How Good an SUV Is the Kia Telluride? Undoubtedly, the Telluride is a superb midsize SUV. Its cabin is packed with high-quality components and convenient amenities. There is plenty of storage for freight as well as comfortable seating for up to eight over three rows.
In This Article...
Are Kia Telluride vehicles dependable?
The Kia Telluride lacks a lot of historical data as one of the more recent SUVs to hit the market. That so, we still know which Kia Telluride years to steer clear of.
Quick Response: There is only one Kia Telluride year to avoid, and that is 2020.
Since 2020, the Telluride has been manufactured. The good news is that the 2021 and 2022 models both score highly and have a small number of issues.
The major issues with the 2020 model relate to visibility. Let’s look more closely at what these issues are and if they make the Kia Telluride or break it in order to help you make your purchasing decision.
The CoPilot app isn’t just for purchasing a car; it can also be used to keep track of recalls and receive recommendations on which regular maintenance activities are most crucial.
Which Kia Telluride Models Are Good to Buy Used?
The Kia Telluride is still relatively new to the SUV market and is still building its reputation. What that actually is will depend on time. However, for the time being, customers seem to be content overall with their Tellurides.
The Kia Telluride is easy to use and has plenty of room for everyone. That contains seating and cargo rooms that can accommodate all of your adventures, as well as enough for seven to eight passengers.
Additionally, the SUV has a cross-traffic rear accident prevention system to help you while driving on the highway. Additionally, there is a hill-start control to keep you from rolling back on hills.
A strong 10-year warranty is also included with the Kia Telluride, which is always a pleasant feature to cars. Powertrain coverage for 100,000 miles is also covered by this warranty.
It’s good to see that Kia offered this guarantee on the Telluride because the powertrain has frequently been the subject of consumer complaints, as we’ve seen time and time again.
J.D. Power gave the 2021 and 2022 models a strong 85 out of 100 for reliability, which is excellent for both of them.
Given that ratings between 81 and 90 are considered “Great,” it is safe to assume that buying a Kia Telluride made in 2021 or 2022 will be a wise investment.
- Kia Telluride for 2021
- Kia Telluride for 2022
The NHTSA and consumers had slightly more complaints about the 2022 model than the other model (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). The 2022 Telluride has 11 NHTSA miscellaneous complaints, according to CarComplaints.
In addition, 10 NHTSA complaints have been filed addressing issues with exterior accessories. Additionally, there are a few customer complaints about windshield issues.
The windshield has a propensity to crack quickly, according to CarComplaints. And so far, every incident has taken place while driving normally.
Another complaint from the NHTSA supports these ones from the consumers. One 2022 Telluride owner hadn’t even had the car for a week when the windshield started to shatter in the middle of a calm day.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that there are extremely few instances of these issues. The rest of the car receives great marks for the majority of factors and is a dependable SUV. So the Telluride is a vehicle to consider if you’re shopping for a secondhand SUV.
These are the ideal vehicles for college students since they can transport you, your friends, and your belongings everywhere you need to go, whether you need to squeeze into a small campus parking space or transport ten loads of laundry home.
Kia Telluride Years to Avoid
The Kia Telluride years to avoid only comprise the initial year of production of the SUV, as was said in the introduction:
Kia Telluride 2020
What is the NHTSA’s and consumers’ main grievance, then? The headlights can develop a malfunction, claims CarComplaints.
Furthermore, considering that this problem only occurred at low mileage, it may recur at any point while you are the 2020 Telluride’s owner.
It’s important to note that this issue persisted even after the bulbs were changed. 37 NHTSA complaints have added to this reality.
In addition to the current issue with malfunctioning headlights, customers have also complained that the headlights cast a dim light.
Similar to the issue with the broken headlights, the poor illumination happened when the mileage was low. At the time of reporting, the standard was 15,000 people.
Overview of Kia Telluride Problems by Year
Let’s take a minute to quickly go through the main issues and what they imply to you now that we’ve covered the main issues with the 2020 Kia Telluride.
You might not be particularly knowledgeable about your car’s brakes unless you’re a mechanic or a super-committed auto enthusiast. How much time do they usually last? How frequently should brakes be replaced? We have solutions.
Kia Telluride: Faulty Headlights
The SUV made its debut in 2020, which just so happens to be the only Kia Telluride year to stay away from.
