The 2022 Kia Telluride is a home run in the auto industry. We picked the Telluride SUV of the Year two years ago because it feels every bit a high-end product. This three-row SUV has great interior room, a smooth ride, respectable power, and amazing attention to detail both inside and out. Even better, all-wheel drive is an optional $2,000 addition that comes with the same powerplant in every model level. Which trim, however, best meets your needs? Review of our trim is below.
In This Article...
Kia Telluride LX Trim Pros and Cons
The Kia Telluride LX exhibits the same strengths as the entire lineup and is far from an entry-level vehicle. There is standard seating for eight in its third row, which is more roomy than the ones in the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-9. Every 2021 Telluride now has a dedicated remote-start button on the key fob and a 7-pin trailer harness (instead of a 4-pin connector). A 3.8-liter V-6 engine under the hood produces a smooth 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
No matter whatever Telluride model you choose, the V-6 is predicted to offer 20/26 mpg in the city and on the highway when it is front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive reduces those numbers to 19/24 mpg. These are respectable numbers, but not the best in their class.
The 2022 Telluride matches them on the most, but not all, of the standard amenities, and has a starting price that is around $2,000 less than either the Mazda or Toyota. For instance, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, LED headlights are only available on more expensive grade levels. The Highlander’s base model loses a leather-wrapped steering wheel, which is a great addition. They all travel on 18-inch alloy wheels. The Telluride LX offers extremely few options in contrast to the Mazda or Toyota, not that it is lacking much these days. For 2022, it was redesigned with a larger 10.3-inch split-screen infotainment display, automated climate control, navigation, and new-looking Kia logos on all models.
Kia Telluride S Pros and Cons
The Telluride S, which costs around $2,000 more, would be the right choice if the LX is alluring but falls short in terms of visual impact. The grille, door handles, external moldings, and the panels under the doors are the primary focal points of this trim level’s addition of contrasting satin chrome features. The S additionally includes heated/power front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, a power sunroof, and 20-inch polished alloys in addition to the brightwork.
Kia Telluride EX Pros and Cons
The Telluride EX’s 18-inch wheels, as opposed to the S’s 20-inch ones, may be what immediately draws attention to it. Of course, the trade-off is that you’ll make up for any flair you might lose in ride quality (20-inch wheels, however, are optional). The second row captain seats are also missing, and in their place a 60/40 folding bench seat is present.
But in every other way, the EX’s $3,000 price premium above the S is justified by its abundance of amenities. A motorized liftgate, power-folding mirrors, heated and ventilated front seats, and leather seating are all found here.
For some purchasers, the power liftgate might be enough to justify the increase on its alone, but the second row sunshade screens, additional USB port (for a total of six), and eight-way electrically adjustable passenger front seat further support this specification.
Kia Telluride SX Pros and Cons
The Telluride SX not only triumphed in a three-way comparison test two years prior (beating out platform rival Hyundai Palisade for the title), but it also won a nine-way comparison test of three-row crossovers. This success can be attributed in part to what it provides on a universal level. The Telluride offers superb value for the money even in its top SX version. The quality of their execution matters more than just the added features. We were very impressed with the Telluride’s ability to provide a great experience at a reasonable cost.
However, upgrading to this trim grade necessitates a large rise of almost $10,000 from the LX and an increase of almost $5,000 over the EX trim. The question is whether options like dual sunroofs, HomeLink, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon radio, and a 10-way power driver seat are absolutely necessary given that the drivetrain is the same across all grades. However, the SX is the only vehicle with optional extra safety features including a surround-view camera system, blind-spot monitor, and front park-distance warning.
So Which 2022 Kia Telluride Model Is Best?
The Kia Telluride’s trim levels present a problem in this regard. Even though it has less creature comforts, the LX still provides all the benefits of the higher trim levels. And while the SX won our hearts and starts at just under $44,000 with a very excellent package, the leather-lined EX delivers almost as many comforts at a considerably lesser price.
What distinguishes the KIA Telluride SX from the EX?
SX: Disparities. Eight passengers can sit comfortably in the second row bench seats of the 2020 Telluride EX. As an alternative, the second-row captain’s chairs in the SX configuration reduce the number of seats to seven in exchange for more comfort.
The best Telluride is which one?
Every Telluride has a naturally aspirated V-6 engine under the hood that produces 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Its engine is paired with an automatic transmission with eight gears, feeding the front wheels in the conventional manner. Additionally, all-wheel drive is always an option. The best Telluride SX we drove reached 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. At slower speeds, the large Kia didn’t feel as responsive to throttle inputs as some of its turbocharged competitors did. The Telluride’s ride is on the firm side, and rough pavement can occasionally cause the three-row SUV to veer off course. There is also a self-leveling rear air suspension available. The steering is tight and has a great weight to it. The brakes are also excellent. For off-road adventures, the Telluride has 8.0 inches of ground clearance and a 5500-pound towing capacity.
What distinguishes SX Telluride from S Telluride?
The only other vehicle having reverse tilt-down outside mirrors is the 2022 Kia Telluride SX. Just the SX has dual sunroofs, adding even more light to your SUV’s interior while the S and EX only feature a motorized sunroof. Aero Wiper Blades and LED Projector Beam headlamps are exclusive to the SX. Additionally, it sports LED front fog lights and high beam assist.
The 2022 Kia Telluride SX differs from other variants in part due to its wheels. The 20-inch alloy wheels on the 2022 SX have a black sport finish. Additionally, only the SX has 10 speakers, whereas other variants only have six. The most costly trim is the 2022 Telluride SX, which costs $42,690.
What distinguishes the Kia Telluride EX, SX, and LX models?
On the 2020 Telluride, you can choose between seats for 7 or 8 passengers. Second row captain’s seats and a seating capacity for seven passengers are standard on the LX and EX grades. Up to 8 passengers can fit in the S and SX, which also has folding benches. It should be noted that the S has an 8-passenger configuration option as well.
What distinguishes the KIA Telluride SX 2022 from the EX 2022?
The SX adds 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and foglights, a dual-pane power sunroof, automatic high-beam headlights, and other upgrades over the EX. When the Telluride is in reverse, the SX side mirrors tilt down, allowing the driver to see potential obstacles close to the wheels.
What is the most luxurious Telluride?
2022 Kia Telluride SX The SX variant is the highest trim level for the 2022 Kia Telluride. The SX model, a luxury and powerful car, comes with the following incredible features for you to enjoy: 10.25-inch LCD screen.
What is Telluride EX Premium Package?
We advise adding the Premium option to the Telluride EX in order to acquire the improved headlights and attractive 20-inch alloy wheels, as well as the cargo cover and carpeted floor mats. The MSRP for a Telluride with these options is $41,075 for front-wheel drive and $43,075 for all-wheel drive.
What is the Kia Telluride’s nightfall edition?
The Nightfall Edition has gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels. The doors have a glossy black finish, and the roof rails are blacked out. There is only an all-wheel-drive version of this machine. Continue reading our articles and stop by our dealership to see the 2022 Kia Telluride Nightfall Edition.
Do Kia Tellurides have 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.
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.
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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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