Looking to buy a Kia Telluride? We go over the midsize SUV’s specifications in detail, from pricing and trim levels to safety features and interior amenities.
The Kia Telluride is an exceptionally well-built three-row midsize SUV. Launched in 2019 (as a 2020 model year), the utilitarian has received many accolades like the 2020 World Car of the Year and Motor Trend SUV of the Year alongside several notable mentions.
Named after Colorado’s ski town, Kia’s award-winning SUV is among the best-selling in its segment.
If sales reports of 2021 are factored in, Kia sold 45,438 Tellurides up until June, a 79% increase relative to 2020. Moreover, demand for the Kia Telluride is so high that supply can’t keep up, reports CNN.
Without further clouding you with numbers, let’s just say that Kia has devised the automotive equivalent of a grand slam.
As for specs, the 2022 Kia Telluride is available in four trim levels starting from $32,790. Things remain similar to prior model years as the midsize SUV still comes with a 3.8-liter V6 coupled to an eight-speed automatic. In addition to that, a tech-laden interior is standard with 21 cubic feet of usable cargo space behind the third row.
Also, the base Telluride LX comes with blind-spot assist, forward collision warning, and a host of other safety features along with Kia’s decent warranty coverage.
For the 2022 model year, Kia has updated a few things in the Telluride along with a slight bump in price. We’ll be delving into what the updates are whilst going over the Telluride’s specs in detail. But before that, here’s how the 2022 Kia Telluride differs from its previous model years.
2022 Kia Telluride: Current vs. Classic
In contrast to the 2021 model, the 2022 Kia Telluride has been subtly updated. The keen-eyed amongst you will notice the new Kia logo alongside a slightly revised front grille. Other noticeable changes for the 2022 Kia Telluride include the lower LX and S trims getting a 10.25-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, and semi-autonomous highway-driving assist.
All trims of the 2022 Telluride now get Kia’s Navigation Based Adaptive Cruise Control as standard equipment. Also, the prices of the 2022 Kia Telluride have slightly increased. The LX and S trims are up by $600 and $700 respectively, while the EX and SX models see a markup of $200 over the 2021 model.
When comparing model years 2020 and 2021, the biggest update was the optional Nightfall Edition package.
Furthermore, Kia added a seven-pin trailer harness and two new color choices for the 2021 model year. Apart from that, the 2021 Telluride saw a nominal price increase, which in today’s age, is a familiar practice among most carmakers.
The 2020 Telluride was launched at a starting price of $31,890 whereas 2021 saw a hike of $300 for the base LX and S trims while the higher-end EX and SX saw prices go up by $600.
In all honesty, it’d be hard to tell apart the 2020, 2021, and 2022 Kia Telluride if put side by side.
Kia Telluride: Pricing & Trim Levels
As per Kia, trim levels of the 2022 Telluride remain unchanged from 2021. The range starts from $32,790 and goes all the way to $42,690 with an additional $1,225 as destination charges.
You are offered a choice of four trims: LX, S, EX, and SX. All come standard with front-wheel-drive, while all-wheel-drive remains an optional extra at $1,900.
All but the base LX and S trims come with optional packages that enhance the looks and utilitarian aspects of the Kia Telluride. Also, some of the available upholstery choices and exterior colors are reserved for the higher trim levels. Here’s a detailed look.
Kia Telluride LX
The base LX starts from MSRP $32,790 and is offered with a choice of five exterior colors: Everlasting Silver, Ebony Black, Glacial White Pearl, Gravity Gray, and Sangria.
Sadly, unlike the exteriors, the only available interior upholstery is Black SynTex. As for amenities, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is standard.
In addition to that, other handy features like driver talk and quiet mode are available alongside a six-speaker audio system.
Meanwhile, exterior features include auto headlights with LED daytime running lights and heated outside rear-view mirrors (OSRVMs) along with 18-inch alloy wheels.
Kia Telluride S
The S trim starts from $35,290 and gets an additional Black Copper exterior color over the LX. Unlike the LX, interior upholstery is a choice between Black or Gray SynTex material.
As for amenities, they remain fairly similar to the LX. However, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, wireless charging, and sunroof are among the additional features on board.
In terms of the exterior, uprated 20-inch machined-finish alloys remain prominent alongside splashes of chrome.
