2020 Kia Telluride Review

　　

2020 Kia Telluride Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　For many years, Kia has offered up its Sorento as a choice for shoppers looking for a three-row crossover SUV. As much as we like the Sorento, it comes up short in two important areas: cargo and rear passenger space. That's why we're excited to see the new 2020 Kia Telluride. It addresses those shortcomings with a larger size and a lot more interior capacity.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Kia Telluride LX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$167/mo  for Telluride LX

　　Telluride LX

　　LX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $31,890 MSRPLX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $33,890 MSRPS 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $34,290 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $36,290 MSRPEX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $37,290 MSRPEX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $39,290 MSRPSX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) - $41,790 MSRPSX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $43,790 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　The Telluride, an all-new three-row midsize SUV, is now Kia's biggest vehicle and about the same size as a Honda Pilot. It can seat up to eight passengers and offers a maximum of 87 cubic feet of cargo capacity. A 291-horsepower V6 is standard as are plenty of advanced driver safety features. The interior design is upscale, and Kia is also offering some family-focused features such as an available driver intercom system. Another draw is the Telluride's bold styling, a rarity in the class.

　　Even better, Kia has thoughtfully executed just about every aspect of the vehicle. It drives well, has plenty of utility and a pleasant passenger space, and offers up just about all the features we expect from this class of vehicle. In higher trim levels, it becomes an even more appealing near-luxury choice, delivering a premium experience. If you're shopping for a three-row crossover SUV, Kia's new Telluride is one of the top models to check out.

　　Notably, we picked the 2020 Kia Telluride as one of zzdcar' Best 3-Row SUVs for 2020, as well as ranking the Telluride as zzdcar' Top Rated SUV of 2020. See all of the Top Rated Vehicles on our Best 3-Row SUVs page.

　　

What's it like to live with the Telluride?

The Kia Telluride quickly became one of our favorite three-row midsize SUVs after its debut. It impressed us with its comfortable seating, flexible cargo space, and upscale and feature-packed design. We liked it so much our editorial team acquired a 2020 Kia Telluride SX AWD to test out for a whole year. Check out ourBest 3-Row SUVs to learn even more. We cover everything from seat comfort to real-world reliability.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Telluride drive? Overall, the Telluride is a satisfying SUV to drive. In zzdcar testing, our Telluride sprinted from 0 to 60 mph time in 7.5 seconds, which is an average time for this type of vehicle. Still, the V6 feels able and responsive. The brakes are strong and easy to judge, returning a 60-0 mph stopping distance of 120 feet. That result is among the best in its class.

　　The steering is light at parking-lot speeds and weights up naturally in turns. The Telluride is stable when going around turns and doesn't exhibit excessive body roll. We also like that the engine's fuel-saving stop-start feature works smoothly and quietly, and that the transmission responds quickly when you need a downshift.

　　

Comfort

9.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Telluride? The Telluride is quite comfortable. The seats are supportive and nicely contoured, with almost pillow-like headrests. Noise is incredibly well-handled, making for a luxury-car-quiet interior even at freeway speeds. Engine noise is present, but it's never unpleasant or intrusive. For a three-row SUV, the Telluride is generally smooth-riding, although it can get a little rough over uneven pavement.

　　The climate control system is easy to use and properly regulates temperature in all three rows. While the seat heating and ventilation aren't the strongest on the market, it's nice to see them available for both first- and second-row passengers.

　　

Interior

8.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The Telluride offers a very roomy and upscale-feeling cabin with easy access to all three rows. Passenger space is excellent in both the second and third rows. The space feels more open thanks in part to the abundance of large windows. Only front-passenger knee room is a little tight.

　　The controls are clearly labeled and grouped logically. However, the driver has to stretch to reach the new, wider infotainment screen. Visibility is excellent thanks to plenty of large windows. The camera systems and parking sensors are helpful extras.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? All Tellurides come with numerous collision avoidance and mitigation systems as well as adaptive cruise control that operates down to a stop. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come standard, and numerous USB ports are spread across all three rows, although only one can transmit data. The optional wider infotainment screen (EX and up) looks sharp, and it comes with navigation that offers several useful features.

　　Our SX test vehicle also had the head-up display and rear-seat intercom features; both are useful. The upgraded 10-speaker sound system is also excellent. The turn-signal camera display in the gauge cluster is less impressive. It's small, low-res and mostly redundant given the regular blind-spot monitoring system.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Trunk space is generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubes with both rows folded down. Beyond that, the hatch opening is wide and accommodating. There's also a useful underfloor compartment. With 5,000 pounds of max towing capacity, the Telluride matches class leaders.

　　Small-item storage is a weakness: While there are several options for organizing small items, there's much less space for personal effects than in some competitors. Car seats fit easily, and the car seat anchors are easy to find.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The Telluride EPA-estimated fuel economy is about average. On the plus side, our Telluride actually lived up to its promise and achieved about 23 mpg in our mixed driving.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the Telluride a good value? The Telluride might be the best value in the class for what you get. From the driving experience to the interior to the standard and available features, at every price point you just get a little bit extra, and in top trims you get a near-luxury experience. Overall, we are very impressed with the quality of the Telluride. You also get Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is the best in the class.

　　

Wildcard

9.0/10

　　It seems like Kia went hard for a "baby Land Rover" feel, and it nailed it without the Telluride coming across as a knockoff. It's bargain luxury in a good way, and the Telluride's space, design and driving experience are a step above competitors.

　　

Which Telluride does zzdcar recommend?

The base LX trim is an excellent budget choice that comes with just about all of the standard features you'll need, such as the latest driver safety tech and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To get some useful SUV convenience features, such as a power liftgate and keyless access and push-button ignition, consider stepping up to the EX.

　　

2020 Kia Telluride models

The 2020 Kia Telluride is a midsize SUV with seating for seven or eight passengers. Under the hood is a 3.8-liter V6 (291 horsepower, 262 lb-ft of torque) that is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available as an option. There are four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX.

　　

Kia Telluride LX

Standard features for the LX include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, selectable drive modes, adaptive cruise control, simulated-leather upholstery, 60/40-split folding second- and third-row seating, Bluetooth, five USB charge ports, an 8-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker stereo with satellite radio and USB input.

　　Standard advanced safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and a drowsy driver warning system.

　　

Kia Telluride S

The S trim upgrades 20-inch wheels, roof rails, a sunroof, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and second-row captain's chairs. (The bench seating remains optional.)

　　

Kia Telluride EX

You get a lot more when you step up to the EX. It adds LED taillights, power-folding mirrors, acoustic glass for front doors, a hands-free liftgate, keyless entry and ignition, three-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, the second-row bench, an extra USB charge port, a 10.3-inch touchscreen, a driver voice amplifier for the rear seats, a Quiet Mode (which silences the rear speakers), and a wireless charging pad.

　　

Kia Telluride SX

At the top of the list is the SX trim. This Telluride has all of the above plus LED headlights and foglights, dual sunroofs, front parking sensors, an upgraded driver information display, interior ambient lighting, driver-seat memory functions, the second-row captain's chairs, a surround-view parking camera system, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system. It also receives a blind-spot camera system, automatic high beams and a low-level automated highway driving system.

　　An optional 5,000-pound towing capacity tow package with a self-leveling suspension is available for EX and SX trims. The SX with AWD is eligible for the Prestige package, which brings premium leather, a head-up display, heated and ventilated second-row seats, automatic wipers, a household power outlet, and a heated steering wheel.

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2020 Telluride Highlights

Trim: LXSEXSXLX

　　

Base MSRP	$31,890
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$167/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	21.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles