The mid-size crossover SUV Kia Telluride is produced by Kia. The car made its spring 2019 premiere as a 2020 model after first appearing in 2016 as a concept car. It has the name of the Colorado town of Telluride. [5] The Telluride is the biggest car Kia has ever made in the US.
The Telluride was recognized in 2020 as the World Car of the Year and the MotorTrend SUV of the Year.
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In This Article...
When was the Kia Telluride introduced?
Although the Kia Telluride was first unveiled as a concept car in 2016, the five-door SUV’s production didn’t begin until 2019.
A 3.8L Lambda II gasoline V6 engine with 296 horsepower powers the vehicle, which is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Kia Telluride is offered in four model levels, with front-wheel or all-wheel drive as an option: base LX, S, mid-level EX, and top-of-the-line SX.
Kia Telluride dependability
The Kia Telluride: Is it dependable? The projected reliability rating for the 2022 Kia Telluride is 85 out of 100. A predicted reliability score from J.D. Power of 91 to 100 is regarded as the best, 81 to 90 as great, 70 to 80 as medium, and 0-69 as fair and below average.
Why is the Kia Telluride so well-liked?
The Telluride from Kia is a brand-new SUV in a popular market that has received high marks from both the media and customers. The SUV won the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year title for 2020 from the North American Car of the Year jury, and it is MotorTrend’s SUV of the Year for that year.
These accolades undoubtedly suggest excellence, but do the sales figures support these awards? Absolutely, they do. Kia refers to the Telluride as the “Sell-u-ride” because the model is so well-liked, according to Automobile Magazine. What will it mean for the Kia brand and is it really as excellent as many people seem to think?
Is It As Good as People Say?
In a recent review, I found the Kia Telluride to be almost as good as the segment leaders, but I felt it fell short in a few crucial areas.
The inside materials looked beautiful but lacked the feel I desired from them, and I had problems with the fit and finish inside the cabin. The materials on the A-pillars were not well fitted in my tester, and the center console compartment doors felt cheap and occasionally refused to close. The region around the rearview mirror was also a little loose. The Telluride felt large on the road, and the drive also didn’t feel as as polished as I’d hoped.
Despite all of these issues, it was still a competent SUV. It is somewhat larger than the competitors, quite comfortable, and safe, but I was a little surprised by what I discovered given how highly the car is regarded by other journalists I know and trust.
However, I thought the car was a strong contender in a competitive market. The three-row midsize SUV is challenging to get right, but Kia has succeeded. The model is deserving of some acclaim, but I’m not sure if it lives up to everyone’s high expectations. Even if they are only marginally superior, there are better models out there.
The fact that the Telluride is a new model and that it was produced by Kia is part of the reason it is receiving so much acclaim and appreciation. Currently, Kia is a company whose reputation is booming. In 2018, the business unveiled the Stinger GT sports sedan, and it now offers the Telluride for families. These products are assisting in reshaping the Kia brand in the perspective of many individuals.
How Well Is It Selling?
There were 58,595 Tellurides sold in the year they were originally sold. That’s a significant amount, and the Telluride pretty much right away established itself as a major participant in the Midsize SUV market. Although the Kia continues to sell far less than the class leaders, such as the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, it is obvious that the business may make significant strides with this model.
The obvious truth is that Kia is dealing with a genuine winner. It has been successful in garnering the media’s admiration, which has led to customers visiting dealers to learn more about this new Kia SUV. The dealers work their magic once they arrive, and then bing! The money pours down like rain. The Telluride is unquestionably a wise investment.
What Is the Importance of the Telluride?
The Telluride is significant for several reasons, the first and most crucial of which is how well it is selling. Kia could always use more money to reinvest in the company, grow its operations, and conduct research and development for new goods. From a financial standpoint, the Telluride is a contender. Now, it matters to Kia.
But the situation is more complicated than that. For the past two decades, Kia has been working hard to dispel the notion that its cars are unattractive and inexpensive. The business intends to elevate the brand’s aspirational status.
I would say that the Telluride is another step in that direction, just as the Stinger GT was and is. No, it’s not some expensive, sporty car, but it capitalizes on the Stinger’s brand equity by using part of it. The Telluride is also helping the corporation better develop its brand. Almost everyone, both customers and detractors, agrees that the model is an improvement over the company’s earlier products. I anticipate positive developments for both Telluride and Kia as a whole if the firm can maintain the trend.
What are the Kia Telluride’s shortcomings?
Many drivers are looking for a midsize SUV, and while purchasing a new car can be exciting, the vast array of options available in this segment can make the process quite difficult. We advise starting with the 2020 Kia Telluride to help you narrow down your list. Despite being a brand-new model, it has had a fantastic start. U.S. News and World Report has already given the Telluride the top spot in their rating of midsize SUVs. This is a remarkable accomplishment for a first-generation model, but it is simple to understand why when you take into account the vehicle’s performance, ample interior room, long list of safety measures, and cutting-edge technology throughout.
Everything about the 2020 Telluride is totally new since it is the first of its kind! While the Sorento has been quite popular for many years as Kia’s only SUV option with third row seating, many drivers were yearning for something with additional cargo and passenger room. Kia’s response to these requests is the Telluride. They not only designed a midsize SUV with a roomy interior, but they also crammed it with potent performance, fascinating technology, and unbeatable safety.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Kia TellurideThe Pros
1. A Comprehensive List of Required Safety Features
The 2020 Telluride is available in all trim levels with a number of cutting-edge safety technologies that are sure to increase driver confidence. They are a rear cross traffic alert system, a blind spot monitor, a parking distance warning system, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and a front collision warning system with automatic emergency braking. There is even a Safe Exit Assist that will send a warning if opening your door is not safe. Owners of the Telluride can rest easy knowing that Kia has taken extra precautions to avoid collisions.
2. Telluride can track motorist attention
The Driver Attention Warning system is another excellent standard safety element that merits its own attention. If it detects that the driver’s concentration on the road has been distracted, it warns them. This device will make every effort to keep the driver awake, whether they are dozing off or are constantly distracted by glancing at their smartphone.
3. A generally secure vehicle
With all of those safety features, it’s no surprise that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2020 Kia Telluride a Top Safety Pick (IIHS). In terms of crash tests, it received favorable results throughout the board, with a particularly high score in the front crash prevention category.
4. Generous and Modular Interior Space
The 2020 Kia Telluride can accommodate up to 8 passengers, but many mid-size SUVs only accommodate 7 or fewer. There is additionally 87 cubic feet of cargo capacity in addition to this. The third row may be easily accessed by sliding the second row forward at the touch of a button. The second row seats can also be folded flat for additional storage space using buttons in the rear cargo area. It will be simple and comfortable to accommodate passengers or luggage with this interior.
5. The Rear Occupant Alert System Offers Peace of Mind
Those who have newborns or young children will find this feature to be very tempting. In the event that a passenger is left unattended in the car after the driver exits, the Rear Occupant Alert system will issue visual and audio alarms. Drivers can connect their car to Kia’s UVO connection in addition to these instant alerts, which will notify the registered account holder’s cellphone when the audible alert is triggered. All trim levels include this essential safety feature as standard equipment.
6. Cutting-edge Tech
The most cutting-edge technology is included in Kia’s UVO infotainment system, which is included in the 2020 Telluride. Access to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, an 8-inch touch screen, six USB ports, and a six-speaker sound system are all included as standard features. Wireless phone charging, a larger 10.25-inch touch screen, a navigation system, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound are a few of the technological enhancements available.
Driver Talk allows them to communicate with passengers in the second and third seats using an interior intercom system while Driver Quiet Mode limits audio to the first row. Starting with the EX trim level, both of these items are included as standard equipment.
7. Strengthening Performance
291 and 262 lb-ft of torque are produced by the 3.8-liter V-6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, respectively. The four drive modes significantly improve the driving experience, and this offers more than adequate power for handling on both highways and city streets. The Telluride has four driving modes: Eco, Sport, Comfort, and Smart. If you choose to buy an all-wheel-drive Telluride, there are also Snow and Lock options.
In spite of its size, the 2020 Telluride generates a smooth ride and is simple to navigate. It also handles well in a variety of road conditions and gives a very peaceful ride within the cabin.
8. Appealing Exterior Design
The 2020 Kia Telluride may be regarded as a family-friendly car, but drivers will feel as though they are operating a chic and contemporary car thanks to its exterior design. The well-proportioned grill, which gives the front of the car a great touch, is particularly eye-catching. When compared to other cars in its class, the style is very aggressive with its combination of smooth curves and distinct angles, but it still manages to seem elegant and sophisticated.
9. Better Connectivity Using the UVO Link
Drivers can sync their smartphones using UVO Link, which is a feature of the 2020 Kia Telluride. Once downloaded, the app allows you to remotely start the car and lock and unlock the doors. You can also access your owner’s manual and warranty details, as well as the Find My Car tool.
10. The Best Kia Warranty Program in the Industry
A 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty are included with the purchase of a 2020 Kia Telluride. Since Kia stands behind the high caliber of its automobiles, you can be confident that you will be fully covered if anything needs to be fixed. Roadside support for five years and 60,000 miles is also included in this warranty term.
buying advice
Compare prices online before buying a new car to avoid paying too much. Find out the price in advance before entering a dealership. The following free services are suggested by us: Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect, and Motortrend.
These free sites will provide you the best deals and provide you with numerous price quotations from rival businesses. Before visiting the dealer, you will be aware of the best pricing.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Kia TellurideThe Cons
1. No option to upgrade the engine
All trim levels come standard with the 3.8-liter V-6 engine, and there is no way to upgrade to a better model. For drivers who are dissatisfied with this offering and want more potent performance, this might be a deal-breaker.
2. Lack of a rear-seat video system
The fact that the 2020 Kia Telluride does not allow rear passengers to watch videos is pretty shocking for a car that is packed with fantastic technology amenities. It is a conspicuous omission in a car that is otherwise impressive. This is a regrettable absence that will probably be fixed in later models.
3. Lethargic Mileage
Even if the combined fuel economy of the 2020 Kia Telluride with front-wheel drive is 23 mpg, there is undoubtedly room for improvement.
The 2020 Ford Explorer, 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee are the key rivals of the 2020 Kia Telluride. There is room for up to 8 people in the Telluride and Traverse, up to 7 in the Explorer, and only 5 in the Grand Cherokee.
It is crucial to note that the 2020 Ford Explorer did not receive any honors due to subpar crash test results, however the 2020 Kia Telluride was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.
Although they all cost substantially more than the Telluride, the Explorer, Traverse, and Grand Cherokee all have slightly more horsepower, better towing capacity, and multiple engine options. If performance and power are your top concerns, you might be more likely to select one of these rivals. But the Telluride is a good option for elegance, comfort, safety features, and general dependability.
Kia has unquestionably put their best foot forward with the release of the new 2020 Telluride. It stands out in the congested midsize SUV market as a first-generation model that is easily keeping up with the competition. When choosing your new vehicle, the Telluride is sure to be a strong candidate after learning about everything it has to offer.