Kia Telluride EX
The EX trim starts from $37,790 and gets Wolf Gray as an additional exterior color option over the S. Available interior seat trims include a choice between Black or Gray leather upholstery.
On top of the S trim, EX comes with power-folding door mirrors and a powered tailgate as additionals.
You also get heated and ventilated front power seats along with an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Additionally, Kia offers three optional packages for the EX trim:
- Towing Package ($795): Includes self-leveling rear suspension, tow hitch w/harness.
- Nightfall Edition Package ($1,395): Includes front and rear gloss black finish skid plates, 20-inch exclusive black alloy wheels, black headlight bezels, roof rails, and radiator grille.
- EX Premium Package ($1,695): Includes LED headlamps, second-row captain’s chairs with reclining, 20-inch machined alloy wheels, and satin chrome roof rails.
Kia Telluride SX
The fully loaded SX trim starts from $42,690 and gets Dark Moss added to its available color palette. Interior upholstery gets a choice of four leather (Espresso, Gray, Black, Butterscotch) and three premium Nappa leather trims (Black, Gray, Dune Brown). In terms of features, the SX is filled to the brim.
You get a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights with high-beam assist, front fog lights, automatic wipers, and a whole lot more. Of the three available packages, two of them–Towing and Nightfall–remain similar to the EX trim.
- SX Premium Package ($2,300): Harman Kardon 10-speaker premium audio, heated steering wheel, standard Nappa leather upholstery, heads-up display, a 110-volt power outlet, and heated and ventilated second-row seats.
Kia Telluride: Engine Options & Fuel Economy
Kia hasn’t updated the Telluride’s engine since 2019. As a result, the only available powertrain is a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 that makes 291 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque.
Power is transmitted via an eight-speed automatic gearbox that drives the front wheels as standard. The Telluride is equipped with four driving modes: Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart.
Furthermore, AWD-equipped models get a differential lock and an additional Snow mode for improved traction.
According to Car and Driver, the top-spec Telluride SX managed to hit 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 132 mph. As for fuel efficiency, EPA rates the 2022 Kia Telluride at 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway (FWD), and 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway (AWD).
Kia Telluride: Exterior & Interior Dimensions
Dimensionally, the Kia Telluride remains similar to its outgoing model. The midsize SUV has an imposing stance thanks to its boxy shape and relatively large proportions.
Also, the Telluride’s eight inches of ground clearance along with reasonable approach and departure angles make it a nifty off-roader.
- Length: 196.9 in.
- Width: 78.3 in.
- Height: 69.3 in.
- Wheelbase: 114.2 in.
- Track: front/rear: 67.2/67.6 in.
- Ground Clearance: 8.0 in.
- Approach Angle: 17.0 degrees
- Departure Angle: 20.9 degrees
Inside, the Telluride is as luxurious as any full-size SUV. You get ample amounts of head and legroom along with a useable third-row.
Cargo space is aplenty at 21 cu. ft with all seats up. That increases to 46 cu. ft with the third-row flat and 87 cu. ft as you fold down the second row.
Interior Room
| Front | 2nd Row | 3rd Row | |
| Head Room | 39.5 in | 38.8 in | 37.8 in |
| Shoulder Room | 61.6 in | 59.9 in | 55.3 in |
| Leg Room | 41.4 in | 42.4 in | 31.4 in |
| Hip Room | 58.9 in | 58.0 in | 43.7 in |
Kia Telluride Safety Features
Lane centering with departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring are standard safety features of the 2022 Telluride. Also standard is the rear cross-traffic braking, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors.
The top-spec SX trim gets automatic high beams and 360-degree cameras as standard equipment.
Some of the additional safety features are:
- Vehicle stability management
- Hill-start assist control
- High line tire-pressure monitoring system
- Rollover sensor
- Dual front airbags and driver’s side knee airbag
- Seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags
- Driver attention warning and rear occupant alert
Kia Telluride Warranty
In the event of an unfortunate mishap, Kia has you covered with its slew of warranties. For the 2022 Telluride, Kia offers a 10-year/100,000-miles warranty program. In the industry-leading limited warranty package, we find:
- Powertrain warranty: 10-year/100,000 miles
- Basic warranty: five-year/60,000 miles
- Anti-perforation warranty: five-year/60,000 miles
- Roadside assistance plan: five-year/60,000 miles
Photos: Kia
