The Korean manufacturer has never really tried their hands on a full-size vehicle, yet the perception brought forward the most ambitious SUV ever, the Kia Telluride. Besides enormous proportions and three rows of seats, the bold-looking Kia has all the principles of a great family hauler. Kia Telluride has been awarded top titles like IIHS’s "Top Safety Pick" and "North American Utility Vehicle of the year." With heaps of technology and safety features – not to mention excellent value – the Kia Telluride quickly proved to be the best in its class.
Kia Telluride's premium design is underscored by its LED DRLs and Bi-Xenon Headlamps
It comes in four trims, with the base LX trim starting at $31,890 for the 2020 model. The top-of-the-line SX trim, however, retails for less than the top-level trims of many rivals. The 2021 Kia Telluride SX starts at $42,190 for the FWD variant, while the AWD version costs another $1,900. All Tellurides come with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
The 2021 Kia Telluride returns with the same hype and retains the same styling and premium interior quotients as the prior iteration. It also introduces a new aesthetic appeal with its special Nightfall treatment that blacks-out the shiny exterior yet maintains the same head-turning luxe appeal. With many other offerings in various trims, the Telluride will have to maintain its top-notch reputation against competitors like Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, and its corporate sibling, the Hyundai Palisade.
2021 Kia Telluride SUV gets LED DRLs and Projector Headlapms
2021 Kia Telluride SUV has Dual Chrome Exhaust Tips
9.1/10 Pricing and Features
8.0/10 Maintenance, Reliability and Warranty
8.0/10 Buying Advice
7.9/10 Engine and Performance
7.0/10 Fuel Economy
9.1/10 Interior
8.0/10 Exterior
8.0/10 Safety
8.5/10 Competition
8.5/10 Final Verdict
2021 Kia Telluride Pricing and Features
9.1/10
The 2021 Kia Telluride is set to retain the previous trim levels and add an exclusive Nightfall treatment for the 3-row SUV that makes the rugged SUV reflect an amazing blacked-out image. The Nightfall treatment is, however, limited only to all-wheel-drive models, that too of the two top Telluride models, the EX and SX, for an additional charge of $1,295.
There's a Kia Telluride for every purpose!
The Telluride base can be availed from a starting price of $31,990, and the prices go as high as $44,090. Each comes standard with a 3.8-liter V6 making 291 horsepower, 262 lb-ft of torque. It gets paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, though all-wheel drive is optional on all four trims.
Trims
LX
S
EX
SX
MSRP (FWD)
$31,990
$34,390
$37,390
$42,190
MSRP (AWD)
$33,990
$36,390
$39,390
$44,090
Key Features
18-inch Alloy Wheels
Adds/Upgrades to LX
Adds/Upgrades to S
Adds/Upgrades to EX
8.0-inch Touchscreen Infotainment
20-inch Alloy wheels
18-inch Machine-finished Alloy Wheels
20-inch Alloy Wheels Finished in Black
Automatic Projector-Beam Headlamps
LED Positioning Lights
Ventilated Front Seats
64-color Mood Lighting
Adaptive Cruise Control
Reverse Parking Distance Warning
Leather Seats
Blind-Spot View Monitor
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel
Enhanced Navigation System
High Beam Assist
Sound-absorbing Windshield Glass
Dual Chrome Exhaust Tips
Smart Powered Liftgate
Harman Kardon 10-speaker Audio System
The LX starts the Kia Telluride's variant lineup that equips 18-inch Alloy Wheels, Sofino Synthetic Leather Seat Trim, 8.0-inch Touchscreen Display w/Rear Camera, UVO Link Telematics and One-Touch Sliding & Folding 2nd-Row Seats. The S trim adds 20-inch Alloy Wheels (machined finish), Power Sunroof and Roof Rails to the exteriors along with Exclusive Grille, Chrome Dual Tip Exhaust. The cabin gets Sofino Synthetic Leather Seat Trim w/Heated front driver's seats and 7-passenger seating w/2nd Row Captain Chairs.
