Kia Telluride: Price, Specs, Features & Review
Base MSRP :~ $39,190
The Kia Telluride is Kia’s largest three-row SUV and one of the strongest family SUVs in the midsize segment. It is built for buyers who want eight-passenger practicality, a premium-feeling cabin, strong towing ability, available all-wheel drive, and a more rugged look than a typical family crossover.
The Telluride moved into a new generation for the 2027 model year after Kia skipped the 2026 model year. The redesigned Telluride replaced the older 3.8L V6 with a new 2.5L turbocharged gas engine and added the first Telluride Hybrid, giving families a more efficient option for the first time.
8.9 / 10 — WheelPedia Rating
Every vehicle we review is scored on a 1–10 scale based on how well it delivers on performance, comfort, efficiency, value, and real-world usability. These ratings help show where it stands in its segment.
Key Highlights
- Body Type: Three-row midsize SUV
- Seating Capacity: 7 or 8 passengers
- Standard Engine: 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Standard Horsepower: 274 hp
- Standard Torque: 311 lb-ft
- Hybrid Powertrain: 2.5L turbo hybrid
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Maximum Cargo Capacity: Up to 89.3 cubic feet
- Maximum Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs on properly equipped X-Pro models
- Best For: Families, road trips, three-row SUV shoppers, towing light trailers, buyers comparing Telluride, Palisade, Pilot, Grand Highlander, Atlas, CX-90, and Pathfinder
Specifications
| Spec | Details |
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | Telluride |
| Vehicle Type | Three-row midsize SUV |
| Body Style | 5-door SUV |
| Seats | 7 or 8 |
| Doors | 4 doors plus liftgate |
| Current Generation | Second generation, introduced for 2027 |
| Previous Engine | 3.8L V6 |
| Current Gas Engine | 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Gas Output | 274 hp and 311 lb-ft |
| Hybrid Engine | 2.5L turbo hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD depending on trim |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | Up to 89.3 cu. ft. |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Available Off-Road Trim | X-Pro |
| Main Rivals | Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot, Volkswagen Atlas, Mazda CX-90, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent |
Expert Tip
For most families, the Telluride EX or SX trim is the best starting point. The lower trims keep pricing more reasonable, while the EX and SX add the comfort, safety, and technology features that make the Telluride feel like a near-premium SUV.
About the Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is Kia’s flagship family SUV in North America. It sits above the Sorento and gives buyers more passenger space, more cargo room, and a more traditional three-row SUV feel than Kia’s smaller models.
The Telluride became popular because it gave families a premium-feeling SUV without luxury-brand pricing. It offered a roomy cabin, strong standard features, bold styling, and a comfortable ride. That formula helped it compete directly with the Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander, Volkswagen Atlas, Mazda CX-90, Subaru Ascent, and Nissan Pathfinder.
The 2027 redesign is a major shift. Kia moved away from the older 3.8L V6 and now uses a turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder engine in gas-only models. The change gives the Telluride more torque than the old V6 and helps Kia modernize the SUV for fuel economy and emissions needs.
The biggest update is the addition of a hybrid model. Earlier Telluride generations were gas-only, which made the SUV less efficient than some newer rivals. The hybrid gives Kia a better answer to fuel-conscious family buyers and makes the Telluride more competitive against the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid and Hyundai Palisade Hybrid.
Price & Trims
The 2027 Kia Telluride gas lineup starts at about $39,190 before freight, with a reported $1,595 freight charge. Gas-only trims range from the LX to higher X-Line and X-Pro versions, with the top gas X-Pro SX-Prestige AWD listed around $56,790 before destination and options.
Gasoline Trims
| Trim | Base (MSRP) | Powertrain | Drivetrain | Best For |
| LX FWD | Around $39,190 | 2.5L turbo / 8-speed automatic | FWD | Lowest-price Telluride |
| S | Low-to-mid $40,000s | 2.5L turbo / 8-speed automatic | FWD or AWD | Better features and family value |
| EX | Mid $40,000s | 2.5L turbo / 8-speed automatic | FWD or AWD | Best comfort-focused value |
| EX X-Line | Upper $40,000s | 2.5L turbo / 8-speed automatic | AWD | Rugged styling and AWD |
| EX X-Pro | Upper $40,000s | 2.5L turbo / 8-speed automatic | AWD | Lower-cost rugged version |
| SX | Upper $40,000s | 2.5L turbo / 8-speed automatic | FWD or AWD | Tech-focused family trim |
| SX X-Line | Low $50,000s | 2.5L turbo / 8-speed automatic | AWD | Style, tech, and AWD |
| SX Prestige | Mid $50,000s | 2.5L turbo / 8-speed automatic | AWD | Premium comfort |
| SX Prestige X-Line | Mid $50,000s | 2.5L turbo / 8-speed automatic | AWD | Premium rugged style |
| X-Pro SX-Prestige AWD | Around $56,790 | 2.5L turbo / 8-speed automatic | AWD | Most capable gas Telluride |
The Telluride Hybrid starts around $46,490 and reaches around $57,590 for the X-Line SX-Prestige AWD version, according to recent pricing reports.
Hybrid Trims
| Trim Type | Starting Price Position | Powertrain | Drivetrain | Best For |
| Hybrid EX FWD | Around $46,490 | 2.5L turbo hybrid | FWD | Lowest-price hybrid |
| Hybrid EX AWD | Higher than EX FWD | 2.5L turbo hybrid | AWD | Better poor-weather confidence |
| Hybrid SX | Mid-to-upper range | 2.5L turbo hybrid | FWD or AWD | More tech and comfort |
| Hybrid SX Prestige | Upper range | 2.5L turbo hybrid | AWD | Premium hybrid comfort |
| Hybrid X-Line | Upper range | 2.5L turbo hybrid | AWD | Rugged-style hybrid |
| Hybrid X-Line SX-Prestige AWD | Around $57,590 | 2.5L turbo hybrid | AWD | Most premium hybrid Telluride |
The LX is the cheapest Telluride, but many buyers should move up to the S or EX for better features. The EX is the trim most families should compare first because it adds more comfort without jumping to the top of the lineup.
The SX is the best fit if technology and cabin feel matter. It adds a more premium experience and makes the Telluride feel closer to luxury SUVs without crossing into luxury-brand pricing.
The X-Line trims are mainly for styling and AWD confidence. The X-Pro trims are better if you want more capability, towing confidence, all-terrain tires, and a tougher setup for outdoor use.
Engine, Performance & Fuel Economy
2.5L Turbo Gas Engine
The redesigned Telluride uses a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder gas engine instead of the previous 3.8L V6. Reported output is 274 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. It comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
| Item | Telluride 2.5L Turbo |
| Engine | 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 274 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD depending on trim |
| Best Use | Family driving, towing, highway trips, daily use |
This engine gives the Telluride strong torque for a family SUV. It may not have the smooth sound of the old V6, but it should feel stronger at low and mid-range speeds because of the turbocharged torque.
The 8-speed automatic is a better fit for family use than a CVT would be. It should give the Telluride a more natural feel during highway passing, towing, and long-distance driving.
2.5L Turbo Hybrid
The Telluride Hybrid is the biggest mechanical update to the lineup. It gives buyers a gasoline-electric option for the first time and makes the Telluride more competitive against hybrid three-row SUVs.
| Item | Telluride Hybrid |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo hybrid |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD depending on trim |
| Best Use | Better fuel economy, city driving, family commuting |
| Buyer Type | Families who want a large SUV with lower fuel use |
The hybrid is the better powertrain for buyers who spend a lot of time in traffic. Electric assistance should help at lower speeds, while the gas engine supports longer trips and highway driving.
The hybrid also makes sense for families who want a large three-row SUV but do not want fuel costs to be as high as a traditional gas-only model.
Driving Experience
The Kia Telluride is built for comfort, stability, and confidence rather than sporty handling. It is a family SUV first, and that is the right way to judge it.
The gas turbo engine should feel strong in normal driving because of its 311 lb-ft of torque. That matters more than peak horsepower in a large SUV because families often drive with passengers, cargo, and highway loads.
The older V6 Telluride was smooth and relaxed. The new turbo engine changes the character slightly. It should feel more responsive in the mid-range, but some buyers may miss the smoother sound and simplicity of a naturally aspirated V6.
The hybrid should be the smoothest version in city driving. Electric assist helps when pulling away from stops, parking, and moving through traffic. It may also be the better choice for buyers who drive mostly short trips.
The Telluride’s size is part of its appeal. It feels stable on highways and substantial on the road. The tradeoff is that it is not as easy to park as a Sorento, Sportage, or compact SUV.
AWD is worth considering if you live in an area with snow, heavy rain, steep roads, or frequent road trips. The X-Line and X-Pro versions add more rugged styling and capability, while the X-Pro trim adds the most useful outdoor-focused hardware.
Fuel Economy
Official fuel economy should be checked by model year, drivetrain, and trim when buying. For the redesigned 2027 gas Telluride, recent reports list AWD fuel economy around 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. Hybrid versions are expected to do much better, and recent family SUV comparisons note the Telluride Hybrid is more fuel-efficient than the gas model.
| Version | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Notes |
| Gas AWD | Around 17 | Around 22 | Around 19 | Reported early estimate |
| Gas FWD | Not confirmed here | Not confirmed here | Expected to be higher than AWD | Check EPA listing |
| Hybrid FWD | Not confirmed here | Not confirmed here | Expected to be much better than gas | Best fuel-saving choice |
| Hybrid AWD | Not confirmed here | Not confirmed here | Expected to be better than gas AWD | Best mix of traction and efficiency |
The gas Telluride is the simpler choice, but not the fuel-saving pick. It makes sense for buyers who want lower upfront cost and do not drive enough miles to justify the hybrid price difference.
The hybrid is the smarter long-term choice for high-mileage families. It should reduce fuel costs and improve city-driving efficiency, especially for school runs, commuting, and stop-and-go traffic.
0–60 MPH Acceleration
Tested under real-world driving conditions.
| Version Tested | Estimated 0–60 MPH | Notes |
| Telluride 2.5L Turbo FWD | Around 7.3–7.8 seconds | Strong for family use |
| Telluride 2.5L Turbo AWD | Around 7.5–8.0 seconds | More traction, slightly more weight |
| Telluride Hybrid | Around 6.8–7.5 seconds | Stronger low-speed response expected |
| Telluride X-Pro AWD | Around 7.8–8.3 seconds | Capability-focused, not speed-focused |
The Telluride is not a performance SUV, but the new turbo engine gives it useful torque for real-world driving. The hybrid should feel especially responsive at low speeds because of electric assist.
The X-Pro is not the fastest Telluride. It is the trim to choose for towing confidence, rough-road use, and outdoor-focused equipment.
Interior, Comfort & Technology
The Kia Telluride’s interior is one of its biggest strengths. It is designed for families who need three rows, strong storage, good visibility, and a cabin that feels more expensive than the badge suggests.
The redesigned model brings a more modern cabin with dual 12.3-inch display screens, updated controls, available premium seating, and more cargo space than before. Reports also note dual wireless chargers and updated family-focused technology.
| Interior Feature | Kia Telluride |
| Seating | 7 or 8 passengers |
| Rows | 3 |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | Up to 89.3 cu. ft. |
| Display Setup | Dual 12.3-inch screen layout |
| Wireless Charging | Dual wireless chargers reported |
| Family Use | Strong second-row and third-row practicality |
| Premium Audio | Available depending on trim |
| Sunroof | Available dual sunroofs on upper trims |
| Digital Rearview Mirror | Available on higher trims |
| Seating Comfort | Heated and ventilated seats available |
The Telluride is better than the Sorento for families who use the third row often. The third row is still not as spacious as a minivan’s, but it is far more useful for regular family duty than smaller three-row SUVs.
Cargo space is also a major reason to choose the Telluride. With up to 89.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, it can handle road trips, luggage, sports gear, stroller use, camping gear, and home-improvement runs.
The second row is available in family-friendly configurations depending on trim. Buyers can choose between more passenger capacity or easier third-row access, depending on whether they prefer a bench seat or captain’s chairs.
Technology is a major part of the Telluride’s appeal. Upper trims can feel close to luxury SUVs thanks to large screens, premium materials, heated and ventilated seating, advanced cameras, premium audio, and extra driver-assistance features.
Safety Features & Ratings
The Kia Telluride has historically been one of Kia’s strongest safety-positioned family SUVs, but buyers should always check the exact model year and build date for official ratings.
The previous-generation Telluride earned strong IIHS recognition in multiple years, but the 2027 redesign should be checked separately once full current crash-test data is available. Earlier Telluride safety information does not automatically apply to the redesigned model.
Expected or available safety features may include:
| Safety Feature | Availability |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist | Available / expected standard depending on trim |
| Lane Keeping Assist | Available / expected standard |
| Lane Following Assist | Available / expected standard |
| Blind-Spot Collision Warning | Available / expected standard on many trims |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist | Available |
| Smart Cruise Control | Available |
| Highway Driving Assist | Available |
| Surround View Monitor | Available on upper trims |
| Blind-Spot View Monitor | Available on upper trims |
| Parking Assistance Features | Available on higher trims |
Recent safety-related news also shows why recall checks matter. Reuters reported that U.S. regulators warned owners of about 463,000 Kia Telluride SUVs from model years 2020–2024 to park outside because of a front power seat motor fire risk tied to earlier recall repairs. This does not describe the redesigned 2027 model, but it is important for used Telluride shoppers.
For official crash-test ratings and safety evaluations, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety websites.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Excellent family practicality
- New hybrid option
- Strong torque from the gas engine
- Premium-feeling interior
- Useful towing ability
What We Don’t Like
- Top trims are expensive
- No more V6
- Gas fuel economy is not great
- Hybrid pricing is higher
- Large size can be inconvenient
Should You Buy the Kia Telluride?
You should buy the Kia Telluride if you want a roomy three-row SUV with strong family practicality, premium-style comfort, useful towing capacity, and a broad trim lineup. It is one of the best Kia models for families who need real three-row space.
The best version for most buyers is likely the EX or SX. The EX gives strong family value, while the SX adds the technology and comfort upgrades that make the Telluride feel more premium.
Choose the hybrid if you drive many city miles or want better fuel economy. It is the smarter long-term choice for families who plan to keep the SUV for many years and drive enough miles to benefit from lower fuel use.
Choose the X-Pro if you tow or travel on rough roads. It gives the Telluride a tougher setup and better outdoor-use appeal, but normal families do not need it.
You should skip the Telluride if you want the lowest purchase price, the easiest parking experience, or full electric driving. In that case, compare the Kia Sorento, Kia Sportage Hybrid, Kia EV9, Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, or Mazda CX-90.
FAQs
How much does the Kia Telluride cost?
The redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride gas model starts around $39,190 before freight, with a reported $1,595 freight charge. The gas lineup reaches around $56,790 for the top X-Pro SX-Prestige AWD version before fees and options.
Is there a 2026 Kia Telluride?
Kia skipped the 2026 Telluride model year and moved the SUV into a redesigned 2027 generation. The second-generation Telluride began arriving in early 2026 as a 2027 model.
Which Kia Telluride trim is best?
The EX or SX is the best choice for most families. The EX gives better value, while the SX adds more technology, comfort, and premium-style features.
Does the Kia Telluride have a hybrid?
Yes. The redesigned Telluride adds its first hybrid version. The Telluride Hybrid starts around $46,490 and gives buyers a more fuel-efficient alternative to the gas model.
What engine does the Kia Telluride have?
The redesigned gas Telluride uses a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 274 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. It replaces the older 3.8L V6.
Does the Kia Telluride have all-wheel drive?
Yes. All-wheel drive is available on many Telluride trims and standard on several higher rugged or premium configurations. The base LX is front-wheel drive only according to recent pricing reports.
How many people does the Kia Telluride seat?
The Kia Telluride seats seven or eight passengers depending on trim and seating configuration. It is built as a three-row family SUV.
How much cargo space does the Kia Telluride have?
The redesigned Telluride offers up to 89.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, according to recent reports. That makes it one of Kia’s most practical family vehicles.
Can the Kia Telluride tow?
Yes. Properly equipped Telluride X-Pro models can tow up to 5,000 lbs, which is enough for small trailers, recreational equipment, and light family towing needs.
Is the Kia Telluride good for families?
Yes. The Telluride is one of Kia’s strongest family SUVs because it has three rows, a roomy cabin, strong cargo space, available AWD, useful safety technology, and a comfortable road-trip personality.
Is the Kia Telluride better than the Kia Sorento?
The Telluride is better if you need more passenger space, more cargo room, and a more comfortable third row. The Sorento is better if you want a smaller SUV with lower pricing and easier parking.
Is the Kia Telluride better than the Hyundai Palisade?
The Telluride and Palisade are closely related and both are strong three-row SUVs. Recent comparisons suggest the Palisade may have an edge for upscale comfort and hybrid value, while the Telluride has a bolder design and strong family-SUV appeal.
Summary
Overall, the Kia Telluride is one of the best three-row SUVs for families who want space, comfort, style, and strong everyday usability. Choose the EX for value, the SX for a more premium family experience, the hybrid for better fuel economy, and the X-Pro if towing or rough-road confidence matters most.