| Kia Telluride | |
|---|---|
%2c_front_4.16.23.jpg) 2022 Kia Telluride EX (US) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Kia |
| Production | February 2019 – present[1] |
| Model years | 2020–present (North America) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size crossover SUV[2][3] |
| Body style | 5-doorSUV |
| Layout | |
| Related | Hyundai Palisade |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Kia Mohave/Borrego |
TheKia Telluride is amid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating manufactured and marketed byKia since 2019. Positioned above the smallerSorento, the Telluride was previewed as aconcept car in 2016, with the production model debuting in early 2019 as a 2020 model. It shares components and specifications with its sister model, theHyundai Palisade, including its engine, transmission, and wheelbase.[4] Named after the town ofTelluride, Colorado, the Telluride is the largest vehicle Kia has manufactured in the United States.[5]
| First generation | |
|---|---|
.jpg) 2020 Kia Telluride EX (US) | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | ON |
| Production | February 2019 – present[6] |
| Model years | 2020–2025[7] (North America) |
| Assembly | United States:West Point, Georgia (KMMG) |
| Designer | Park Byung-Kyu[8] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Chassis | Unibody |
| Related | Hyundai Palisade (LX2) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 8-speedA8LF1automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,900 mm (114.2 in) |
| Length | 5,001 mm (196.9 in) |
| Width | 1,998 mm (78.7 in) |
| Height | 1,760 mm (69.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,865–2,033 kg (4,112–4,482 lb) |
The production version of the Telluride was launched at the 2019North American International Auto Show in January. Previously, the Telluride was displayed as a customized version inspired by fashion designerBrandon Maxwell's Texas-inspired collection, atNew York Fashion Week in September 2018.[9] The overall design is similar to the 2016 concept except for the front end which was completely redesigned.
The Telluride is the first Kia designed specifically for the US market, with the design work handled at the Kia Design Center inIrvine, California.[10] The production version Telluride is powered by a 3.8-literLambda IIV6Atkinson cycle gasoline engine rated at 291 hp (295 PS; 217 kW) and 355 N⋅m (36.2 kg⋅m; 262 lb⋅ft), paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and eitherfront-wheel drive orall-wheel-drive.
The Telluride features four drive modes – Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort. Snow and AWD Lock modes are also available for specific driving conditions, and the on-demand electro-hydraulic AWD system with multi-plateclutch plate constantly redistributes power to bothaxles. In Eco and Smart modes, power is completely routed to the front wheels, whereas Sport mode splits the power down to 65 percent front, 35 percent rear.[11]
The standard towing rate for this SUV is rated at 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg), and it also features the optionalself-levelling rear suspension where the ride height is automatically calibrated depending on vehicle load to optimise control and stability.[11]
The Telluride is not marketed in South Korea as it is only produced in the United States, whereas its Hyundai counterpart, the Korean-built Palisade is marketed there instead.[12] Exports from theWest Point, Georgia plant to the Middle East started in February 2019.[13] Kia limited exports of the Telluride to around 3,000 units annually.[14]
In U.S. and Canada, the Telluride is offered in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX.[15] The latter is offered with an optional "SX Prestige Package," which include several premium features.[16] Since 2021, Kia has offered a "Premium Package" on the EX trim. A 3-seat bench is standard for the second row while captain's chairs can be added, dropping the seating capacity from eight to seven.[10]
All Tellurides are equipped with various features that are otherwise optional in some of its competitors, such as "Sofino" (leatherette)-trimmed or leather-trimmed seating surfaces. Available equipment includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear view monitor, 630-watt 10-speakerHarman Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone charging tray, and head-up display with turn-by-turn navigation, along with heated and ventilated first and second row bucket seats. The Telluride is also equipped with Driver Talk for some trim levels, an in-carintercom system that allows the driver to communicate separately with passengers in the second or third row.[11]
The refreshed 2023 Telluride was unveiled at theNew York International Auto Show on April 13, 2022.[17] New convenience technology such as a 12.3-inchinstrument panel and an available smart power liftgate with auto-close functionality were added. On the exterior, the grille, headlights, and front bumper were redesigned. More rugged-looking X-Line and X-Pro trims became available since the 2023 model year.[18]
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The concept version was first introduced at the2016 North American International Auto Show. Amid-size, three-row, seven-passengerSUV, the Telluride concept is based on a modifiedSorento chassis, and powered by atransversely-mounted 3.5-litergasoline direct injectedV6 producing 270 hp (201 kW) combined with an electric motor producing 130 hp (97 kW), for an overall output of 400 hp (298 kW). Fuel consumption is claimed to be 30 miles per US gallon (7.8 L/100 km).[19]
The exterior was finished indark pyrite paint and featured a squared off body riding on 22-inch rims, as well as an enlarged tiger nose grille and multiple LED headlamps, consistent with Kia's current design language (as of 2016).[20] The car'ssuicide doors swung open 90 degrees in opposite directions,[21] revealing apillarless design.[22] Some of the interior components were3D printed, marking Kia's first usage of 3D printing technology.[23] It was designed by Tom Kearns from Kia Design Center America.[24]
In 2020, the Telluride received the 2020World Car of the Year as well asMotor Trend's SUV of the Year.[25]
In March 2024, Kia recalled over 427,000 Tellurides from 2020 to 2024 model years, due to rollaway risks which the vehicles rolls away when placed in 'P' gear. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this is because of improper assembly of the intermediate shaft and the right front driveshaft could cause unintended vehicle movement, if the driver failed to engage the parking brake. Kia first identified this problem in April 2022 and by then Kia had found 16 vehicles with this problem.[26]
In June 2024, Kia recalled over 462,000 Tellurides from 2020 to 2024 model years, due to potential fire risk caused by the powered front seat motors which can overheat. The issue relates to the misalignment of the powered seats control could get stuck and can feed constant power to the seat motors. According to recall documents, Kia were aware of one driver seat fire incident, six confirmed incidents of melted components under the seats and incidents of interior smoke.[27]
The 2020 and 2021 model years of the Telluride were awarded "Top Safety Pick" by IIHS, it was later awarded "Top Safety Pick+".[28][29]
| Small overlap front (driver) | Good | |
| Small overlap front (passenger) | Good | |
| Moderate overlap front (original test) | Good | |
| Side (original test) | Good | |
| Side (updated test) | Marginal | |
| Roof strength | Good | |
| Head restraints and seats | Good | |
| Headlights (varies by trim/option) | Acceptable | Poor |
| Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle | Superior | |
| Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-pedestrian (Day) | Superior | |
| Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use | Acceptable | |
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Production | 2026 (to commence) |
| Model years | 2027 (to commence) |
| Assembly | United States:West Point, Georgia (KMMG) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Chassis | Unibody |
| Related | Hyundai Palisade (LX3) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,976 mm (117.2 in) |
| Length | 5,059 mm (199.2 in) |
| Height | 1,785 mm (70.3 in) |
The second generation Telluride was revealed in November 10, 2025 and was unveiled on 20 November 2025 in theLA Auto Show with deliveries beginning in Q1 2026.[30]
| Calendar year | U.S.[31] | Canada[32] |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 58,604 | 2,997 |
| 2020 | 75,129 | 2,853 |
| 2021 | 93,705 | 4,270 |
| 2022 | 99,891 | |
| 2023 | 110,765 | |
| 2024 | 115,504 |
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