Kia's Telluride is a formidable competitor in the midsized three-row SUV segment. It did so well in our testing that it vaulted its way nearly to the top of the standings, thanks to its refined driving experience, user-friendly controls, thoughtful features, and vast cargo room. The Telluride may not offer a lot of “wow factor,” but we were impressed by its overall competence and standard equipment for the price.
Unlike Kia's smaller three-row SUV, the Sorento, the Telluride lines up much better against rivals such as the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, and Subaru Ascent.
The driving experience is highlighted by a V6 engine that provides readily accessible power and works well with the responsive, smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. We measured fuel economy at 21 mpg overall, which is good but not class-leading.
The suspension soaks up most bumps efficiently, and the cabin is quiet. Kia's big SUV isn’t a sporty handler, with noticeable body roll in turns. Still, it zipped through our avoidance-maneuver test—where we simulate an emergency swerve around an obstacle—at an impressive 53.5 mph, a testament to its composure and well-tuned electronic stability control system.
The wide and comfortable front seats will suit most body types. The second-row accommodations are generous, and the seats can slide fore/aft, and recline. There is also a one-button solution to move the second-row seats forward and out of the way, clearing a path to the low-perched third row, which is best-suited for kids. A USB port located on one side of each of the two front seats makes charging phones easy for second-row passengers, and they have their own climate controls, too.
There’s a pleasing mix of soft-touch surfaces and nicely styled trim pieces throughout the cabin. We appreciate Kia's straightforward controls and the user-friendly infotainment system that responds quickly to inputs, but the touch screen—although large—can be a reach for drivers who sit farther back from the steering wheel. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility come standard.
The Telluride’s square shape and large windows aid visibility, making parking maneuvers pretty easy, in spite of its size. There's also plenty of cargo space, particularly with the third-row seat folded. It’s handy that the second-row seats can be folded by pressing a button in the cargo area for those times when even more space is needed.
Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning are standard, along with a rear-seat reminder for children and pets, and a setting that keeps doors from being opened when a car is approaching from the rear.
Overall, the Telluride is an extremely competent vehicle with few faults, and it’s helped even further by the fact that advanced safety features come standard on every trim. At about $41,000 as-tested for the EX, we think the Telluride is a lot of SUV for the money.