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If you’re driving a bunch of kids around, the last thing you need is extra noise from your SUV. Luckily, if you have a 2021 Kia Telluride, the noise won’t be coming from the vehicle. For the second year in a row, the Kia Telluride has been recognized as one of the quietest SUVs available.

The quietest SUVs to buy

Both Consumer Reports and U.S. News & World Report have named the 2021 Kia Telluride as one of the quietest SUVs. Consumer Reports examined wind, road, engine, and tire noises and named the Telluride one of the quietest midsize SUVs. U.S. News listed it as one of the quietest of any size SUV. Consumer Reports also named it the quietest SUV for 2020.

SUVs have a boxy shape and are higher off the road than cars, so they tend to create more wind noise than cars. The Telluride’s engine only has a low hum and limited road or wind noise. Consumer Reports says that “it’s quieter than most of its competitors in the class.”

The interior of the 2021 Kia Telluride

A silver Kia Telluride is seen during the 2019 NBA Awards presented by Kia on TNT at Barker Hangar on June 24, 2019
The Kia Telluride | Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Turner Sports

The 2021 Kia Telluride has a lot to recommend it in addition to its hushed sounds. The Telluride was a new vehicle for the 2020 model year, so its interior has a fresh, modern design with plenty of standard features. U.S. News says the interior “verges on luxurious.”

It provides high-quality materials even in the base trim. Synthetic leather seats are standard, but heated and ventilated leather-upholstered front and rear seats are available. It also has lots of space for passengers and cargo.

The Telluride comes standard with keyless entry, push-button start, and remote start and has easy-to-use controls. Optional features include a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a hands-free power liftgate.

The infotainment system has an 8-inch touchscreen and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 10.2-inch touchscreen is also available. Standard features also include a six-speaker stereo system, satellite radio, HD Radio, Bluetooth, and five USB ports.

An additional USB is available as are a 10-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system, navigation, wireless device charging, and an intercom.

Is the 2021 Kia Telluride a good SUV?

The Telluride is great to drive, and it earned an outstanding 97 out of 100 score on the Consumer Reports road test. Consumer Reports also rates it five out of five for both predicted reliability and predicted owner satisfaction.

It has a 3.8-liter V6 engine, generating 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is an option. It’s also able to tow up to 5,000 pounds, says U.S. News. It isn’t the most fuel-efficient SUV, though.

The Telluride also has excellent crash test ratings and comes standard with a number of advanced safety features. That includes a rearview camera, driver drowsiness monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear parking sensors, and a rear-seat alert.

A few additional safety features are available: a head-up display, automatic high-beam headlights, front parking sensors, and a surround-view parking camera system.

The 2021 Telluride has a starting price between $32,190 and $44,390. It also has Kia’s long warranty. The Telluride earned the 2021 Best 3-Row SUV for Families award from U.S. News.

The 2021 Kia Telluride is a strong contender for anyone looking for a midsize three-row SUV. The peace and quiet of the interior is one more plus that it offers along with value, comfort, and a nice ride.