- Highs: Prestige at a low price, tons of interior acreage, loaded with fanciful features.
- Lows: Some rivals feel livelier, average fuel economy, invasive adaptive cruise control.
- Verdict: The Telluride rises above all three-row rivals with its palatial traits and peerless value.
Overview
Affordability
is often offset by frugality, but the 2020 Kia Telluride transcends
that association with its utterly lavish qualities and absolute bargain
price. With enormous proportions and three rows of seats, the
bold-looking Kia is the company's biggest crossover SUV.
It has all the tenants of a great family hauler, including abundant
passenger space and contemporary features. Its standard V-6 powertrain
isn't especially efficient, but it's quietly competent and able to tow
up to 5000 pounds.
2020 Kia Telluride: Car and Driver's 10 Best
What's New for 2020?
The Kia Telluride is all new for 2020. Although it's based on the three-row Kia Sorento, it's considerably larger—and grander—inside and out. Its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Palisade, is also all new and differentiated by its even bolder exterior styling and uniquely appointed interior.
Pricing and Suggestions
- LX: $32,785
- S: $35,085
- EX: $38,185
- SX: $42,585
It's
not often that we recommend the fully loaded version of a vehicle,
since we prioritize the best value for shoppers. However, even the
fanciest and most expensive Telluride is a certified bargain. That's why
we'd choose the SX model and add all-wheel drive for $2000. It already
has slick standard features that include a 12-way power-adjustable
driver's seat, 20-inch wheels, automatic high-beams, blind-spot
monitoring, dual sunroofs, and more, but we'd also select the Tow
package to utilize the Telluride's towing abilities as well as the SX
Prestige package. The latter brings a head-up display, heated and
ventilated second-row seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a 110-volt
outlet, and more premium interior materials.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under
the hood of every 2020 Telluride is a naturally aspirated V-6 that
makes 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Its engine pairs with an
eight-speed automatic transmission that feeds the front wheels in the
standard format—all-wheel drive is also optional across the board. The top-of-the-line Telluride SX
we tested charged from zero to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds. However, the big
Kia didn't feel as responsive to throttle inputs at lower speeds as did
some of its turbocharged rivals. The Telluride's ride is on the firm
side, with harsh pavement sometimes throwing the three-row SUV off its
intended path. A self-leveling rear air suspension is also available.
Brakes are excellent and the steering is precise with a nice heft to its
feel. The Telluride boasts 8.0 inches of ground clearance for off-road
excursions, and it can tow up to 5000 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Unlike
many rival three-row SUVs, the Telluride is only offered with a V-6
powertrain. The EPA estimates the front-drive version is the thriftiest,
with ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
All-wheel-drive models drop to 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, which are
slightly higher than V-6–powered competitors such as the Volkswagen Atlas and slightly lower than the Honda Pilot.
The all-wheel-drive Telluride we tested on our 200-mile fuel-economy
route returned 24 mpg highway—matching its government rating. The Atlas
also earned 24 mpg while the Pilot got 27 mpg during our real-world
test.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Regardless
of people's opinion about the 2020 Telluride's bold outward appearance,
its interior is undeniably upscale and comfortable. The build quality
is excellent, the materials are attractive, and the desirable features
are plentiful. Because the Telluride is several inches longer than the
seven-passenger Sorento, its cabin is even more spacious, especially for
those in the wayback seat. There is room for eight with a second-row
bench seat or room for seven with the optional captain's chairs. Along
with ample interior storage throughout the cabin, we managed to fit four
carry-on suitcases behind its third row and stuffed a total of 35
carry-ons with both back rows folded flat.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Even
the entry-level Telluride boasts a robust infotainment system that
features an 8.0-inch touchscreen with popular content that includes
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability along with numerous power
points. Every other model has the same equipment as well as a standard
10.25-inch touchscreen and wireless phone charging. A Harman/Kardon
audio system is included on the top-tier SX model.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Kia Telluride hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but it was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). Kia is packaging a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology on all Telluride models, and several upgraded assists are also available. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard blind-spot monitoring
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Kia
provides some of the best comprehensive coverage out there, with the
longest powertrain warranty in the biz. However, it lacks the
complimentary scheduled maintenance of rivals such as the Toyota Highlander and the Chevy Traverse.
- Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance