We’re spending 12 months with this Kia Telluride, reviewing the full ownership experience with ongoing updates. Also, find out why we named the Kia Telluride the Best New Model and Midsize SUV Best Buy — Three-Row for 2020
The Kia Telluride’s long goodbye
by Frankie Rogers on October 7, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 16,406 miles
Latest MPG: 20.31 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.96 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $667.02
Days out of Service: 0
The time has come to say goodbye to a good friend. After 12 months of comfortable daily commutes, multiple shopping trips, and a few memorable road trips my time with the 2020 Kia Telluride has come to an end.
Fuel Economy
The Telluride’s respectable 291-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine realized overall fuel efficiency of 19.96 mpg over 16,143 miles. It is slightly less than Kia’s estimated 21 mpg and could be due to my challenging commute of stop-and-go traffic, plus a heavy foot.
Welcome Consistency
The Kia Telluride was consistently reliable throughout its loan period. The only hiccup was a flat tire caused by road debris (see November 12, 2019 post), which luckily happened as I was approaching my home. No downtime though, just a costly replacement tire.
There were two service visits in which I hung out at the dealership for a couple of hours and used their Wi-Fi, desks, and coffee to get work done. My experience has been that if you wait while they work on your vehicle service gets completed much faster than if you just leave the vehicle.
Comfort and Convenience
What I will miss most, and what I will measure all other midsize SUVs against, was the comfortably smart interior of the Kia Telluride. Once you are seated in the cabin everything you need to operate the vehicle and achieve a comfort level to your liking is within reach and easy to find. From radio buttons and knobs to climate controls and drive modes, it was all intuitive. Add to that a fit and finish akin to a luxury vehicle and it becomes obvious why it is such a pleasure to drive anywhere and everywhere, hence my multiple road trips.
Another convenience I will miss is Kia’s Highway Driving Assist (HDA) which helped with long drives. When engaged it made the Telluride feel like an autonomous vehicle because it controlled the steering, driving speed, maintained a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and kept the vehicle centered in its lane. All I had to do was keep my hands on the wheel and my eyes on the road.
Long and confident
Although the Telluride looks long it doesn’t feel as such when driving or parking the SUV. With its slightly raked stance, it looks ready to take off on another road trip or commute to the office. It’s also just the right height to step into and out of. Visibility was very good with no noticeable areas of concern. Kia’s excellent surround view and blind spot view monitor, and rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist took the guess work out backing out of driveways or maneuvering into parking spots. I especially liked how unobtrusive the lane keeping assist and forward collision warnings were in terms of sound, feel, and flashes in the Head-Up display (HUD).
Final Thoughts
It was hard to hand over the key fob and say a final goodbye to the Kia Telluride. The beautiful and competent SUV did its job well from shuttling people, hauling groceries and hardware supplies, to daily commutes and long drives, it performed flawlessly. It set the bar high and now when I drive other midsize SUV’s I find myself comparing them to the Telluride. We liked the Kia Telluride so much that we named it KBB’s 2020 Best Buy Awards Best New Model and Midsize SUV Best Buy of 2020. The Telluride is a crucial player in a category teeming with laudable opponents.
Time for the Telluride’s 15,000-mile service
by Frankie Rogers on September 8, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 15,565 miles
Latest MPG: 19.12 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.34 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $667.02
Days out of Service: 0
During my recent road trip the long-term Kia Telluride crossed the 15,000-mile mark. I had turned off the reminder due to its constant messages and chimes each time I turned on the SUV, which starts 1,000 miles before service is due. This was one of the very few things I did not like about the Kia Telluride, but it was easy to fix by accessing user settings through the mode button, then select service interval and turn off the reminder. I knew the Telluride would hit 15,000 miles during the trip, so I had planned to take it to the dealer after my return.
I made an appointment with Kia of Irvine since that is where I took the Telluride for its first service visit. It’s the same dealer I have taken our other long-term Kia’s because of their convenient location to Kelley Blue Book’s office. I was told it would take about two hours to change the oil and filter, change the air filter, replace the cabin filter, rotate the tires, perform a fuel system cleaning, clean the throttle body, and inspect the brakes. Nate, the service advisor, and his crew were able to get all of the work done within an hour and a half. That included a recall service order (SC194) for the trailer brake light. It was inspected and a replacement wiring kit has been ordered. Once it becomes available the Telluride will have to go back to the dealer for the actual work.
With fresh oil in its crankcase and new filters throughout, the Telluride is ready to hit the road again for whatever adventures await.
Road Trip Part 5: Both rims of the Grand Canyon
by Frankie Rogers on August 27, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 14,633 miles
Latest MPG: 27.10 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.34 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $383.91
Days out of Service: 0
The last leg of my road trip would end up in Williams, Arizona but not before stopping at both the north and south rims of the Grand Canyon. Enjoying one more free breakfast, compliments of the hotel, I loaded the Kia Telluride with my luggage and other gear and settled in for a full day of driving. Distance from Bryce Canyon to the North Rim is about 155 miles and would take roughly three hours. I entered the destination into Kia’s friendly navigation system and plugged in my iPhone in order to listen to my playlists.
Traffic along US-89 was light and mostly comprised of big rigs and a few other travelers. The Telluride is a quiet and composed SUV on the highway, but always ready to scoot around slower moving vehicles. I made good time and arrived at the North Rim well before noon. Parking was plentiful thanks to the pandemic and the reduction in visitors, so I slipped the SUV into a spot near the trailhead I planned on hiking.
After a couple of hours exploring the north rim’s offerings, I was back on the road and headed toward the South Rim. This next portion of the drive would take about four and a half hours and add 220 miles to the Telluride’s odometer. I plugged in new coordinates into the navigation system and was on my way. After an unplanned detour through Flagstaff due to a road closure related to the pandemic, which added about 45 minutes to the drive, I finally reached the south rim in the late afternoon. It was a quick visit in which I walked around the visitor center area and took in the main view at Mather Point. An afternoon thunderstorm was quickly approaching, and I did not want to be out on the rim and exposed. With visits to both rims of the Grand Canyon on the same day checked off my list I headed to Williams where I would spend the night before heading home in the morning.
All told, I covered 1,677 uneventful miles in the trusty Kia Telluride. Other than some kicked up gravel from road projects, which caused a small chip in the paint and windshield, the Telluride was the perfect road trip vehicle. From the intuitive cruise control and comfortable driver’s seat to the eager powerplant under the hood which handled hills, curves and straightaways flawlessly. This is an SUV at home both on the road, or shuttling passengers and gear from one place to another in the city.
Road Trip Part 4: Exploring Bryce Canyon National Park
by Frankie Rogers on August 26, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 14,349 miles
Latest MPG: 27.63 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.34 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $383.91
Days out of Service: 0
The main road into Bryce Canyon National Park is 18 miles long and terminates at the park’s highest elevations Rainbow and Yovimpa Points. After enjoying a free breakfast at the hotel, I climbed into the Kia Telluride and drove to the end of the road and parked. I planned to hike an easy loop trail and afterward I would hit all the viewpoints on the drive back to the park’s entrance. All of Bryce’s viewpoints happen to be situated on the right side of the road so it made sense to start from the end.
During my sightseeing drive, I kept running into the same couple and after the second encounter, they asked me about the Telluride. They were from Georgia, where the Telluride is built, and their daughter just purchased one. I told them about all the wonderful things I had experienced with the Telluride so far, like comfortable seating, a quiet and smooth ride, power when I needed it, especially when passing slower cars on two-lane highways or going up hills, lots of room for passengers and cargo, and how good looking it is. They agreed and said their daughter really liked her Telluride as well.
Eventually, I stopped running into the couple from Georgia and managed to visit each viewpoint the park had to offer. With no real plans for lunch and an afternoon open for adventure I pulled up the Telluride’s navigation and entered information for a town named Panguitch. It’s a small town about 30 minutes from Bryce Canyon which I had passed through about 20 years ago and found to be quite charming.
Panguitch hadn’t changed much since my last visit but I did find a new-to-me hamburger stand named Henrie’s that looked busy, which is always a good sign. The drive-thru line had lots of locals in work trucks placing their lunch orders, another good sign. After placing and getting my order I found a quiet street and parked. I ate my hamburger and fries, both hot and tasty, in the comfort of the Telluride all while enjoying the coolness of the AC, and the space to spread out my lunch and not feel cramped.
On the way back toward Bryce Canyon, where I still had one more night booked at the hotel, I decided to stay on Scenic Byway 12 and see what the eastern portion had to offer. Again, the Kia Telluride made the drive effortless with its powerful 3.8-liter V6 gobbling up the road. Utah’s All American Road offers a variety of stunning landscapes from colorful desert canyons and hoodoos to narrow ridges and pine forests. After stopping at the Escalante Visitor Center to stretch my legs and gather information on the area I headed back to the hotel. I engaged the Telluride’s Smart Cruise Control and settled in for the drive back. On the way I noticed a familiar vehicle going in the opposite direction. It was the couple from Georgia. Guess they had the same idea.
Road Trip Part 3: Bryce Canyon National Park via Scenic Byway 12
by Frankie Rogers on August 25, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 14,123 miles
Latest MPG: 25.34 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.34 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $383.91
Days out of Service: 0
The drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park is 119 miles and takes a little over 3 hours if you drive without stopping. With no need to rush I loaded my luggage into the spacious cargo area of the Kia Telluride and then climbed into the driver seat ready for another day of sightseeing.
Utilizing Apple CarPlay, I plugged in my coordinates and set out. I headed east on UT-9 which would connect with US-89 where I would head north until I reached SR-12. Utah’s Highway 12 is also known as Scenic Byway 12 and is a 122.863-mile-long highway designated an All-American Road. According to visitutah.com, “Only one-third of America’s scenic byways get this distinction, and it’s given because these roads offer unique features that you can’t find elsewhere making these byways tourist destinations unto themselves.”
The portion of Scenic Byway 12, between US-89 and Bryce Canyon, was indeed a beautiful and easy drive with the Telluride easily navigating the curves and straightaways. It would lead right into Bryce Canyon National Park but not before driving through the vermillion-colored rock formations of Red Canyon. The vibrancy of the rock warranted a stop to snap a few photos and take it all in. Red Canyon offers camping, hiking, and a paved biking/walking trail that leads right into Bryce Canyon. The bike trail looked very inviting with its very flat 18.6-miles, unfortunately, I did not have my bike.
From Red Canyon it was only about 16 minutes to Bryce Canyon. After a brief stop at the visitor center to pick up souvenirs and gather information for the next day’s activities, I drove to Piracy Point, one of the park’s many viewpoints, and took some photos. Tomorrow would be my day for exploring and hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Road Trip Part 2: Zion National Park
by Frankie Rogers on August 24, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 13,806 miles
Latest MPG: 23.83 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.34 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $383.91
Days out of Service: 0
After a night in St. George, Utah it was time to head out to Zion National Park. Back on the I-15 I headed north and would hook up to UT-9 which would lead me directly into Zion. It was a short drive of 55 minutes making it conveniently close. If you’re planning a trip to Zion staying in St. George might make sense since there are more choices in hotels, restaurants, and shopping.
Zion’s visitor center and main parking area are located near the main entrance. Unfortunately, if you do not arrive early enough the parking lot tends to fill up by mid-morning as it wasn’t designed to hold very many cars. The only way to access the Zion Canyon Scenic Highway, where the main attractions are located, is via a park shuttle. This highway is closed to private vehicles and the shuttle is the only way to access it. Visitors are encouraged to park in the nearby town of Springdale and catch a shuttle into the park. I arrived before 9 am but the lot was already full. Luckily, I found a parking spot next to the road and across from the shuttle pick up area and slipped the Telluride in between two parked cars. One of the great things about the Telluride is that it’s an easy vehicle to park in tight spots even for its size. With the surround view monitor, and front and rear parking sensors sliding in between other parked vehicles or small spaces is almost effortless.
With the hunt for a parking spot out of the way I found a quiet spot and ate my PB&J sandwich all while taking in Zion’s beautiful scenery. After taking in the sights I got back on the main highway. UT-9 is a curvy road within Zion but the Kia Telluride handled it with ease and felt firmly planted around sharp turns. I especially enjoyed the drive through the Zion Tunnel which was constructed between 1927-1930 to provide access from the east. Prior to the tunnel being constructed access to Zion was only possible from the west. Today this road would provide the route to Bryce Canyon National Park, the next stop on my trip.
Road Trip Part 1: St. George, Utah
by Frankie Rogers on August 23, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 13,511 miles
Latest MPG: 18.43 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.34 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $383.91
Days out of Service: 0
After much deliberation I decided it was time to take the Kia Telluride on a real road trip. During the COVID-19 lockdown it has been hard to justify any long trips but with the summer coming to an end I felt it was now or never. The plan was to visit Zion National Park, Bryce National Park, and both the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon. Since time was not an issue, I decided to spend the first night in St. George, Utah, which is about an hour outside of Zion and seemed like a logical place to take a break during the journey. Driving the Telluride for 5 ½ hours was effortless. I plugged in my iPhone and utilized CarPlay to listen to playlists and navigate the way to St. George. Once again, I was amazed at the smoothness of the ride and the quietness of the cabin. No road noise to contend with only the sound of music emanating from the Harmon Kardon speakers. Most impressive, and I covered this in a previous update, is Kia’s Highway Driving Assist (HDA), which almost does the driving for you. I found the HDA to be very helpful during this trip by making the extended time behind the wheel tolerable. Other than keeping my hands on the steering wheel and changing lanes when necessary the Telluride seemed to handle most of the driving tasks for me. Stay tuned for an update on the next leg of the trip.
A day trip in the Telluride
by Frankie Rogers on July 26, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 12,768 miles
Latest MPG: 18.04 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.34 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $383.91
Days out of Service: 0
During a recent day trip to Palomar in northern San Diego County the Kia Telluride once again proved it is a great road trip vehicle with its quiet and smooth the ride. Kia’s deft suspension tuning, responsive drivetrain, and vehicle architecture all work together making for a pleasantly compliant driving experience. Although this was just a day trip to try and get up close to the Palomar Observatory (unfortunately the entrance gate was locked preventing anyone from exploring the area around the observatory) the Telluride easily soaked up road imperfections and kept road noise outside of the vehicle where it belongs. I reveled in the peaceful tranquility of the cabin with the radio off and nothing but the scenery and my thoughts to pass the time. The seats are comfortable with just the right amount of bolstering and space. My only quibble is with the lumbar adjustment. It’s not quite enough support and could use the vertical adjustment in addition to the horizontal.
The Telluride has a suite of safety technology
by Frankie Rogers on June 13, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 11,505 miles
Latest MPG: 17.43 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.34 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $383.91
Days out of Service: 0
It is always a thrill to climb into the Kia Telluride no matter the destination. Short trips or long trips the Telluride does not disappoint and with Kia’s Drive Wise suite of safety technology any trip feels less stressful. Standard on the Telluride are blind spot collision avoidance assist, driver attention warning, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist. Our Telluride is the top of the line SX trim which adds the blind spot view monitor, high beam assist, parking distance warning, and a surround view monitor – very helpful in tight parking lots and small parking garages.
Rear seat heaven
by Frankie Rogers on May 30, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 11,288 miles
Latest MPG: 19.61 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.34 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $383.91
Days out of Service: 0
As a driver of our long-term Kia Telluride I don’t get to spend much time in the rear seats. However, on a few occasions, like when I have had to vacuum, I made the effort to sit and experience the second row. First off, it’s spacious and I especially like the way I can stretch out and slip my feet under the front seats. Our Telluride is equipped with captain’s chairs which feel wide and comfortable. The chairs recline and slide back and forth creating enough legroom that I can almost fully extend my legs. The climate controls are within reach and uncomplicated to use. Our Telluride is also equipped with heated and ventilated rear seats adding more to the comfort level. With the dual sunroofs I can easily sit back, relax and just enjoy the view.
Fender trim to the rescue!
by Frankie Rogers on May 16, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 10,823 miles
Latest MPG: 19.65 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.38 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $383.91
Days out of Service: 0
During a visit to the gas station, which is rare these days because of stay at home orders due to COVID-19, the 2020 Kia Telluride almost suffered damage from a runaway shopping cart. I split my fuel refilling visits between Costco Gas and Vons Gas due to their low prices and convenience to where I shop. After climbing back into the Telluride after refueling at Vons I heard and felt a bump come from the rear of the vehicle. Immediately I thought someone had run into me but then realized there wasn’t a car behind mine. I jumped out of the driver seat and ran to the rear and saw a shopping cart leaning against the right rear wheel well. The plastic fender trim had stopped and protected the Telluride’s body from getting dented or scratched. I thought it was odd that a shopping cart could have made its way over to the gas pumps since the station sits on a slight hill and is separated by two driveways and two parking isles. It appears the gas station crew had been using a cart to unload beverages into their little convenience store and parked the now empty cart outside. The wind had picked up and pushed the cart away from the building and directly into the Kia Telluride. If it weren’t for Kia’s protective fender trim, there would be a nasty dent where the cart made contact. Thanks for the foresight, Kia.
Stuck in place and enjoying the ride
by Frankie Rogers on April 24, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 10,117 miles
Latest MPG: 20.56 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.31 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $383.91
Days out of Service: 0
Due to the stay-at home-order still in place we haven’t had much reason to drive the Kia Telluride. Except for the occasional trip to the grocery store or nearby taco shop, the miles we have put on the Telluride have been for supply runs to my mother. She doesn’t drive anymore and utilizes Dial-a-Ride for her shopping trips and doctor appointments. The Telluride has performed its duty as a delivery vehicle exceptionally well with its comfortable interior and 3.8-liter V6 that soaks up the miles with ease. With so few cars on the road these days the average speed on the highway has hovered around 80-90 mph and the Telluride happily abides. A trip to my mother’s home, which is 51.7 miles from my home, used to take a little over one hour. Since the pandemic hit it is closer to 45 minutes from door to door. While the light traffic will not last, we are enjoying the open California roads in the Kia Telluride.
What’s Good and What Needs Improvement
by Frankie Rogers on April 10, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 9,907 miles
Latest MPG: 25.62 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.36 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $383.91
Days out of Service: 0
We have had the 2020 Kia Telluride for a little more than five months and in that time have come to enjoy most everything it has to offer. Our long-term Telluride has been used mainly as a daily driver but has also moved people and cargo from one county to another. So far, we have racked up over 9,400 miles according to the odometer. With so much time spent behind the wheel there are things we really like and a few not so much.
What’s good:
Lots of cargo space: As mentioned in a couple of previous updates the Kia Telluride has an abundance of cargo space. In total it offers 87 cu. ft. when both the second and third rows are folded down. This allows for the hauling of numerous items that a family or DIYer can conjure up. From bicycles to ski gear, and ladders to plywood, the possibilities are endless.
Roomy second row: The second-row seats offer 42.4 inches of legroom and 38.8 inches of headroom so passengers will not feel like they have been squished into a box. The second-row seats also slide forward and back as well as recline, so passengers can achieve a level of comfort that suits them.
It looks cool for an SUV: Although the Kia Telluride is boxy in appearance it carries it well. The SUV looks strong and somewhat imposing with its “I’m ready for anything” stance.
Decent MPG for its size: Our mpg average is around 19.31 with our daily commute from Corona to Irvine. It’s 25.2 miles each way so that’s a little over 50 miles per day. On a couple of short road trips we have noted 22.36 mpg thanks to long stretches of open highway.
Smooth drive and quiet interior: For an SUV the Kia Telluride drives like a luxury sedan. It is smooth unless driving over rough pavement, which even then isn’t too noticeable. Add the quietness of the cabin and the Telluride becomes the perfect driving partner for short or long trips.
What needs improvement:
Throttle response at low speed: The throttle is a bit touchy when accelerating at very low speeds. For example, when driving through a parking lot or slowly pulling into the garage the vehicle either hesitates or lunges.
Annoying service reminder 900 miles before service is due: Reminders are helpful but not when they pop up each time the vehicle is started and well before service is due. The Service Mode, as Kia calls it, will change to “Service Required” if the vehicle isn’t serviced within this period and will continue reminding the driver.
Division of hard and soft plastics on doors: The Telluride makes use of luxury-like materials throughout the interior of the vehicle. The lower door panels, however, are made of a less impressive plastic. It’s not the same grade of plastic as the upper portion of the door. Maybe it’s because it is on the lower part of door where it’s less noticeable? Afterall, this is the area that will get kicked and scuffed.
Seat back pockets too small: While the seat back pockets are wide, unfortunately they are not deep enough to hold anything more than a phone or small notebook, and maybe some pens.
Lack of footwell lighting: This is more of a “would be nice to have” feature. It is something that is found in ambient light packages, and in luxury vehicles. Since the Kia Telluride exudes a feeling of luxury with its well-appointed cabin it seems only fitting to have such a feature.
The Daily Drive in the Kia Telluride
by Frankie Rogers on March 27, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 9,467 miles
Latest MPG: 20.56 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.31 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $383.91
Days out of Service: 0
Our long-term 2020 Kia Telluride has proven to be a very comfortable and competent daily driver. From its smart layout of knobs and buttons for everything needed to keep the driver and occupants adequately situated, to its tasteful use of materials and colors, to its capable powertrain.
Kia’s arrangement of knobs and buttons for functions such as the heated steering wheel, radio, and climate controls are easy to find and easy to reach while driving. Our Telluride happens to be equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen display so navigating to a new restaurant, or checking what song is playing are visual treats with the screen’s color and clarity.
The interior materials are warm and pleasing. From the brushed metals to the wood-like trim to the color combination of a rich brown on the seats and in the doors, to the sultry black headliner and carpeting.
While the Kia Telluride’s interior is distinctive the powertrain is worth noting for its capability. The 3.8-liter V6 produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to propel the SUV when maneuvering through traffic or traversing the open highway.
The Telluride does not disappoint and instead makes the daily commute and the running of errands something to look forward to rather than dread.
And abundance of passenger storage and some clever hooks
by Frankie Rogers on March 11, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 9,043 miles
Latest MPG: 19.07 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.31 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $383.91
Days out of Service: 0
While we have already discussed the spacious cargo found in our long-term 2020 Kia Telluride in a previous update, we can’t forget to mention its storage capacity for smaller items. The Telluride like most SUVs in its class has an abundance of cup holders and door pockets. The center console has a perfect example of a phone holder plus a charger, as well as a small cubby to place your phone in an upright position, plus the requisite cup holders. Not to be forgotten is the deep storage bin which is accessed by lifting the armrest/console lid. It’s large enough to hold a tablet or a small purse.
The second- and third-row seats have access to cup holders and storage in the doors and along the rear sides of the SUV. The second-row occupants have a choice of using cup holders located on the rear of the center console in addition to using the ones located in the doors.
Equally useful and clever are the bag hooks found on the back of the driver and front passenger seats. The hooks can hold grocery bags, purses or even a small backpack. The pouches located next to the hooks can only hold small, slim objects like books, tablets or something flat like a box of crayons or colored pencils. Unfortunately, not much else will fit in these pouches.
No matter what type of baggage needs to be transported there will be a place to hold it or store it while riding in the Kia Telluride.
A ladder fits nicely in the 2020 Kia Telluride
by Frankie Rogers on February 26, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 8,501 miles
Latest MPG: 18.18 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.36 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $383.91
Days out of Service: 0
One of the benefits of living with a midsize SUV like the 2020 Kia Telluride is you get to test the limits of what can, or cannot, fit into the cargo area. During a recent visit to my favorite store, Home Depot, I purchased a 6-foot ladder. Before I visited the large hardware store I used a tape measure to confirm the ladder would fit. Of course, I was right and it fit in the rear cargo area with room to spare. With 87 cubic feet of cargo space, when the second and third rows are folded down, the 2020 Telluride has ample room for long objects like a ladder. A real test of the Kia Telluride cargo area would be to load two-by-fours and plywood sheets and then evaluate cargo capacity. This brings up another benefit when loading long or heavy objects into the rear of the SUV and that is load height. I measured 31.5 inches which may sound kind of high but in reality, it isn’t. Lifting the ladder from the cart into the Kia Telluride was easy because the lift height was manageable. The fact that the ladder was made of fiberglass probably helped a bit too. I look forward to the next project when large bags of mulch can be loaded into the Telluride.
The Kia Telluride’s first oil change plus two recalls
by Frankie Rogers on February 12, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 7,755 miles
Latest MPG: 19.91 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.43 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $383.91
Days out of Service: 0
Our 2020 Kia Telluride started warning us about its impending service needs about 900 miles before they were due. The service interval had been set for 7,500 miles and the Telluride was quickly approaching that number. The service warning is by design, so we learned to live with it each time we turned the vehicle on until we were able to take the 2020 Telluride in for its scheduled maintenance. Kia really doesn’t want you to ignore the fact that the vehicle needs to be serviced because once we passed the 900-mile warning mark the message changed from “Service due” to “Service Required.” At this point, it became imperative to get the Kia Telluride to the dealership for maintenance in order to stop the annoying warnings.
We scheduled the service appointment, which can be done by the usual means of calling or through Kia’s handy app. The Telluride was due for an oil change and tire rotation, but the service advisor also informed us there were two recalls on the vehicle which needed to be addressed. One recall (SA386) was for a software update to address a Bluetooth memory issue. The other recall (SA410) was for the window hooks on the rear doors, which required inspection and/or replacement.
Since Kia of Irvine has a decent-sized waiting area with plenty of room for lounging or working, plus free Wi-Fi, we decided to wait and get some work done. The waiting area is bright and clean with free snacks, coffee, and water. There is a TV set to a news station along with high-top workstations with power. There are also small worktables with chairs so you can really spread out if needed. It took almost three hours to get our Telluride serviced due to the recalls, but time seemed to pass by quickly.
When all was said and done the Kia Telluride had fresh oil in its crankcase (7 quarts of 5W30 to be exact) and the tires inspected and properly rotated. In addition, a multi-point inspection was performed which included testing the battery, checking the tire tread depth and brake wear inspection. The total came to $93.05 with a free car wash thrown in for good measure.
Life with HUD
by Frankie Rogers on February 3, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 6,719 miles
Latest MPG: 21.83 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.54 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $290.86
Days out of Service: 0
Our 2020 Kia Telluride is equipped with a colorfully crisp head-up display (HUD). The HUD is a transparent display that projects driving data like speed, turn-by-turn navigation, blind spot collision warnings plus other information from the instrument cluster onto the back of the windshield. Ever wonder why it’s called a “head-up display”? It’s related to aviation and how a pilot holds their head in order to view information, which is with their head up and looking forward.
General Motors first introduced head-up displays in 1988 in their Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Indy Pace Cars. Not long after it was offered as an option on production versions of the Cutlass Supreme and Pontiac Grand Prix. Currently, there are two versions of the head-up display offered by vehicle manufacturers, the windshield projection version and the retractable combiner which is separated from the windshield.
The Telluride’s HUD system displays a variety of information, if equipped, in pleasantly vibrant colors with sharp graphics that are easy to read. When viewing the HUD information, it’s like watching a movie in 3D where it appears you can reach out and touch the floating numbers and symbols. Our particular trim, the Telluride SX AWD, has most of the options offered by Kia, so we are able to view a long list of driving details like turn-by-turn navigation, road signs, speedometer, cruise setting speed, cruise control information. But wait, there’s more. The display also shows lane keeping assist information, blind spot collision warning information, highway driving assist (HDA) information, HDA system steering control information, HDA system automatic speed setting information, low fuel warning, and AV mode information. The benefit of having this type data displayed inches from your face means you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to check speed, road signs or which satellite station you are listening to.
The joys of organized cargo space in the 2020 Kia Telluride
by Frankie Rogers on January 20, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 6,118 miles
Latest MPG: 19.22 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.45 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $290.86
Days out of Service: 0
One of the many beneficial features in our 2020 Kia Telluride is the SUV’s 87 cubic feet of cargo space when the second and third row seats are folded down. With just the third row folded down there is still 46 cu. ft. of space which makes the Telluride a great hauler of stuff. Whether you happen to be carting around small children and their collapsible strollers or older kids and their sporting equipment the Kia Telluride affords you lots of useful space.
If you’re like me and shop at a big box store, like Costco, to save money by buying in bulk then the Telluride has you covered when it comes to getting all your shopping booty like cat litter, cereal, carnitas, accent rugs or toilet paper home. On a recent visit I couldn’t help but marvel (again) at the cleverly hidden cargo area. It’s not just a space to hide stuff for safe keeping, it’s also a useful compartment to keep groceries and other small items from sliding all over the rear cargo area. To access the concealed chamber you simply lift up the floor hatch and remove the cargo cover. This also where the spare tire lowering apparatus can be accessed. I like to use the cargo cover as an organizer by sliding it vertically into a slot which allows it to act as a divider for the rear cargo space. I can pack small items into the space to not only prevent movement but to keep the items from spilling out and breaking when the hatch is opened. Looking forward to a Home Depot trip and loading the Telluride with two-by-fours or more lawn equipment.
Kia’s gentle reminders
by Frankie Rogers on January 6, 2020
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 5,146 miles
Latest MPG: 22.22 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.62 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $290.86
Days out of Service: 0
You have to hand it to Kia for its gentle reminders, or alerts depending on your perspective, for things like checking the back seat or making sure all of the windows are closed.
The Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) is to prevent leaving any passenger in the rear seats of the vehicle. The alert is displayed in the cluster along with a soft chime as soon as the front door has been opened and the engine has been turned off. If there is someone left behind after the driver has exited and locked the doors their movement will be detected by the ultrasonic sensors and the horn will sound off for about 25 seconds. While the rear seat reminder is a very useful feature for drivers with small children or pets, it’s a constant reminder unless it’s deactivated and therefore can get annoying. Luckily, Kia has made it easy to deactivate the alert by accessing User Settings in the cluster and selecting Convenience then selecting Rear Occupant Alert.
What I have found most useful is the alert that lets me know if a window is still in the open position. With the rainstorms that have passed through our area recently the last thing I want to do is leave one of the Kia Telluride’s windows open during a downpour. So, when a little reminder popped up in the cluster warning me that a window was not fully closed, even though it appeared closed to me, I was very thankful for its persistence in looking out for me.
Cruise Control as a driving partner
by Frankie Rogers on December 29, 2019
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 4,876 miles
Latest MPG: 18.37 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.33 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $290.86
Days out of Service: 0
Cruise control has been around for a long time. It was first introduced in 1948 by an inventor named Ralph Teetor, a blind man, after he became annoyed with the driving habits of his lawyer who would speed up and slow down during conversation. It took another 10 years before Teetor finally came up with a version that could be implemented on commercially sold vehicles.
During a recent road trip up to the Exotic Feline Breeding Compound in Rosamond, California, which is a facility dedicated to the preservation of endangered cats, I finally had an opportunity to use the Telluride’s adaptive cruise control. The cruise control systems found in vehicles today are far more sophisticated than Teetor’s version and the Kia Telluride’s system is a good example. Our Telluride comes equipped with Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go and is a good example of cruise control that is more than just a system for controlling speed. Once the vehicle’s distance and sensitivity settings have been selected it’s just a matter of engaging the accelerator and off you go.
The Telluride deftly handles stop-and-go in traffic while also maintaining a set distance between it and the car in front. Our Telluride is also equipped with Highway Driving Assist (HDA) which adjusts the speed of the SCC depending on highway limits, but it also keeps the vehicle centered within its lane as long as the lanes are clearly marked. It worked well but I was a little unnerved at first since I had to cede some control over to it. I could also feel the steering wheel twitch as the SUV worked to stay in its lane. Eventually I came to appreciate the HDA. It’s like a driving partner that steps in and helps on long road trips but doesn’t complain about my choice in music.
A big boy bath, and a fuel economy test
by Michael Harley on December 16, 2019
Current Odometer: 4,104 miles | Price yours
Latest MPG: 22.36 MPG
Lifetime MPG: 19.50 MPG
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0
Time out of Service: 0 days
I borrowed the 2020 Kia Telluride for a long weekend with the intention of taking the three-row crossover on a family road trip to San Francisco. Plans changed, the trip was cancelled, and I only ended up taking five adults out to dinner. Everyone, even the person in the third row, was impressed with the interior room and comfort. At the end of the weekend, I chose to handwash the vehicle before returning it. To expedite the process, I used a “foam cannon” attachment on a pressure washer as it layers a nice coating of lubricating soap on the vehicle with minimal effort. With a microfiber mitt in hand, the big vehicle was effortless to wash. Drying the crossover was another issue as it took double the normal number of towels and getting the grille to stop dripping – that’s the cost of being able to haul around the whole family, I suppose. I put the Kia through my “fuel economy test” on the way back to work, with the Kia Telluride covering the 86.4-mile all-highway trip at an average speed of 73.16 mph with an indicated 26.3 mpg. That is better than the Volkswagen Atlas (24.6 mpg), but worse than the Acura MDX (27.8 mpg) over the identical test.
Floor mats are nice but…
by Frankie Rogers on November 26, 2019
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 2,734 miles
Latest MPG: 20.11 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.33 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $290.86
Days out of Service: 0
The 2020 Kia Telluride’s floor mats are nice in that they fit very well, are easy to clean and match the cabin’s motif. The primary purpose of vehicle floor mats is to protect the carpeted floor from dirt, debris and moisture. Like most floor mats found in new vehicles these days they are made to stay in place with hooks, clips, snaps or some type of latch. It’s also to keep them from moving under or into the brake or gas pedals. In addition, the mats will have a non-slip surface on the underside which may consist of small bumps or tiny rubber spikes that grip the carpeted floor of the vehicle. The floor mats in our Telluride have the spike-type underside.
I chose the word spike because it best describes what it feels like against your hands when the mats are being removed for cleaning. The hooks that keep the front mats in place work so well that removal of the mat requires some clever rolling and maneuvering to unhook. It is during this removal, or installation, process when exposed hands can get pricked. Unless you like the feeling of sticking your hands in between cactus plants, I recommend using gloves when removing the front floor mats. I know I will.
A Flat Tire
by Frankie Rogers on November 12, 2019
Price: $47,710 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 1,444 miles
Latest MPG: 17.78 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.15 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $290.86
Days out of Service: 0
Well it happened. Our new 2020 Kia Telluride got its very first flat tire. Luckily, I was just a few miles from home when the low-pressure warning light came on and informed me psi was down to 26 pounds in the right rear tire. While I was shocked at the low pressure reading, I was really impressed with Kia’s tire pressure management system. It not only told me the psi, but also which tire had the issue. Some manufacturers do not provide this level of detail. My immediate concern though was that if the pressure dropped any lower the SUV would be riding on the wheel and I did not want that to happen.
Soon I was parked in my driveway and quickly got out and walked around to inspect the tire. I could hear the air escaping as I approached the right side of the SUV, and I could also see the metal object sticking in between the tread about two inches from the tire’s edge. When I placed my finger against the puncture, I could feel the air rushing out. Good thing it happened so close to my house otherwise I would have been waiting by the side of a busy highway for a tow truck.
Within 30 minutes of arriving home and contacting the Auto Club (AAA) the tow truck driver pulled up, removed the flat and replaced it with the spare. Luckily, the Kia Telluride has a spare tire since a fair number of vehicles today are no longer equipped with them. Of course, I was limited to speed and distance once the spare tire (aka donut) was installed since it is meant to be a temporary fix until the actual tire can be repaired or replaced.
The next morning, I tried contacting the closest Kia dealership to my home, which is Kia of Riverside, but they were so busy that all three of my calls went to voicemail. Since I would have to drive 14 miles on a freeway with the spare tire to get to the Kia dealership, I decided to visit Just Tires in Corona instead. Their shop is less than five miles from where I live and did not require freeway driving.
After consulting with Adam, the manager, I left the tire for the technician to evaluate whether or not it could be repaired. Shops like Just Tires have requirements in place when it comes to repairing tires. If the damage isn’t near the center of the tire’s tread the shop will not patch it, which was the case with the Telluride’s puncture. A new tire was ordered and delivered that afternoon. Since I had left the tire and wheel at the shop that morning all I had to do was bring the Telluride back and the technician just had to mount and balance the wheel, which took less than 15 minutes. The technician even put the spare back into its place, which is under the rear of the vehicle, and buttoned up everything for me.
While getting a flat tire was a little inconvenient it was not all that unpleasant thanks to the service and proximity of both AAA and Just Tires.
Introduction
by Frankie Rogers on October 29, 2019
Price: $47,710 |Price yours
Current Odometer: 718 miles
Latest MPG: 20.49 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 19.70 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0
Days out of Service: 0
We just welcomed the 2020 Kia Telluride SX to Kelley Blue Book’s long-term test fleet and boy are we excited. The eye-catching Telluride is Kia’s new 3-row SUV and was designed here in Irvine. It was created specifically for the U.S. market. While rectangular in appearance, it does so in a striking way, with an imposing grille and headlights. The Telluride’s corners are softened yet add to the vehicle’s overall toughness. This Kia has a stance that makes the SUV look like it’s always ready to take off on an adventure.
The Kia Telluride is not only distinctive in shape but also in other styling cues. One is the attention-grabbing orange LED lighting around the headlights which are only available on the SX trim, something you don’t see very often. There is also Kia’s use of a satin finish on the exterior trim pieces rather than shiny chrome.
What’s under the hood?
Our long-term 2020 Kia Telluride is equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 that puts out 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a smooth shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. Our Telluride is also equipped with active on-demand all-wheel drive which when needed can send up to 35 percent of engine power to the rear wheels. The EPA ratings are 21 combined mpg and 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. So far during the two weeks we have been driving our Telluride we are averaging about 19.7 mpg.
Comfort, Safety and Technology galore
With a base price of $43,490 our Telluride SX comes standard with a host of features such as a 10-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, keyless remote, push button start, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and 12-way power driver’s seat. Safety features include blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance assist, safe exit assist, lane keeping assist, rear occupant alert, surround view and blind spot view monitor, parking distance warning for forward and reverse, and highway driving assist.
More Options
We opted for the SX Prestige Package for an additional $2,000, which includes a head up display, 110-volt inverter, Nappa leather seat trim, premium cloth headliner and sun visors, heated and ventilated second-row seats, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. We also added a tow package that includes a tow hitch and self-leveling rear suspension for $795, carpeted floor mats for $210, and a rear bumper protector for $120. When added up our 2020 Kia Telluride SX AWD rings in at $46,615 (not including the $1,095 destination fee).
What are our plans?
The 2020 Kia Telluride will primarily be used as a commuter vehicle covering 60 miles each day. It will also be used to haul supplies for weekend projects, road trips and last-minute weekend excursions, and as a shuttle for family and friends to and from the South Bay and Corona. With lots of driving and seat time looming in the Telluride’s future we should be able to capture useful data on performance, passenger comfort and cargo capacity. Be sure to bookmark this page and check back often for updates.
2020 Kia Telluride Exterior and Interior
