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.
In This Article...
Is the Kia Telluride a wise investment?
The 3-row midsize SUV from Kia, the Telluride, is unquestionably a top option in its class for 2022. It is roomy, inexpensive, well-equipped, polite, and, in some opinions, attractive. It can support these claims with the honors it has in its figurative trophy cabinet.
Has the Kia Telluride got any issues?
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.
There is just one Kia Telluride year to steer clear of, and that’s 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long does a Kia 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.
Why not purchase a Kia Telluride?
There are multiple possible answers to this complex question. The MSRP of the 2022 Kia Telluride is $33,090. For its class, this is fantastic! However, the destination charges and dealership markups are not included in this price.
Everyman Driver claims that the persistent shortage of semiconductor chips is the reason why new car prices are simply too high. Vehicle prices, both new and old, are out of control. At the moment, a new car costs $45,000 on average.
Although the Kia Telluride is cited as a popular choice, it might be advisable to hold off for a little while. Currently, the Telluride is being offered for an average of $8,000 more than MSRP. The cost of a transaction is $47,000 on average. This costs 20% more than the MSRP for the all-wheel drive EX variant.
What are the Kia Telluride’s shortcomings?
Ten Arguments in Favor of Buying a Kia Telluride and a Few Arguments Against
The Telluride has received a lot of favorable press ever since it made its debut in 2019. With this three-row SUV, Kia has provided clients with a fashionable, dependable, and contemporary car. The 2021 Kia Telluride has plenty of technology and a luxurious feel. It would be a fantastic option for anyone looking for a roomy car with good handling.
Given how recent the Telluride is on the market, it makes natural that Kia hasn’t made many changes for the Telluride’s second model year. The majority of the mechanical parts are still in place, and the cabin still feels the same.
The 2021 improvements are largely aesthetic. For instance, LED headlights are now an option on the EX model, and there are two new paint shades (Black Copper and Sangria). The trailer harness has been improved from a four-pin connection to a seven-pin connection, and the key fob now has a “On” button so users can simply turn on their engines remotely. Anyone seeking a brash, urban appearance can now purchase the new Nightfall bundle. It has various components, including 20-inch wheels and a black grille.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2021 Kia TellurideThe Pros
Rev up the Engine
The large, highly capable engine that powers the 2021 Kia Telluride packs a lot of power. The Telluride’s 3.8 liter V6 engine provides effortless performance in a variety of conditions. With 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, it is powerful. Additionally, people have some flexibility in terms of moving freight because to the 5,000-pound towing capability. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that has a Sportmatic sports shifter for drivers who occasionally like the feel of a manual transmission.
2. Travel off-road
An on-demand all-wheel drive system is offered on all Telluride levels. It can keep an eye on how the wheels are doing and adjust the power supply if slippage is noticed. There is a means to lock in all-wheel drive for those situations where it is desired continuously. Additionally, a snow mode for the winter climate exists.
The Telluride offers a comparatively pleasant ride even on rough roads. It has a strong suspension system that can smooth out some of the peaks and valleys one might experience off the main track. An optional self-leveling rear suspension is offered with the SUV’s top two grades. This could improve handling even more.
3. A selection of price points
There are four Telluride models, thus Kia has been able to meet a range of price points. With a starting price of little under $32,000, the Telluride’s LX trim is reasonably priced given its size, functionality, and features. Given their enhancements, the price increases for the S and EX are each a few thousand dollars, which is more than reasonable.
The SX is priced at $42,190, which is at the high end of the spectrum. The SX may no longer be affordable for many clients as a result, but not necessarily for all. Customers who desire luxury amenities but aren’t willing to spend more than $50,000 on their next vehicles may find it to be a decent deal.
4. Plenty of Cargo Room
Three-row SUVs occasionally don’t have much room behind the back row of seats. With the Telluride, which offers 21 cubic feet of storage space in the back, this isn’t the case. This is ideal for many people who are constantly moving and need to tote a lot of equipment. The third seat may be folded down to generate 46 cubic feet of storage space, and the cargo volume can be increased to 87 cubic feet by lowering the second and third rows.
5. Straighten Your Legs
People need space to spread out and feel comfortable, especially on long road trips. There is 41.4 inches of legroom in the Telluride’s front row. There is considerably more space in the second row, where there is 42.4 inches of legroom. Since there is just 31.4 inches of legroom in the third row, children should sit there.
Select Your Cabin Configuration in Step 6
Either eight or seven people can be accommodated in the 2021 Kia Telluride. For the middle and third rows of the eight-person seating arrangement, bench chairs are used. The second row of the seven-passenger configuration has captain’s seats. This configuration appeals to some individuals since it gives the second-row passengers a more comfortable space to unwind and gives the cabin a bigger sense. Keep in mind that the LX has eight-passenger seating, the S and SX are equipped with captain’s chairs, and the EX offers passengers the option of either.
7. Put safety first
There are numerous driver-assistance features that come standard on all Telluride levels. Automatic emergency braking can lessen the likelihood that the Telluride will collide with other cars or pedestrians in its path. Drivers can better understand who is nearby thanks to blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and a number of devices can keep the SUV centered in its lane. Even if the driver’s eyes aren’t on the road, a driver attentiveness warning feature can identify it.
8. Maintain Contact
The 2021 Kia Telluride has eight-inch touchscreens in the base two trims and 10.25-inch touchscreens in the top two trims. Both Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity are commonplace. The Kia’s cabin has five or six USB ports, depending on the trim, making it possible for practically everyone to keep their gadgets completely charged.
9. Remotely start the engine
Even if the majority of people don’t necessarily need remote start, it’s undeniably a pretty cool function. The 2021 Telluride has an engine-starting button on the key fob, as was discussed before in this review. This is a very useful feature that also allows the temperature control system to start preparing the cabin for comfort.
10. High-end materials
Sofino faux leather is used to cover the seats in the LX and S trim levels. This material is upscale-looking and simple to maintain. Leather seats are added to the EX and SX, and the SX may be had with a high-end Nappa leather material. All grades include leather around the steering wheel, while the S, EX, and SX models also have leather on the shifter. The inside look of some trims is enhanced by woodgrain accents, while the SX sports distinctive stainless-steel pedals and door sill scuff trim.
buying advice
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Reasons Not to Buy a 2021 Kia TellurideThe Cons
1. Insufficient Efficiency
The Telluride gets an estimated 20/26 (city/highway) mpg with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive reduces mileage to roughly 19/24 miles per gallon. These figures are by no means impressive, especially when compared to the other hybrids that are readily accessible.
Boxy Frame 2.
Some people like the Telluride’s external design, but not everyone. The Telluride’s frame is boxy and upright, which may turn some people off.
3. a single engine
The 2017 Kia Telluride functions and appears in many ways like a high-end SUV. The availability of multiple engine options with many luxury companies’ automobiles is one distinction, though. The Telluride just has one engine, which is a bad thing. Despite the fact that it has more than enough capacity, customers looking for a vehicle with more than 300 horsepower may not find it appealing.
4. Hills May Be Difficult
There is no equivalent functionality to the hill start assist control function, which helps the SUV move while stopped on a slope. Many SUVs on the market have a hill descent system that regulates the vehicle’s speed when going downhill. Given the weight of these vehicles and the potential for cargo hauling, it can be quite helpful. The Telluride will only require drivers to carefully watch their speed and apply the brakes when necessary.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition:
The 2021 Kia Telluride nevertheless manages to stand out in a crowded market. Comparisons to two other SUVs with comparable features can be found below. We decided on a Honda and a Toyota since they are two enduring leaders in the automotive sector.
Although the engines and capacities of these two vehicles are comparable, the Telluride outperforms the Honda Pilot in a number of crucial respects. First, it boasts greater cargo space behind the third row of seats and more second-row legroom than the Pilot does. Additionally, the Telluride is offered in all trim levels with all-wheel drive. With the Honda, that feature is not available in the base model. The technology bundle in the Telluride is also much more appealing. Its touchscreen sizes range from eight inches on the base model to 10.25 inches on higher trims. Contrarily, the Pilot’s other trims all have eight-inch touchscreens whereas the base model only has a five-inch color LCD screen.
In terms of safety, technology, and performance, the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander from 2021 are comparable. It is unquestionably more expensive than the Kia, though, and for some people, this price difference is reason enough to recommend the Telluride. The base model of the Highlander costs a few thousand dollars more than the base Telluride, which should help clarify the costs. The most expensive Highlander models, which Toyota produces in a variety, cost close to $50,000.
The Kia Telluride has swiftly gained popularity among SUV buyers who want three rows of seating for a variety of reasons. It boasts practical features, a dependable and powerful powertrain, and was created with customers in mind. Its technology was implemented to amuse, educate, and maintain the safety of drivers and their passengers.
The Telluride has undergone a few improvements for 2021, increasing its allure. Overall, this SUV offers a lot of value and would be enjoyable and useful to drive.