It’s fascinating to note that every other small issue revolves around headlights. While other drivers reported that their low beams remained fully functional, their high beams entirely failed.
Additionally, there have been allegations of the Telluride’s headlights abruptly and automatically altering brightness levels.
Additionally, other people tried in vain to turn on the high beams. It is obvious that the 2020 Tellurides has an underlying issue that impacts the headlights.
Unfortunately, there isn’t just one main issue that has to be addressed. As you now know, there are many different headlight problems that could occur.
Does that imply that none of the 2020 Kia Telluride cars will be produced? No, not always. Given the small number of complaints, it is safe to assume that not all 2020 vehicles have issues with their headlights.
It’s likely that buying a used SUV will make you happy if you’re seeking for a dependable SUV. Overall, Tellurides is receiving favorable reviews.
The SUV is cozy, has a ton of extra features and options, and is generally very dependable. It should be a wise purchase as long as the used vehicle you’re thinking about purchasing doesn’t have the headlight problem.
In Closing
Undoubtedly, the Kia Telluride is still a young SUV. Since it just recently hit the market in 2020, it might be years before other problems appear (if there are any).
But until then, we must rely on the data that is already available. And based on what we already know, the Telluride is a dependable performer that competes successfully in the congested SUV market. As a result, the Kia Telluride should suit your needs if you’re seeking for an SUV that gets good reviews.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The simplest way to purchase a car is using the CoPilot auto shopping app. You may create a customized list of the top car listings in your area by telling us what you’re looking for, and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area.
Just seeking for more recent models? The search engine for virtually new vehicles is CoPilot Compare. only observe recentfive years or lessautos with little mileage. The greatest place to look for off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO vehicles is CoPilot Compare.
What’s best? We have more information on each vehicle than our rivals since CoPilot was developed using the same technologies that dealerships use to acquire and sell their inventories. Since CoPilot doesn’t partner with automakers, there aren’t any sponsored posts or other dubious tacticsjust the most information about the best vehicles. To learn more about CoPilot’s operation, see our About Us page.
Is the Kia Telluride pricey?
The Bottom Line: The mid-size SUV from Kia successfully balances affordability, comfort, and luxury. Our test vehicle had all the contemporary features you’d get in a six-figure SUV, but it was less expensive.
- The Telluride’s suspension is supple and soft over uneven ground, but it prevents body roll from developing when turning.
- The Highway Driving Assist (HDA) feature in Kia reduces the amount of concentration required to drive safely on the freeway.
- Our test vehicle included heated and ventilated seats in the first and second rows because it was equipped with the Prestige Package.
Why is telluride so expensive?
There are a few reasons why the Kia Telluride is so expensive: This vehicle is in high demand. A global shortage of semiconductor chips exists.
What issues is the Kia Telluride experiencing?
Headlight problems are the subject of almost 20% of NHTSA complaints for the 2020 Kia Telluride.
Some people say that the low beam headlights are overly bright and divert attention from other drivers in oncoming traffic. Others complain that their high-beam headlights never turn on, perform erratically, or work only occasionally.
Numerous concerns include inadequate peripheral lighting from the headlights and extremely weak lights that make it impossible for drivers to see the side of the road when driving through curves or on dark roads.
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.
How much time does telluride last?
For 2020, Kia unveiled the midsize Telluride SUV. The vehicle immediately outsold the Sorento and Sedona, becoming the best-selling three-row vehicle for the manufacturer. There haven’t been any significant dependability issues with the SUV reported to date.
What is the lifespan of a Kia Telluride then? The typical Kia Telluride could endure 200,000 to 250,000 miles without experiencing too many problems thanks to its dependable Lambda II engine. Since 2011, many Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been driven by variations of the motor, all of which have a 200,000-mile range.
According to forums for the Kia Telluride, one owner claims to have logged 168,000 miles without experiencing any issues. In one update, they even include a picture of the odometer as evidence. In this instance, the battery and alternator failed, totaling $1,100. Alternators typically last up to 150,000 miles, so even this is an accomplishment.
Others suggest traveling between 40,000 and 70,000 miles, which is still a sizable amount given the SUV’s brief tenure on the market. However, these people still anticipate many more years of dependable service thanks to Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee.