Midsize SUV designed to be the favorite of large families
Price From $23,425 – To $35,625
Source: www.kia.com
by SUViews Editor | Feb 3, 2022
Overview
In this Kia Telluride 2022 review, we are going to analyze the engine, performance, safety features, and warranty details of the vehicle, and help you decide if this is a good choice for your family.
Back in the 1980s, minivans rose to worldwide fame because they excelled at catering to people’s needs. While the specialized press and the enthusiasts looked the other way, families bought them en masse because no other body style offered a large internal room without sacrificing mileage or price. Kia made sure to respond to that by offering the full-size Carnival and the midsize Carens.
Two decades later, people may say they now prefer SUVs because they are more fun to drive and look better, but the truth is that, as there will always be many people with large families to haul, there will always be many people interested in a car that does so well. This is why SUVs like the Telluride exist: they join the trendy design of modern times with the practicality of their predecessors.
You are going to see that its most important qualities are on the rational side: excellent value for its price, and roomy cabin with a nice equipment list. It does stand out in the crowd for the refined taste of its internal design and the divisive external design, but even those qualities still fall within the parameters of typical family cars. If that is what you are looking for, you will be very well served.
Performance, Engine, and Comfort
Kia knew it needed a strong competitor in the midsize segment and, fortunately, acknowledged that the Sorento could not be pushed that far and that the Borrego was simply not up to the task. However, the only thing that distinguishes the Telluride from the crowd is its strong presence: both cabin and powertrain follow the category’s standards – which is far from being a bad thing, though.
Engine & Performance
Nothing but the tried and true here. V6 engine, automatic transmission, and average dynamic behavior. When it comes to powertrain, the biggest requirement of Telluride’s target buyer is that it demands as little attention as possible, so Kia knew it was not the best environment to innovate. However, it could have made its ride quality more suitable to the category’s standard.
Engine and gear
The only engine available is a 3.8-liter V6, which makes 291 hp of power and 262 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. So far, this model does not offer any electrified option of powertrain such as hybrid or fully electric.
Suspension
Firmer than the category’s average, which is appropriate for its size. The Telluride offers the option of a self-leveling air suspension in case you want better dynamics.
Handling
The Telluride has been praised by the specialized press for having just the right amount of steering weight. It feels adequately heavy for its size, which helps the driver feel confident.
Vibration & Ride
Not so smooth especially when riding on uneven surfaces. Besides that, this SUV’s throttle is less responsive at low speeds than its turbocharged competitors, which is a negative aspect for a model which uses a naturally-aspirated engine.
Safety & Reliability
In such a competitive market category, doing just the average is a sure way to be left behind. Kia knew that and used the 2022 lineup to improve what was already a press favorite: the Telluride had its electronic architecture upgraded with a focus on safety, which means even the base version received many new systems. Other than that, you can expect a good pack of standard equipment.
Brakes
Disc brakes on all wheels with ABS, brake assist, hill-descent control, an electric parking brake. The specialized press has spoken very well of its braking capacity.
Airbags
The standard equipment list includes dual-stage front airbags for driver and front passenger, seat-mounted side airbags for driver and front passenger, and curtain airbags for the three-seat rows. There is also an occupancy sensor to avoid unnecessary deployments.
Electronics
Kia used the 2022 lineup to pack the Telluride with many driving assist systems, whether all-new for it or upgrades of the existing ones. A particularly interesting one is the Blind-Spot View Monitor, which projects the image from a blind spot camera onto the display on the gauge cluster.
Lights
The 2022 Kia Telluride’s base equipment list features projector-beam headlights with automatic activation of the high beam plus daytime running lights made of LEDs.
Traction control
The model features cruise control with steering assist, electronic stability control, driveline traction control, and lane-keeping assist. Those items are all part of the safety revisions Kia executed for its 2022 lineup.
Fuel Economy
The Telluride’s biggest quality is good value; it may be good-looking and modern, but it does not intend to captivate you through emotions. Therefore, it is not surprising to see that it has a rather standard powertrain that returns rather standard mileage figures.
Engine size
The Telluride’s only engine option is a 3.8-liter V6. It uses gasoline and has no electric assistance.
Gas per mileage consumption
The EPA estimates the mileage of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for the standard front-wheel drive version. If you opt for all-wheel drive, those figures will drop to 19 mpg and 24 mpg respectively.
Interior
While the exterior is rugged and truckish, the cabin is just as bland and convenient as a minivan’s. The Telluride pleases large families with ample room, a surprisingly premium trim, many desirable items, and extra optional niceties which are restricted to the upscale trim levels. You can think of it as a Carnival with a taller seating position and the trendy design which is so popular these days.
Driving seat
The Telluride’s driver will find a large cabin with an upscale feeling, which is quite impressive considering that it is made by Kia. There are attractive materials, high build quality, and a great list of desirable items – some of them are heating, ventilation, and setting memory for the driver.
Dashboard
The clean, horizontal design features a standard 10.3” touchscreen dedicated to the infotainment central. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other typical functions are all present. Below that, you will find a tasteful selection of materials that would definitely not look bad in more refined models.
Passenger seats and extras
Even the third seat row has enough room for everyone, which is a notable evolution compared to the Sorento’s cabin. The second row may fit three occupants with the bench layout or two with a pair of captain’s chairs. An interesting feature is the available Driver Talk, which amplifies the driver’s voice at the other seat rows in case of necessity.
Overall height and space
The overall height of this SUV is 69.3 ft. The total volume dedicated to passenger space is 155 ft³.
Trunk space
The Telluride offers 21 ft³ of cargo space. The available room may be increased by folding flat the third and second seat rows.
Price and Extras
Another aspect in which Kia decided to be conservative. Rather than creating many versions with different purposes, it focused on making Telluride’s base image strong: all trim levels differ mostly at– trim, with a possibility to make the upscale one quite fancy with equipment packages.
Market Price
The 2022 Kia Telluride is available in the following trim levels:
| Version | Starting price |
| LX | $34,345 |
| S | $36,845 |
| EX | $39,345 |
| SX | $44,245 |
The Telluride is not known for having luxury or sporty characters. Those trim levels differ mostly at the standard equipment list and the available options. All-wheel drive comes at an extra cost of $1,900. The SX version may become even fancier with the Prestige package, offered separately.
AWD/FWD
The standard setup is front-wheel drive. However, you can upgrade this model with an all-wheel drive for an extra $1,900.
Warranty
Kia’s comprehensive coverage is considered one of the best in the segment: limited warranty of five years or 60,000 miles and powertrain warranty of ten years or 100,000 miles. On the other hand, there is no complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Awards
The Car and Driver magazine has made this car the very first on its references and has awarded it as part of its 10 Best selection. Besides, it is frequently praised by several other media outlets.
Verdict
It may cause the specialized press to yawn, but it does everything its target audience wants it to – and does not bother to try and figure out what else it could want. The Telluride is the typical SUV for people who want functional transportation. It may attract them for its looks, but the true reason why anyone would buy it is its exceptional value.
