind spot collision warning
- Forward collision warning and avoidance
- High beam assist
- Highway driving assist 1.5
- Intelligent speed limit assist
- Rear parking sensors
- Safe exit assist
- Rear occupant alert
Upper-level models include features like a Surround View Monitor, a 10.0-inch head-up display, and more advanced Smart Cruise Control and Forward Collision Avoidance systems.
