Kia Telluride Review: The All-New Second Generation

Kia knew it needed a strong competitor in the midsize segment and, fortunately, acknowledged that the Sorento could not be pushed that far and that the Borrego was simply not up to the task. However, the only thing that distinguishes the Telluride from the crowd is its strong presence: both cabin and powertrain follow the category’s standards – which is far from being a bad thing, though.

Nothing but the tried and true here. V6 engine, automatic transmission, and average dynamic behavior. When it comes to powertrain, the biggest requirement of Telluride’s target buyer is that it demands as little attention as possible, so Kia knew it was not the best environment to innovate. However, it could have made its ride quality more suitable to the category’s standard.

Engine and gear

The standard engine is now a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which makes 274 hp and nearly 20% more torque than the old V6. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For the first time, the Telluride also offers a Turbo-Hybrid powertrain: 329 hp, 339 lb-ft of torque, and a total driving range of over 600 miles.

Suspension

Firmer than the category’s average, which is appropriate for its size. The Telluride offers the option of a self-leveling air suspension in case you want better dynamics.

Handling

The Telluride has been praised by the specialized press for having just the right amount of steering weight. It feels adequately heavy for its size, which helps the driver feel confident.

Vibration & Ride

Not so smooth especially when riding on uneven surfaces. Besides that, this SUV’s throttle is less responsive at low speeds than its turbocharged competitors, which is a negative aspect for a model which uses a naturally-aspirated engine.

In such a competitive market category, doing just the average is a sure way to be left behind. Kia knew that and used the redesign to improve what was already a press favorite: the Telluride had its electronic architecture upgraded with a focus on safety, which means even the base version received many new systems. Other than that, you can expect a good pack of standard equipment.

Brakes

Disc brakes on all wheels with ABS, brake assist, hill-descent control, an electric parking brake. The specialized press has spoken very well of its braking capacity.

Airbags

The standard equipment list includes dual-stage front airbags for driver and front passenger, seat-mounted side airbags for driver and front passenger, and curtain airbags for the three-seat rows. There is also an occupancy sensor to avoid unnecessary deployments.

Electronics

Kia has packed the Telluride with many driving assist systems, whether all-new for it or upgrades of the existing ones. A particularly interesting one is the Blind-Spot View Monitor, which projects the image from a blind spot camera onto the display on the gauge cluster.

Lights

The new Kia Telluride’s base equipment list features projector-beam headlights with automatic activation of the high beam plus daytime running lights made of LEDs.

Traction control

The model features cruise control with steering assist, electronic stability control, driveline traction control, and lane-keeping assist. Those items are all standard across the new generation.

The Telluride’s biggest quality is good value; it may be good-looking and modern, but it does not intend to captivate you through emotions. With the new turbocharged and hybrid powertrains, however, its mileage figures have gone from average to class-leading.

Engine size

The Telluride’s standard engine is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. A Turbo-Hybrid version pairs it with a 1.65-kWh battery and electric motors.

Gas per mileage consumption

The turbocharged gas version is more efficient than the old V6, while the Turbo-Hybrid is the star: an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined on the EX FWD trim. That is roughly 50% better fuel economy than the outgoing model, with a total range of 637 miles.

While the exterior is rugged and truckish, the cabin is just as bland and convenient as a minivan’s. The Telluride pleases large families with ample room, a surprisingly premium trim, many desirable items, and extra optional niceties which are restricted to the upscale trim levels. You can think of it as a Carnival with a taller seating position and the trendy design which is so popular these days.

Driving seat

The Telluride’s driver will find a large cabin with an upscale feeling, which is quite impressive considering that it is made by Kia. There are attractive materials, high build quality, and a great list of desirable items – some of them are heating, ventilation, and setting memory for the driver.

Dashboard

The redesigned cabin features a panoramic dual-screen layout dedicated to the gauge cluster and infotainment. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other typical functions are all present. Below that, you will find a tasteful selection of materials that would definitely not look bad in more refined models.

Passenger seats and extras

Even the third seat row has enough room for everyone, which is a notable evolution compared to the Sorento’s cabin. The second row may fit three occupants with the bench layout or two with a pair of captain’s chairs. An interesting feature is the available Driver Talk, which amplifies the driver’s voice at the other seat rows in case of necessity.

Overall height and space

The overall height of this SUV is 69.3 ft. The total volume dedicated to passenger space is 155 ft³.

Trunk space

The Telluride offers 21 ft³ of cargo space. The available room may be increased by folding flat the third and second seat rows.

Another aspect in which Kia decided to be conservative. Rather than creating many versions with different purposes, it focused on making Telluride’s base image strong: all trim levels differ mostly at– trim, with a possibility to make the upscale one quite fancy with equipment packages.

The new-generation Kia Telluride is available in the following core trim levels (X-Line and X-Pro variants are layered on top; the Turbo-Hybrid starts at $46,490):

The Telluride is not known for having luxury or sporty characters. Those trim levels differ mostly at the standard equipment list and the available options. All-wheel drive comes at an extra cost of $2,000. The SX version may become even fancier with the SX-Prestige trim, which tops out at $53,890.

AWD/FWD

The standard setup is front-wheel drive. However, you can upgrade this model with an all-wheel drive for an extra $2,000 (standard on X-Line and X-Pro).

Warranty

Kia’s comprehensive coverage is considered one of the best in the segment: limited warranty of five years or 60,000 miles and powertrain warranty of ten years or 100,000 miles. On the other hand, there is no complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Awards

The Car and Driver magazine has made this car the very first on its references and has awarded it as part of its 10 Best selection. Besides, it is frequently praised by several other media outlets.