2023 Kia Telluride problems
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.
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Common 2023 Kia Telluride problems
The 2023 Kia Telluride has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners of this car. One of the most significant issues is related to the transmission, with several owners reporting problems shifting gears, including jerky movements and delays when shifting from reverse to drive. This problem can be dangerous, especially when driving at high speeds, and can lead to a loss of trust in the vehicle.
Another common problem reported by owners is related to the car's safety technology. Some owners have reported issues with the back gate opening on its own while driving, which can be a significant safety hazard. This issue can be particularly frustrating for owners who live in hot climates and rely on their car's air conditioning to stay comfortable.
The interior of the 2023 Kia Telluride has also been a source of complaints from owners. Some have reported issues with the instrument cluster, including a lack of customization options and a blinking blank screen.
Another issue reported by some owners is related to the car's towing capabilities. Some have reported that the car is unable to tow, despite being advertised as a towing vehicle. This issue can be particularly frustrating for owners who purchased the car specifically for its towing capabilities.
Finally, some owners have reported issues with the car's seats, which they describe as uncomfortable and hard. This issue can be particularly frustrating for owners who spend a lot of time in their car and rely on comfortable seating to stay comfortable during long drives.
In conclusion, the 2023 Kia Telluride has several common problems reported by owners, including issues with the transmission, safety technology, interior features, towing capabilities, and seating comfort. These issues can be frustrating for owners and can lead to a loss of trust in the vehicle. It is essential for Kia to address these issues promptly to ensure the safety and satisfaction of their customers.
What is the common problem on the Kia Telluride?
However, it has been said that the most common reasons a Kia Telluride would experience a ticking noise coming from the engine are ignition system issues, an exhaust leak, or low oil level/pressure. One of the more serious common problems with the 2022 Kia Telluride is the cracking of the windshield.
What is the difference between the 2023 and 2024 Telluride?
The minor changes to the 2024 Telluride are exclusively displayed on the exterior. In 2024, all Telluride trim levels now have amber-hued daytime running lights. In addition, the dark metallic trim on the X-Line and X-Pro trim levels in 2023 will be replaced by glossy black trim in 2024.
What is the reliability rating of the Kia Telluride?
We expect the 2024 Telluride will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2021, 2022 and 2023 models.
Are there any recalls on the Kia Telluride?
The recalled Kia SUV
The recall affects certain 2020 to 2024 model year Kia Telluride SUVs. Approximately 1 percent of these cars on the road are estimated have the defect. Until the problem is corrected, owners are advised to manually engage their emergency parking brake before leaving their vehicle.
2023 Kia Telluride car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Telluride problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Power train problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2023 Kia Telluride vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2023 Kia Telluride
The NHTSA has received 104 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2023 Kia Telluride. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2023 Kia Telluride vehicles.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-05
- VIN: 5XYP5DGC2PG
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V407000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5XYP3DGCXPG
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I was hit on driver side and no side airbags deployed. The collision cause over $16k in damage to my vehicle. There is no reason side airbags should not have delivered and if my child was in the car on the passenger side he would have slammed his head on glass.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-09
- VIN: 5XYP5DGC7PG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop and making a left turn, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving on two other occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the Idle, Stop and Go (ISG) System was malfunctioning. The dealer advised the contact to press the ISG OFF button A to deactivate the ISG system prior to driving. The contact followed the dealer's instructions; however, the failure persisted while driving. A warning light displaying a speedometer with a key was illuminated, and the message "Limit - 20 MPH" was displayed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Kings Kia (9600 Kings Automall Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45249), where the contact was informed that she might have unknowingly set the cruise control speed to 20 MPH; however, the contact informed the dealer that it was not a possibility because the vehicle had stalled and failed to move. The dealer then informed the contact that someone might have hacked the vehicle through Kia Connect mobile application and reduced the vehicle speed. The contact was concerned that Kia Connect mobile application had such capability. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-22
- VIN: 5XYP5DGC8PG
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Front glass has cracked beyond repair twice in 18 months! The first replacement occurred on 04/2023 and the second incident occurred this week on 7/22/2024. The vehicle was bought new in 12/2022 and has had needed two replacements due to weak glass!
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-23
- VIN: 5XYP3DGC5PG
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: While driving in heavy rain with both windshield wipers operating properly, the right-hand windshield wiper suddenly stopped wiping, parked in normally stowed position. This incident could have been disastrous if this had been the driver’s side wiper since forward visibility would have been lost instantly, putting my safety and the safety of others at risk of major collision.
