Kia Telluride problems

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The Kia Telluride is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating manufactured and marketed by Kia since 2019. Positioned above the smaller Sorento, the Telluride was previewed as a concept car in 2016, with the production model debuting in the spring of 2019 as a 2020 model. It shares components and specifications with its sister model, the Hyundai Palisade, including its engine, transmission, and wheelbase. Named after the town of Telluride, Colorado, the Telluride is the largest vehicle Kia has manufactured in the United States.

Overview

The production version of the Telluride was launched at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in January. Previously, the Telluride was displayed as a customized version inspired by fashion designer Brandon Maxwell's Texas-inspired collection, at New York Fashion Week in September 2018. The overall design is similar to the 2016 concept except for the front end which was completely redesigned.

The Telluride is the first Kia designed specifically for the US market, with the design work handled at the Kia Design Center in Irvine, California. The production version Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter Lambda II V6 Atkinson cycle gasoline engine rated at 291 hp (295 PS; 217 kW) and 355 N⋅m (36.2 kg⋅m; 262 lb⋅ft), paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive.

The Telluride features four drive modes – Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort. Snow and AWD Lock modes are also available for specific driving conditions, and the on-demand electro-hydraulic AWD system with multi-plate clutch plate constantly redistributes power to both axles. In Eco and Smart modes, power is completely routed to the front wheels, whereas Sport mode splits the power down to 65 percent front, 35 percent rear.

The standard towing rate for this SUV is rated at 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg), and it also features the optional self-levelling rear suspension where the ride height is automatically calibrated depending on vehicle load to optimise control and stability.

The Telluride is not marketed in South Korea as it is only produced in the United States, whereas its Hyundai counterpart, the Korean-built Palisade is marketed there instead. Exports from the West Point, Georgia plant to the Middle East started in February 2019. Kia limited exports of the Telluride to around 3,000 units annually.

photo of Kia Telluride car production

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Kia Telluride model years

kia telluride 2024 photo
Telluride 2024
Kia

88

3

45

2.6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia telluride 2023 photo
Telluride 2023
Kia

104

4

39

2.1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia telluride 2022 photo
Telluride 2022
Kia

218

6

48

2.5
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia telluride 2021 photo
Telluride 2021
Kia

201

4

48

1.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia telluride 2020 photo
Telluride 2020
Kia

496

6

48

1.6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Kia Telluride problems

The Kia Telluride, a midsize crossover SUV, has gained popularity since its release in 2020, earning awards such as the 2020 World Car of the Year, 2020 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, and 2020 MotorTrend SUV of the Year. However, despite its accolades, the Kia Telluride has faced several common problems that have disappointed many customers seeking a reliable, safe, and affordable SUV.

One of the most common complaints among Kia Telluride owners is defective windshields. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 98 out of 166 complaints about the 2020 Telluride relate to visibility and windshield issues.

Another area of concern for Kia Telluride owners is transmission problems. The NHTSA has received multiple complaints regarding transmission issues, including sputtering, jumping, and difficulty shifting gears.

Engine problems are also a significant concern for Kia Telluride owners. Some of the most commonly reported engine issues include engine ticking noises, cold start engine squealing, engine failing to start, and overheating.

In summary, the Kia Telluride has faced several common problems that have disappointed many customers. These issues include defective windshields, transmission problems, collision warning system failures, heating and cooling system malfunctions, and engine problems. While Kia has not issued recalls for all of these issues, the company has offered free replacement windshields to some owners and has addressed certain problems through recalls and software updates. It is crucial for Kia Telluride owners to stay informed about these issues, address any problems promptly, and maintain regular vehicle maintenance to ensure their safety and satisfaction with their vehicle.

Kia Telluride

Does Kia Telluride have any issues?

Kia recalls more than 427,000 Telluride SUVs due to defect affecting parking safety. NEW YORK (AP) — Kia is recalling more than 427,000 of its Telluride SUVs due to a defect that may cause the cars to roll away while they're parked.

Is Kia Telluride really reliable?

According to topspeed.com, the Kia Telluride is a reliable option. Although it's only been out for a few years, it's proved itself in that time. According to motorbiscuit.com, the car scores 85⁄100 in dependability. It's a quality choice if you care about the reliability of your vehicle.

What is the engine problem with the Kia Telluride 2024?

Defective Kia Engine Valve Springs a Fire Risk

The automaker warns drivers that the springs could break when they are driving their SUV. If that happens, the driver could experience a loss of drive power and there is the potential it could cause a hole in the engine block.

What is the life expectancy of a Telluride?

According to vehiclehistory.com, a standard Kia Telluride will last around 200,000 miles with proper maintenance and care.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Kia Telluride years

We have researched Kia problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Kia Telluride cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Kia Telluride model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Kia Telluride model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Kia Telluride years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Kia Telluride car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Kia Telluride , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Visibility/wiper problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Exterior lighting problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Kia Telluride vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Telluride model years

A total of 23 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Telluride model years

There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Telluride model years

There were a total of 24 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 1107 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Kia Telluride . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Kia Telluride vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Kia Telluride 2022
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-21
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
  • VIN: 5XYP3DHC5NG
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: Sunroof is stuck in an open position unable to be closed. Upon attempting to open the sunroof, the deflector snapped off the assembly and the sunroof track broke. Took car to dealership (Raceway Kia, 4044 US-9, Freehold, NJ 07728) for service. Dealership indicated the sunroof is beyond repair and requires installation of an entirely brand new sunroof assembly at a cost of $5730 because it occurred outside the warranty (warranty expired at 60,000 miles and the car had 70,463 miles when sunroof broke). They were unable to manually close the sunroof as a temporary solution. Therefore, the sunroof remains open due to the broken track and is covered with plastic to avoid the elements. There were no prior symptoms indicating that the sunroof would break in this way. In fact, in three years of ownership, the sunroof was rarely used and only opened a handful of times before breaking. At this time of this writing, the sunroof is available for inspection while I look for more economical means of repair versus the dealership's plan to replace the entire assembly.
Kia Telluride 2022
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-13
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
  • VIN: 5XYP5DHC3NG
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: The sunroof broke while being opened which required immediate repair since it was propped open. The only fix according to the dealer was to replace the entire unit which cost more than $5k with parts and labor
Kia Telluride 2024
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-04
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
  • VIN: 5XYP64GC7RG
  • Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: Windshield cracked.
Kia Telluride 2020
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-18
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
  • VIN: 5XYP3DHC3LG
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Engine is burning oil deal ship says noting is wrong with the car so then where is the oil going if it does not have any leaks at all
Kia Telluride 2020
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-13
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
  • VIN: 5XYP24HCXLG
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: The headlights perform poorly when fully functional, one is out and when I replaced the light it still is not working and now that one is out I am scared to drive at night for fear of hitting a child or pet in my complex. And i will not allow my son to drive because he may get seriously hurt as well. This issue needs to be resolved as to why the headlights just go out and are not fixable with a bulb replacement.
Kia Telluride 2020
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-16
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
  • VIN: 5XYP64HC6LG
  • Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: One morning when I went to get into my car I noticed a large crack approximately 12in in length across my windshield. There had been no noticeable chips in the windshield prior and there was no sign of being hit of any kind. I took the car to be looked at by a family member in glass and he said the issue is a manufacturing issue and the glass is thin and unsafe. The dealer said they won’t replace because it isn’t in the date range involved in the class action lawsuit. Since this I have had several more chips and the crack now runs all the way across the glass and extends up and down
Kia Telluride 2021
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-04
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
  • VIN: 5XYP54HC3MG
  • Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: Sunroof/moonroof will no longer close. It is stuck in the open position and this will cause water to enter the cabin if it rains. The vehicle was examined by the dealer and they confirmed that a component is fault and will need to be replaced. No warning lamps or additional symptoms were noticed prior to the sunroof malfunctioning. The vehicle only has 44,100 miles.
Kia Telluride 2021
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
  • VIN: 5XYP34HC2MG
  • Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Was opening the sunroof and heard a popping sound. Wind deflector arm broke and now the sunroof will not close all the way leaving the risk of interior of car getting wet and creating mold since I live in an already humid climate.
Kia Telluride 2024
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-13
  • VIN: 5XYP6DGC0RG
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Sunroof shattered while driving. Nothing struck the glass, we were not around any other vehicles, etc. it just exploded. The slide was closed, so no glass fell in vehicle.
Kia Telluride 2020
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-13
  • VIN: 5XYP34HC1LG
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Paint peeling from 2020 Kia Telluride. It seems to be a known issue with many Kia Telluride owners experiencing the same paint defects. This is a serious quality issue, I've had many vehicles for 10+ years and never experienced the issues I'm having with this car. The car has under 50000 miles and for it to be peeling like this seems to be a manufacture defect. Kia has refused to fix the issue as they claim its not under warranty.
Kia Telluride 2020
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-12
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-12
  • VIN: 5XYP6DHC3LG
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: The sunroof snapped when opening appears the wind deflector had broken in the corners
Kia Telluride 2021
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-11
  • VIN: 5XYP34HC0MG
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: I have it so the doors do not automatically unlock when I arrive somewhere. When I arrive at a destination and put the car in park, the people in the backseat cannot pull the handle to get out. If the child safety lock (which is a button on the door handle with the window and lock buttons) is ON, the back windows and the door latches do NOT work. If the child safety lock is OFF, the windows work but the door still cannot be opened using the latch. This seems like a safety issue to me, since most people will reach for the latch in an emergency, but they can't get out. I have to push the unlock button form the driver door. If it is pushed on the front passenger door, it will not unlock the back doors.
Kia Telluride 2020
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-18
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-08
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 5XYP64HC4LG
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
  • Summary: We contacted Kia US after taking the Kia Telluride to a Kia service station for an oil change.The service tech told us that they were not going to do an oil change because,”the Telluride was a ticking time bomb.” This was said in front of the Kia service Mgr.We were very nervous driving the vehicle because no one explained what that meant.Shortly after the service appointment, the Telluride’s engine caught on fire.We call Kia US that same day to open up a case.We explained all the issues we had with the Telluride (windshield issues, headlight issues, main display screen issues, luggage rack issues, sunroof, drive shaft, wiper fluid filter issues), to include the engine. After paying an attorney to provide all documents that Kia US requested from us, including every oil change receipt for the Telluride, Kia US only offered to only pay for the parts for the driveshaft/engine fire issues. To make matters worse, the Kia service department said that the 100+ parts needed to repair the engine, were on back order. Our Telluride’s engine caught fire in April and Kia US has done nothing for us, even though the issues are under 2 recalls. This is unacceptable for a manufacturer to ignore recalls, especially when it comes to the safety of people, families and children. We contacted Kia US for 6 months with no help from them. We sent registered/certified letters to Kia US executives, legal Dept, Kia Finance and the last communication from Kia US was that they are not doing anything for us- no repairs for the recalls, even though we mentioned the recalls associated with our Vin/Telluride. They are completely disregarding the entire situation. Since then, we have had to find another option for transportation since we have been without the Telluride for 6 months. Kia US needs to take back the Telluride and either provide us with a safe/working vehicle or reimburse us for what we have spent on the Telluride. Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Kia Telluride 2020
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-15
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-06
  • VIN: 5XYP54HC1LG
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: White Pearl paint flaking off front of car above windshield
Kia Telluride 2020
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-05
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-05
  • VIN: 5XYP5DHC6LG
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Paint peeling off car

Latest 5 recalls Kia Telluride

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 23 recalls for different components of the Kia Telluride.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Kia Telluride 2021
  • Report Received Date: 2024-06-05
  • Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
  • Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
  • Model: Kia Telluride 2023
  • Report Received Date: 2024-06-05
  • Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
  • Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
  • Model: Kia Telluride 2022
  • Report Received Date: 2024-06-05
  • Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
  • Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
  • Model: Kia Telluride 2020
  • Report Received Date: 2024-06-05
  • Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
  • Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
  • Model: Kia Telluride 2024
  • Report Received Date: 2024-06-05
  • Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
  • Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.

Latest negative Kia Telluride car reviews

  1. Lee Strosin 2025-10-22

    Vehicle year: 2023

    I recently purchased a brand new 2023 Kia Telluride, but unfortunately, the windows cracked within two weeks of ownership. Despite my attempts to have the issue resolved, both the dealership and corporate office have been unhelpful in finding a solution. As a result, I cannot recommend Kia and suggest that potential buyers consider other options with better customer service.

  2. Ezequiel Block 2025-10-18

    Vehicle year: 2020

    As long-time satisfied Toyota owners, we decided to try something new and purchased a 2020 Kia Telluride SX. At first, everything was great, but after a few months, we noticed some issues with the car. Despite multiple trips to the dealership, we continued to experience problems with the transmission, heating, and electrical components. Although we loved the Telluride when everything was working, we ultimately decided to trade it in for another Toyota Highlander Hybrid. While we were disappointed with the issues we experienced, we are thrilled with our new vehicle.

  3. Trey Sanford 2025-10-16

    Vehicle year: 2020

    Although we really like the Telluride, unfortunately, ours has been plagued with problems since the second month of ownership (build date is 01/2020). I won't go into the details of all the issues as a simple google search or look at Telluride forums mirrors most of the problems we have. It all speaks to the dismal quality, it all looks nice but underneath it's junk. Our number one issue is a driveline vibration that is not always apparent making it very difficult to repair. We've had new torque converter, driveshafts, hubs, and even tire to no avail. Additionally, we have had a poor experience with dealer service. I really miss owning a Toyota.

  4. Lee Kunze 2025-10-07

    Vehicle year: 2021

    After just four months and 4,500 miles, unfortunately, the brakes on my Telluride AWD failed. The brake pedal went limp, lost all pressure and dropped to the floorboard. Fortunately, it occurred while pulling into our garage. My home surveillance captured the moment the brakes failed and we crashed into the interior of the garage. A link to the video is below. Although Kia was quick to tow it away, I have been waiting for a week and Kia has been unresponsive, not provided a loaner nor addressed the property damage. I understand that this may not be an isolated occurrence, but I hope that Kia will take responsibility and address the issue. This has been a terrible experience, but I still believe that the Telluride is a great SUV. I hope that Kia will take the necessary steps to ensure that this does not happen again. Thank you for your attention to this matter. https://youtu.be/AdJ6tXyK57k

  5. Elian Yundt 2025-09-27

    Vehicle year: 2024

    I purchased a 2024 Kia Telluride less than 3 weeks ago, and unfortunately the AC failed due to road debris damage. Despite the car's bumper to bumper warranty, the condenser is not covered and the repair cost is estimated to be between $1800-$2600. However, I am confident that Kia will rectify this issue and provide a satisfactory solution. While the lack of a loaner car is inconvenient, I trust that Kia will do everything in their power to make this right. I would still recommend the Kia Telluride to others, but caution them to be aware of potential road debris damage to the condenser. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Latest positive Kia Telluride car reviews

  1. Everett Osinski 2025-10-22

    Vehicle year: 2021

    I spent a year researching SUVs, considering the VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, as well as the CX-9 and Highlander. I admit, I initially overlooked the Telluride because it was a KIA, but after reading numerous comparison reviews where it consistently ranked as the #1 SUV, I decided to give it a chance. I visited a local dealer who was offering bonus cash on trade-ins and took it for a test drive. I was so impressed that I immediately drove it over to show my wife and ended up purchasing it on the same day. The dealer listed all of their Tellurides at MSRP with no markups. The Telluride truly lives up to its reputation. The standard safety features, including Lane Keep Assist, Auto-Break (collision avoidance), Rear Cross-Traffic alerts, and Blind-spot monitoring, are excellent and provide a sense of confidence while driving. The drive is super smooth in all modes and powerful enough in Sport mode to scratch the occasional itch. The design is stunning and can easily be mistaken for a higher-priced SUV. The infotainment system is easy to use and sounds great for stock. Overall, I highly recommend the Telluride for anyone in the market for a new SUV.Function - The 3rd row is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate my 6’0” son with zero complaints. It even has cup holders and USB ports at the back. Both the 2nd and 3rd rows can be collapsed flat with the cargo floor at the push of a button. Accessing both rows is simple and easy. The 2nd row captain’s chairs are as nice as the front row seats and equally comfortable. In conclusion, if you’re interested in a 3-row SUV because you have a growing family and need the 3rd row, or you need the versatility of a people mover and a stuff-hauler, OR if you just really like the midsize SUV package, the Telluride is without a doubt the best value you can find... if you’re purchasing new. However, due to the current supply not being enough to fulfill the demand for this vehicle, used prices are at least $4k-$6k over true KBB. There are a lot of dealers nationwide marking up new models at the same amount. Don't pay over MSRP. There are reputable dealers out there still selling at MSRP. Find them and give them your business. KIA absolutely nailed it.

  2. Kevin Lebsack 2025-10-15

    Vehicle year: 2021

    The Telluride SUV is truly amazing! We recently purchased the Nightfall SX and the color is absolutely beautiful. The leg room in the middle bench seats is incredible, and even the third row has plenty of space. It's so convenient to have the vent controls in the second row, allowing for easy adjustments. The cameras are also top-notch, making lane changes a breeze. Overall, the 2021 Telluride is the most comfortable vehicle we've ever owned. I want to give a shoutout to our awesome salesman Ben Baker and the great folks at Dick Witham dealership for making this experience so enjoyable!

  3. Jaron Hegmann 2025-10-13

    Vehicle year: 2021

    We ordered the Telluride in October 2020, ahead of the birth of our third child. It arrived in early March, just in time. I cannot recommend it enough. Everything about it is amazing. We were drawn to its size (drives really well, looks small, feels big on the inside), three-row seating, and the general price point. The Nightfall addition just makes this vehicle, in my opinion. We’ve received a ton of double takes, thumbs up, and even had a picture taken of it while I was getting a haircut. I never thought I would have a vehicle that got these kinds of reactions, let alone a Kia. You can tell the engineers spent a ton of time on this. The turning radius is fantastic for a vehicle this size. The handling around corners feels like you’re in a much smaller vehicle. The cherry on top is the exhaust notes. It sounds like you’re driving a BMW or Porsche. I crack a smile every time I start it up. We bought the car for just a few reasons, but the lane assist, driving assist, and blind spot detection have been fantastic. With three kids in the car, I feel safer when I’m the only parent in the car and the drive assist is on. The blind spot detection really makes the vehicle feel smaller on the road because you have extra “eyes” on everything. It has more than enough power for passing, accelerating on to on-ramps, etc. The idea was to get something with a usable cargo space behind an adult-friendly third row, and the Telluride checks all the boxes. We can fit a double-wide jogging stroller with all seats up, and an adult can take a 20-minute car ride comfortably. Also, there’s enough room for me as a 6’ male to get in one door and work with all three car seats. The materials don’t feel cheap at all but also appear to be ready for a decade of kid use. The bottom sections of the interior are covered in plastic so they can take a beating and still look new.The heated seats, heated steering wheel, and even the cool seats are perfect. I was really just looking for the heated seats but the other two have been used just as much. For years, I have not been impressed by the LCD entertainment systems of cars. However, this car has found the right combination of touch screen features and knob controlled features. If you’re an Apple user, the Apple car play is just incredible. You can easily interface with the car with Bluetooth or a USB cord. The cabin noise is really quiet and you can actually feel/hear it when you close the door. The only cons are that the gas tank could be a little bigger and sometimes it beeps at you but doesn’t provide enough feedback as to why it’s beeping, typically this is for the lane assist or blind spot detection. Fuel economy could possibly be better however I wouldn’t compromise the amount of power it has for better results. This is only a small complaint as I am coming from driving a CVT. The shifting seems slightly clunky, but that seemed to be solved by having it in comfort or sport setting. In summary, if I had to sum it up in one line it would be this: “My pocket book says I bought a Kia but the driving experience impressions from people make it seem like I’m driving a Porsche.” I honestly can’t say enough about it. I have never written a review for a vehicle but have had such a positive experience at every level I felt I had to share. It is well worth the wait!

  4. Baylee Kuvalis 2025-10-11

    Vehicle year: 2020

    This car is truly a showstopper! I've had strangers come up to me to compliment it and ask if it's a new model Range Rover. I have the Moss Green SX Prestige model and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed. This car is a beauty and handles exceptionally well. Despite being a bit longer and wider than my previous Sorento, I adjusted to it within days. The Telluride lives up to its high standards and delivers numerous safety features that other competitors such as Dodge, Honda, and Toyota would charge an arm and a leg for. Safety is my top priority and the lane assist, blind spot detection, and 360 camera all play a huge role in ensuring my family's safety on the road. KIA has truly hit a home run with this car. If you're in the market for a Durango, Traverse, Pilot, or any other SUV that competes in this class, I say forget those and go for the TELLY! It has so many great features and tech that you'll be enjoying for a long time. If you decide to buy a Telluride, I highly recommend the SX Prestige model - it's definitely worth it!

  5. Kirk Hill 2025-09-26

    Vehicle year: 2020

    We recently purchased an SX-Prestige AWD over Labor Day Weekend and have been extremely satisfied with our decision. The EPA estimate is fairly accurate, as we primarily drive in Eco mode and average about 19 mpg in the city and 25-30 mpg on the highway. We researched extensively, reading both consumer and critic reviews, and found that everyone has been looking at this new vehicle very favorably. At this point, demand is still exceeding supply, so a good deal is considered MSRP. While several dealers are marking up the vehicle well above MSRP, we were able to find a very reasonable price point. The cabin feels very luxurious, with Nappa Leather Seats, and the trunk is spacious even with the 3rd row up. There is plenty of legroom in the 3rd row, and the Highway driving assist feature is a lot like our Tesla autopilot system in our model 3. Additionally, there are lots of safety features throughout the vehicle. Pros include a luxurious cabin with Nappa Leather Seats, attractive exterior aesthetics, heated and ventilated seats in 1st and 2nd rows, a moonroof that opens up the cabin for rear passengers, an Alcantara Suede Like Headliner, a HUD which includes BSI and Navigation Directions, 21 Cubic Feet of storage with 3rd row up, plenty of legroom in the 3rd row even for adult passengers, plenty of USB ports and cupholders throughout the vehicle, attractive glossy black 20

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