Kia Telluride's lineup ends with the SX priced as $42,190
The EX trim features eight-passenger seating capacity with leather seat trims for all rows including Heated/Ventilated front power seats. The cabin has Navigation System w/HWY Drive Assist (HDA) and UVO Link w/Navigation and 10.25-inch Display, wireless phone charger, Auto Front/Rear Climate Control (Tri-Zone). The most lavish trim, the SX adds 20-inch Alloy Black Sport Wheels, LED Headlights, Fog Lamps, Tail Lights for exterior styling.
AWD is optional on all models of the Kia Telluride
This goes along with Leather Seat Trim (Available Nappa Leather) in a 7-passenger capacity cabin with 2nd row Captain chairs, that avails Heated/Ventilated Front Seats with 2nd row optionally equipping the same. This is followed by UVO Link w/Navigation and 10.25-inch Display, Harman Kardon 10-Speaker Premium Audio, Surround View Monitor, Blind View Monitor, Supervision Meter Cluster (7-inch LCD Display). The 2021 Kia Telluride gets a special Nightfall Edition which will sparkle the younger eye with blacked-out cosmetic inclusions like:
Newly designed radiator grille in black finish
Unique 20-inch wheels in black finish with black lug nuts and center caps
Gloss black roof rails
Gloss black greenhouse trim/lower door side molding
Gloss black skid plates
Gloss black front bumper side air-duct garnish
Gloss black emblems, including unique “Kia” logos
LED headlamps and fog lamps with black inner bezel
Body-color door handles
2021 Kia Telluride Maintenance, Reliability and Warranty
8.0/10
As with many brand-new cars, the Telluride has very few problems so far. This could be because Kia created a great SUV, or it could be that it's so new that its owners haven't found any issues yet. This doesn't mean that the Telluride is problem-free, but it's also nothing to mock.
The Kia Telluride debuted as a brand-new SUV in 2020
Sometimes, when an automaker builds a new car model or renews an old one, it comes with many issues. This was what happened with the Ford Explorer. That said, as far as anyone can tell, the Telluride has very few queries. For example, Consumer Reports gave the Telluride an overall reliability verdict of 4 out of 5.
How Reliable is the 2021 Kia Telluride, and how much is its Ownership Cost?
Nevertheless, not every car expert is furnishing the Telluride with much praise as Consumer Reports is. For example, J.D. Power and Associates gave the Telluride a 4 out of 5 for reliability. U.S. News considers that to be more solid than most, but when this number is coupled with the other ratings that U.S. News gave the Telluride, the brand-new Kia SUV barely scored 8.6 upon 10 overall.
Rating Category
Score (Out of Hundred)
Quality and Reliability
82
Driving Experience
90
Resale
N/A
Dealership Experience
77
The Telluride has been recalled once since it's debut in 2020 for a faulty seat belt assembly installation in certain vehicles. The biggest shock that we were subjected to was in the form of 93 complaints on NHTSA about two significant faults with the Telluride that we believe should be brought to the reader's notice. If safety is your concern, there's a "TOP SAFETY PICK" award given by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to the 2020 Kia Telluride.
The Telluride is the biggest vehicle in Kia's lineup
Not only that, but the Telluride also possesses the "North American Utility Vehicle Of The Year" trophy in its closet. The 2020 Kia Telluride has bagged the overall safety rating of "5 Stars" by NHTSA. This SUV received the highest rating of Good in six crash tests. It was also selected as KBB’s “BEST BUY” SUV for the price range. The state-wise price of the 2020 Kia Telluride and its competitors are as follows:
State
Kia Telluride
Hyundai Palisade
Honda Pilot
Chevrolet Traverse
Arizona
$43,986
$36,231
$37,830
$34,095
California
$43,847
$36,219
$38,042
$33,421
Florida
$42,195
$36,474
$36,733
$34,095
Michigan
$41,386
$36,139
$38,567
$34,565
Texas
$44,221
$36,411
$37,037
$34,095
The 2021 Kia Telluride is the latest addition to the lineup and can be owned with an average starting price of $31,890. The 2020 Kia Telluride was the most expensive in Texas at $35,221 and the cheapest in Michigan at $31,386. The average annual repair cost for a Kia is $474, which means it has above average ownership costs.
What is the Warranty offered on the 2021 Kia Telluride?
The 2021 Kia Telluride will cover a 5-year/60,000 miles limited warranty, 10-year/100,000 miles powertrain warranty, 5-year/60,000 miles roadside assistance along with 5-year/100,000 miles corrosion cover on the 3-row SUV.
Criteria
Period (whichever comes first)
Limited Warranty
5-Year or 60,000 Miles
Powertrain Warranty
10-Year or 100,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance
5-Year or 60,000 Miles
Kia provides some of the best comprehensive coverage out there, with the longest powertrain warranty in the business. It is one of the prime reasons why both Hyundai and Kia's vehicles sell so much in the US market.
What is the Miles Per Dollar Cost of the 2021 Kia Telluride?
The Kia Telluride has been in the market only for a year. So not a lot is known about it. It does, however, have an average annual maintenance cost of around $470. Keeping that mind, the miles per dollar cost of this three-row SUV comes to be around $32 considering it has been driven for 15,000 miles on an average in a year.
2021 Kia Telluride Buying Advice
8.0/10
We recommend you to go with the base Telluride LX. It gets plenty of standard features, including all the latest safety features and techs, such as an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Want more? The EX model adds more convenience features such as keyless entry and a power liftgate while remaining relatively affordable. The Telluride slightly undercuts the prices of the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer and is considerably lower than the Toyota Highlander that begins at $34,600.
Is buying a used 2021 Kia Telluride a good idea?
The 2021 Kia Telluride can be picked as your brand new vehicle from the nearest addition, and its recent launch eliminates a used SUV question.
The 2021 Kia Telluride will storm into the next decade with the same 3.8L Naturally aspirated V6 that pushes out pure 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of peak torque. The engine gets mated with 8-speed automatic transmission for quick shifts with no lags.
2021 Kia Telluride SUV has 3.8L V6 engine
While the response is fast, the automatic transmission makes the variations easy and hassle-free for the driver. Telluride hauls 7-8 people with comfort in a mammoth-sized cabin with ease. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel-drive is available across the board.
Models
2021 Kia Telluride
2020 Honda Pilot
2020 Chevrolet Traverse
2020 Hyundai Palisade
MSRP
$31,990
$31,550
$30,995
$31,550
Engine
3.8L Naturally Aspirated V6
3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6
3.6L Naturally Aspirated V6
3.8L Naturally Aspirated V6
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
FWD
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
9-Speed Shiftable Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Power
291hp@6,000rpm
280hp@6,000rpm
310hp@6,800rpm
291hp@6,000rpm
Torque
262lb-ft@5,200rpm
262lb-ft@4,700rpm
266lb-ft@2,800rpm
262lb-ft@5,200rpm
The 2021 Kia Telluride shares the powertrain with Hyundai Palisade. Thus the power figures are identical and tie-up to the second spot beneath the Chevrolet Traverse. The Honda Pilot is slightly underpowered but has relative torque figures as the other 3-row SUVs on the list.
How impressive is the 2021 Kia Telluride's Acceleration and Braking Performance?
The 2021 Kia Telluride will retain impressive performance specs and sprint from standstill to 60 MPH in 7.2 seconds, while maxing-out at 141 MPH top-speed. As for a trip down the drag strip, the quarter-mile is breached in around 15.4 seconds.
2021 Kia Telluride SUV accelerates from 0-60 MPH in 7.2 sec
At the same time, advanced systems like Auto Emergency Braking & Warning accompanied with anti-lock brakes for all four wheels can halt the mammoth size SUV within 120-feet when stopping from a speed of 60 MPH. These numbers might not seem impressive but start to make a lot of sense once you take into consideration the size and dimensions of the Telluride.
Models
2021 Kia Telluride
2020 Honda Pilot
2020 Chevrolet Traverse
2020 Hyundai Palisade
0-60 MPH
7.2 sec
5.9 sec
7.1 sec
6.9 sec
Quarter Mile
15.4 sec
14.4 sec
15.5 sec
15.1 sec
Top Speed
141 MPH
133 MPH
130 MPH
130 MPH
60-0 MPH
120 ft
123 ft
130 ft
126 ft
The 2021 Kia Telluride is a massive piece of metal carved out into a 3-row SUV. Thus, it isn't a speedster and ranks last in acceleration with Honda Pilot leading the others. The braking distance of 120 ft is the quickest though, which marks the SUV safe, while other rivals are close too, except for the Traverse.
How well does the Kia Telluride Ride and Handle?
You can expect an over 4,000 pound, 8-seater SUV to handle only so well. This Kia is better suited to those who are yet to measure the depths of their accelerator pedal, let's just leave it at that. When it comes to throwing the Kia Telluride around twisties, you’ll be juggled around with it.
The Telluride's demeanor is well-suited for wide open roads
It's got a comparatively softer suspension setup, much like its supple design. And while it does pack in a V6 under its hood, it lacks any help from turbos and sorts. So power is received a lot higher up on the powerband. That explains why the Kia Telluride is so fuel-efficient. It is meant for cruising comfortably along highways but no so much for charging down canyons.
2021 Kia Telluride Fuel Economy
7.0/10
The 2021 Kia Telluride is a well-bred vehicle with an aggressive stance. Yet, it is a pocket-friendly ride for a family man. The Telluride with the same engine attachments as the predecessor will deliver a combined average of 23 MPG.
Models
2021 Kia Telluride
2020 Honda Pilot
2020 Chevrolet Traverse
2020 Hyundai Palisade
MPG (City)
20
20
18
19
MPG (Highway)
26
27
27
26
MPG (Combined)
23
23
21
22
Fuel Capacity
18.8
19.5
N/A
18.8
Range (City/Hwy/Combined)
376/489/432 miles
371/527/449 miles
N/A
357/489/396 miles
With an 18.8-gallon fuel tank, it will allow you to crunch long rides with loved ones with ease. Both Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot deliver similar MPG figures. Still, the Pilot comes out like a champ with a bigger fuel tank, while Hyundai Palisade is not far behind the former rivals.
2021 Kia Telluride Interior
9.1/10
Regardless of people's opinion about the 2020 Telluride's bold outward appearance, its interior is undeniably upscale and comfortable. The cabin can hold 7-8 passengers with the 2nd row Captain chairs as optional. The Telluride was listed in 10 best interiors of 2020 for its premium styling and upscale upholstery which matches more prominent luxurious brands.
2021 Kia Telluride SUV dashboard
The Kia Telluride supports sound-absorbing windshield glass for a quieter cabin along with Auto Front/Rear Climate Control (Tri-Zone) reserved for premium SX trim only. It beholds a 21 cu-ft boot space with all the seats intact, which soars up to 87-cu-ft with both second and third-row seats folded. Other cabin features include Mood Lighting, Heated Steering Wheel, Rear side-window Sunshades, Illuminated Passenger Vanity Mirror, Day-night Rearview Mirror, Front Cupholders, and Rear Air-conditioning with separate controls.
Models
2021 Kia Telluride
2020 Honda Pilot
2020 Chevrolet Traverse
2020 Hyundai Palisade
Seating Capacity
7/8
8
7
7/8
First Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
40.9/61.6/41.4
40.1/62.0/40.9
41.3/62.1/41.0
40.7/61.2/44.1
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
40.2/61.2/42.4
40.2/68.0/38.4
40.0/62.2/38.4
40.1/60.8/42.4
Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
38.1/55.3/31.4
38.9/44.6/31.9
38.2/48.5/33.5
37.8/55.2/31.4
The 2021 Kia Telluride symbols as an exciting and premium ride for a family with its spacious appeal. When compared to rivals, neck-to-neck competition makes it hard to choose, in terms of boot space, Telluride is better than both Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade while Honda Pilot fits in more than Kia SUV.
How intuitive is the 2021 Kia Telluride’s infotainment system?
The 2021 Kia Telluride retains identical infotainment that includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen and an 8-speaker audio setup for the base trims, which incorporated both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2021 Kia Telluride SUV infotainment screen
The top trim offers a 10.25-inch unit with high-definition colors, along with a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system. Other infotainment features include:
The 2021 Kia Telluride can also be availed with special Nightfall treatment, which blacks out the shiny exterior, yet looks dashing. Unlike SUVs of the recent past, which are rounded out to look more like sedans and wagons, the Telluride is broad, stable, and firmly planted on the road.
