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Kia Telluride
SUV · Gas · 8 versions · owner report
Ranked #18 of 19 midsize SUVs on owner data, price and fuel economy
Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 2027
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Mixed to positive sentiment overall, with a clear generational divide.
6 problems reported (3 very frequent, 1 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentUnderpowered 3.8L V6 engine
Described as lethargic, slow, lacking responsiveness, and struggling with acceleration compared to turbocharged rivals.
- Very frequentDealer/service department problems
Poor customer service, difficulty getting warranty repairs approved, lack of respect for customers, and general service quality concerns.
- Very frequentLong-term reliability concerns
General apprehension about the vehicle's durability beyond 100,000 miles or outside the warranty period, often contrasted with perceptions of Toyota/Honda longevity.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentEngine oil consumption
Reports of excessive oil consumption requiring top-ups between changes and, in isolated cases, engine replacement.
- IsolatedRear shock absorber failures
Particularly on models with tow/self-leveling suspension, noted as a known issue with technical service bulletins (TSBs) issued.
- IsolatedInfotainment/system software
In hybrid models (specifically mentioned for the related Palisade), clunky transmission shift logic and gear-holding behavior are criticized.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. Discussions mention various trims (SX, EX, Calligraphy) without a clear, repeated preference for one over another. The primary differentiator noted is the powertrain: the naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 is strongly preferred by owners for its perceived reliability over turbocharged or hybrid options from Kia and competitors.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-90.
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Overall sentiment
Mixed to positive sentiment overall, with a clear generational divide. The Telluride is widely praised for its spacious and functional third row, high-quality interior materials, boxy and attractive exterior styling, strong value proposition, and comprehensive standard features. The naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 engine is frequently cited as a mature, reliable, and simple powertrain, especially when compared to newer turbocharged or hybrid alternatives. However, significant criticism is directed at the engine's lack of power and responsiveness, described as lethargic and underpowered, particularly when compared to turbocharged competitors. Concerns about long-term reliability and specific engine issues (notably oil consumption) are recurrent, though often countered by mentions of the strong 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for the original owner. Dealer service quality is a major and frequent point of negative feedback, with reports of poor customer treatment and service department difficulties. The consensus indicates high satisfaction among buyers prioritizing space, features, and interior quality at a competitive price, but reservations remain regarding long-term durability and brand perception.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a high-value, feature-rich three-row SUV with superior interior space and styling. It is consistently compared favorably to the mechanically similar Hyundai Palisade, with the Telluride often noted for its boxier, more preferred exterior styling, though the Palisade is sometimes mentioned as having a more premium interior feel. Versus traditional segment leaders like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, the Telluride is viewed as offering more compelling styling, a more spacious third row, and better feature content, often at a similar or lower price, but concedes ground in perceived long-term reliability and resale value. Compared to the Mazda CX-90, the Telluride is acknowledged to have a much more usable third row and more features but is criticized for its less powerful and engaging driving dynamics. It is seen as a more stylish and reliable alternative to the Volkswagen Atlas, though the Atlas may offer a panoramic sunroof. The Ford Explorer is noted for superior engine power and tech.
Recommended configurations
The 3.8L V6 engine is strongly recommended for its proven reliability. All-wheel drive (AWD) is suggested for improved traction, especially if paired with more powerful engines in other models, but is not deemed necessary for mild climates. Leasing is mentioned as a strategy to mitigate long-term reliability concerns. Purchasing new is recommended to secure the full 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as it reduces to 5 years/60,000 miles for subsequent owners. A thorough pre-purchase inspection and review of maintenance records are advised for used models. Finding a reputable dealership for sales and service is emphasized as critically important.
General recommendations
Suitable for families requiring maximum passenger and cargo space in a three-row SUV with a premium-feeling interior. Buyers prioritizing feature content, styling, and interior room over ultimate driving engagement or brand prestige. Recommended for those who plan to own the vehicle within the original warranty period or who are comfortable with leasing. NOT recommended for driving enthusiasts seeking powerful acceleration or sporty handling. NOT recommended without thoroughly researching and vetting local dealership service departments. Strongly advised to negotiate aggressively, as dealer discounts and financing incentives (e.g., 0% APR offers on 2025 models) are frequently mentioned. The total cost of a new Telluride with incentives is often compared favorably to used examples of competitors. Test drive extensively to evaluate if the V6 engine's power meets personal expectations.
Remarks
Owner sentiment is heavily influenced by model year, with specific concerns about pandemic-era (2020-2023) production quality and supply chain issues leading to more problems. The 3.8L Lambda V6 engine is a focal point, viewed as a reliable asset but also the source of performance complaints and oil consumption issues. The powertrain warranty is a significant factor in purchase decisions, drastically affecting the value proposition for new versus used purchases. Discussions frequently involve direct comparisons with the Hyundai Palisade, with styling being the primary differentiator for most owners. The upcoming redesign (anticipated for the 2027 model year) is noted, with expectations for significant tech upgrades. Analysis based on approximately 50 substantive owner discussions and comparisons.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2023Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 113 | 3 | engine |
| 2024 | 217 | 5 | unknown or other |
| 2023 | 207 | 6 | unknown or other |
| 2022 | 324 | 7 | unknown or other |
| 2021 | 365 | 5 | unknown or other |
| 2020 | 761 | 7 | exterior lighting |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices33 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2025 · structure:exterior trimcampaign 25V494000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Telluride vehicles. The door belt molding trim can delaminate and detach from the vehicle.
2025 · tires:temporary/emergency spare tirecampaign 25V745000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride and 2026 Sorento vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
2025 · seats:front assembly:reclinercampaign 26V105000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride vehicles, equipped with power front seat(s). Due to a manufacturing error, the driver and passenger seat back frame assemblies may fail to properly restrain occupants in a crash.
2024 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 24V077000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024 Telluride vehicles. The engine valve springs may break while driving, which can result in a loss of drive power and possibly create a hole in the engine block.
2024 · power train:driveline:driveshaftcampaign 24V214000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away while in PARK.
2024 · seats:front assembly:power adjustcampaign 24V407000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
2024 · structure:exterior trimcampaign 25V494000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Telluride vehicles. The door belt molding trim can delaminate and detach from the vehicle.
2024 · seats:front assembly:power adjustcampaign 26V430000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob or an improper recall 24V407 repair, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
2023 · air bags:side/windowcampaign 23V035000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Telluride vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the wire harnesses for the second row seat side air bags may become damaged, causing them not to deploy in the event of a crash.
2023 · electrical system: instrument cluster/panelcampaign 23V298000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
2023 · power train:driveline:driveshaftcampaign 24V214000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away while in PARK.
2023 · seats:front assembly:power adjustcampaign 24V407000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
2023 · structure:exterior trimcampaign 25V494000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Telluride vehicles. The door belt molding trim can delaminate and detach from the vehicle.
2023 · seats:front assembly:power adjustcampaign 26V430000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob or an improper recall 24V407 repair, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
2022 · electrical system: instrument cluster/panelcampaign 21V577000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Telluride vehicles. The LCD display screen may remain blank after startup. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
18 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
2.5L
2.5L 4-cylinder · 274 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2026