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- VIN: 5XYP5DGC8PG
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Vehicle has warnings for EPB and lane assist along with active recall for roll away. Cruise control does not work as well. Wheel jerks out of your hand while driving Has been to appointment 7/1 in which vehicle was not repaired. Dealer claiming they had no record of a “diagnosis appointment” New appointment set 60 days out
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-25
- VIN: 5XYP34GC9PG
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Windshield got cracked and need replacement within a year
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-03
- VIN: 5XYP5DGCXPG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: There was a recall because the car would shift into gear and roll forward, so the fix was to make the parking brake automatically turn on when you put the car in park or open the car door. I do not feel like that is fix. I do not appreciate the decision whether I want my break to be on or not to be decided by the computer because they made a poorly designed vehicle. NHTSA should require Kia to do a better fix than making the parking brake turn on.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-15
- VIN: 5XYP6DGC3PG
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Cracked windshield, no impact
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-08
- VIN: 5XYP5DGC8PG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I was driving down the highway only car on the road and my sunroof glass exploded from the inside the car blew a large hole out of the top. I had thousand of pieces of sharp glass rain down on me going 70 mph down the highway. I have no idea why in 2024 that this glass is not required to be laminated above your head. As I am doing my research this is a problem by many manufacturers. KIA has had many of these same incidents I described and no recalls yet. I took it in to the local dealership and the repair cost was $5,000 said the track was contaminated by glass and would need to be replaced. They denied the warranty and stated it was a rock that did it with no proof.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-06
- VIN: 5XYP64GC3PG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V214000 (Power Train) however, the contact believed that the recall repair did not address a fundamental issue with the transmission and that the transmission should have been the focus of the repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had not performed a reasonable recall repair. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the recall repair was completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-16
- VIN: 5XYP5DGC5PG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 10 months after purchasing brand new vehicle from dealership, the windshield developed large crack for no apparent reason--no debris or collision. Need to replace due to inability to see out and possibility of further cracking/breaking. A class action lawsuit against this company is taking place for this very issue, yet no recall exists. I am forced to pay $500 out of pocket (deductible) in order to get this remedied. Dealership informed me that warranty does not cover this.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-11
- VIN: 5XYP5DGC3PG
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The rear suspension is incredibly creaky sounding. It constantly makes noise at every slight bump and turn regardless of speed. Kia service admitted there is a known issue with the self levelling shocks on the '23 Tellurides and said I should replace them.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-05
- VIN: 5XYP5DGC6PG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Windshield has cracked and has needed replacement twice in the 15 months I have owned it.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5XYP64GC0PG
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Placed the car in park then it started rolling backwards and crashed
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-22
- VIN: 5XYP3DGC0PG
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: REAR SHOCKS FAILED AT ONLY 9,000 MILES. A KNOWN ISSUE WITH SELF LEVELING SUSPENSION ON SOME TELLURIDE MODELS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-11
- VIN: 5XYP6DGC2PG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The instrument cluster randomly turns off while driving which renders many safety features, including but not limited to the backup camera, inoperable. This issue was repaired by my dealer in mid 2023 when it was part of a recall. The problem seems to have been recently reintroduced possibly via an over the air software update.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-20
- VIN: 5XYP3DGC1PG
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The car steering wheel locks up while driving. All of the safety lights/warnings pop up on the screen and the car steering wheel locks up and cannot turn while driving. This has happened 3 times while driving and it is very dangerous to not be able to steer. It is putting myself and my children (who are in the car with me) at risk when my car cannot steer. It is going to cause a major accident if this is not fixed. The car is a 2023 (one year old) and has had to be towed to the local dealership and then returned to me saying something was a "loose connection". It is once again back to the dealership now for the same problem.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-07
- VIN: 5XYP3DGCXPG
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: While driving on a large 4 lane highway, using the adaptive cruise control, the car automatically applied the brakes with no visible obstruction. From what I remember, no collision alarm or warning was given. Car rapidly decelerated, until I overrode by applying the gas. This happened three times, on the same road. Twice on one trip, and a third time a week later. All false activations occurred while road was at slight curve.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-14
- VIN: 5XYP5DGC8PG
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I purchased a new 2023 telluride-SX in April 2023. For the first time since owning the vehicle, I used the Snow Mode during the snowstorm on 14 March 2024. I then used it again on 15 March 2024. I experienced a serious problem on both days. When I stopped at redlights, I tried to accelerate as I made a turn. I lost all power, and the car came to a near stop, nearly causing an accident by being rear-ended. I quickly switch to the Eco Mode and the power returned to the car. I took the car into Arapahoe KIA, CO service department on 8 April 2024 for an oil change/tire rotation AND to address the issue with the Snow Mode. The Technician said the issue I describe would happen if the snow was deep.(?) I explained that the roads were nearly bare. He then said that they would look at it. He later said that they could not duplicate the malfunction in the Snow Mode and to bring the car in if it happened again. The KIA service department is the only place that supposedly inspected the car for the issue described above. There were no warning lamps, or messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-23
- VIN: 5XYP3DGC5PG
- Components: STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Driving down a road. No other vehicles on the road ahead of me nor coming from the opposite direction. There were no trees or structures overhead. The road had some dips, but nothing overly rough or upsetting. A crack appeared on the right side of the windshield and started to spread. There were no chips or other visible damage on the windshield previous to this incident. The crack as since spread and will have to be replaced.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-20
- VIN: 5XYP3DGCXPG
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Under normal driving conditions, windshield chipped and immediately cracked. Three times. Windshield replaced on 5/26/2023, 6/23/2023, and 2/20/2024.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-18
- VIN: 5XYP5DGC4PG
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle did not accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. The contact stated that the failure started while the vehicle was in snow mode and then the contact noticed that the failure was occurring while in other selected traction modes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,100.