Models
2021 Kia Telluride
2020 Honda Pilot
2020 Chevrolet Traverse
2020 Hyundai Palisade
Curb Weight
4,354 lbs
4,036 lbs
4,362 lbs
4,231 lbs
Length
196.9"
196.5"
204.3"
196.1"
Width
78.3"
78.6"
78.6"
77.8"
Height
68.9"
70.6"
70.7"
68.9"
Ground Clearance
8.0"
7.3"
7.2"
7.9"
Wheelbase
114.2"
111.0"
120.9"
114.2"
The 2021 Kia Telluride shares similar numbers with its sister, the Hyundai Palisade, dimension-wise. The Chevrolet Traverse is the longest and tallest SUV in the list, and the numbers reflect in-cabin spacing very well. While the Kia 3-row SUV is of heavy machinery piece, the high ground clearance combined with other dimension figures makes it subtle yet desirable over other rivals.
2021 Kia Telluride Safety
8.0/10
The Kia Telluride has been awarded five-star ratings by NHTSA, while the IIHS tagged the Kia 3-row SUV with the “Top Safety Pick” title. Besides rating, the Korean automakers fitted various advanced safety and driver assistance features to ensure the safe travel of your family. This plethora of features include:
Torque Vectoring Corner Control (TVCC)
Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
Hill-start assist control
Downhill brake control
Forward Collision-Avoidance with Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection (FCA)
Blind Spot View Monitor
Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
Rear Cross-traffic Alert
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Adjustable front head restraints with tilt
Remote activated perimeter/approach lights
Side-impact bars
Four-wheel ABS brakes
Traction control
Daytime running lights
7 airbags
Panic alarm
Brake assist
Tracker system
Safe Exit Assist (SEA)
2021 Kia Telluride Competition
8.5/10
2021 Kia Telluride vs. 2020 Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot rivals strongly against the 2021 Kia Telluride on spacious cabin and feature fronts, yet the latter deliver quirky driving dynamics. The Honda SUV is more agile and fun to drive, while Kia Telluride offers premium upholstery and economical EPA figures. While a taller stance, the Kia Telluride is a premium ride for family, yet Pilot hauls more luggage and is a better utility companion compared to Kia's 3-row SUV and beats it in quicker acceleration timings.
2020 Honda Pilot SUV
2021 Kia Telluride vs. 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
Chevrolet Traverse and Kia Telluride get a premium upbringing and have luxurious insides. The Traverse is the most comfortable, tuned for a good balance between handling and ride comfort. Yet the Kia Telluride tops the chart with degraded performance and aggressive driving dynamics and stands out with most aesthetic appeal.
2020 Chevrolet Traverse SUV
2021 Kia Telluride vs. 2020 Hyundai Palisade
Both Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride share the same platforms, hence, are each other's fiercest rivals. While the Palisade is older than the Telluride, the former shares similar technology minus the minor mistake that Hyundai ignored. Both vehicles are great performers, haul passengers comfortably, and fit in premium and luxury upholstery.
2020 Hyundai Palisade SUV
2021 Kia Telluride Final Verdict
8.5/10
The 2021 Kia Telluride enters the next decade, as one of the best picks in the segment. It combines a comfortable and luxury cabin attire with off-roading traits. It hauls both crowd and luggage and yet delivers the best EPA figures.
2021 Kia Telluride Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Kia Telluride have a third row?
Yes, Kia Telluride is a three-row SUV. It can seat up to seven or eight people at a time. If you opt for the second-row Captain Chairs, seating capacity is reduced to 7.
Can Kia Telluride tow?
The Kia Telluride is powered by a 3.8L V6. It is quite efficient and also adequately able. As a result, the Kia Telluride can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds.
Is Kia Telluride expensive to maintain?
The average annual cost to maintain the Kia Telluride amounts to a little over $470. That is in no way a lot expensive considering this is a premium offering from a premium brand.
What is the Kia Telluride EX Premium Package?
The Kia Telluride EX Premium Package adds extra features to the already well-loaded EX variant. It includes aesthetic features like Anodized roof rails, 20-inch alloy wheels, and Captain Chairs. The EX Premium Package costs $1,695.