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-11
- VIN: 5XYP5DGCXPG
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: On about 5 occasions, when I have set the drive mode to "Snow Mode", after a stop, the accelerator pedal has no effect. I can push down the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and nothing happens. There is no indication that the engine is revving and the vehicle does not accelerate. This leave me stranded in the middle of the road at a stop until I change to a different mode other that snow mode. Then I can accelerate again. This has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. The dealer asked that I video record it happening, which I have not done yet. There were no warning lights or messages when this happens.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-18
- VIN: 5XYP5DGC6PG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: When I’m in snow mode and driving in snow and come to a complete stop the vehicle doesn’t want to move but if I take it out of snow mode it goes with no problem. Sometimes when I turn in snow mode it will reduce my speed to 15 mph. Not safe at all.
2023 Kia Telluride recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2023 Kia Telluride.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to manually engage the emergency parking brake prior to exiting the vehicle until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will update the electronic parking brake software and replace any damaged intermediate shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC303.
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: A blank instrument cluster display will not show critical information, such as tire pressure, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace, or secure the air bag wire harnesses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC262.
Negative 2023 Kia Telluride car reviews
Positive 2023 Kia Telluride car reviews
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This car is amazing! It's a great affordable option for the price. I personally have the SX-P AWD.
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It sounds like you're enjoying the bells and whistles! However, you mentioned that you would like better gas mileage and more cargo space. Have you considered looking into other models that might better suit your needs?
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I'm so glad to be back in a Kia after trading my Honda for this one.
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There's really nothing to not love with this vehicle. The only thing that I wish was available is a hybrid option. Other than that, it's a gorgeous and comfortable car with all the latest technology (and more).
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Kia is definitely one of the best on the market, beating them all!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2023 Kia Telluride problems:
My 2023 Telluride serious problem : r/KiaTelluride
Feb 15, 2023 ... I took the car to a Kia dealership for repairs two weeks ago, and they reported experiencing the same symptoms when they tested it. However, I ...
What are common complaints or issues with the Telluride? : r ...
Mar 16, 2023 ... I've only owned my 2023 SXP X-pro a week, but here's some stuff I've noticed. Mostly minor things. Pretty bummed learning Kia Connect is shut ...
KIA Telluride Complaints Group
All about issues and complaints with the Telluride ... telluride problems? My 2020 Kia ... Feb 8, 2023 · 2021 Kia Telluride EX with Nightfall Package is anyone
3 common complaints about the Telluride - Is it still a good buy in ...
Oct 19, 2023 ... The vertical shinny black plastic between the doors that separate the windows have been the biggest problem. I'm guessing the heat pops them ...
Other years of Kia Telluride
Are you having problems with your 2023 Kia Telluride?
Tyrese Hirthe 2025-01-09
I bought a 2023 Telluride. I loved it, but unfortunately, it was towed twice within the first month of ownership. I decided to trade it in and move on!
Lonzo Hayes 2024-10-07
But it won't go away. You were told to bring it to a dealer 40+ miles away and they would fix it. However, the sales rep said that you can't turn it off. I can understand your frustration, but I'm sure there must be a solution to this problem. Has anyone else with a 2023 Telluride experienced and resolved this issue?
Alvah Auer 2024-09-02
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with the 2023 Telluride that my mother recently purchased. I had the opportunity to drive it extensively during my two-week visit with her. Unfortunately, I found that the driver's seat caused me some discomfort and even left me with a bruise on my midback/spine. Despite adjusting the seat as best I could, I still experienced some discomfort during the several 6+ hour trips I took in the car. For context, I'm 6'2 and 230 pounds, and I consider myself an athlete. Thanks for listening!