What Are the Cons of the Kia Telluride?
The Kia Telluride is celebrated by critics and consumers alike. It’s one of the best-selling models for the South Korean automaker. The Telluride may be one of the best SUVs in the industry, but it isn’t perfect. What are some Kia Telluride cons?
What are the cons of the Kia Telluride?
- Lack of powertrain options
- Below average fuel economy
- Lack of third-row space
The Kia Telluride comes standard with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that makes 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Telluride isn’t the most sluggish midsize SUV, but Kia doesn’t offer any other powertrain options for it, and that’s concerning to some buyers. Even the final trim level SX model features the same engine, so if you want more torque from the Telluride, you’re out of luck. If you want a real powerhouse midsize SUV with plenty of powertrain options, the 2023 Dodge Durango is a better buy.
The 2022 Telluride achieves 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. Its city-estimated gas mileage is low, even for a midsize SUV. When compared to the Subaru Outback’s 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway, the Telluride seems a little thirsty.
The Kia Telluride isn’t necessarily a gas guzzler, but fuel efficiency isn’t one of its many strengths. If you’re looking to save money at the pump, there are better options on the market. The Kia Sorento gets better gas mileage. The Sorento Hybrid starts at $34,090 and gets an incredible 39 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. It’s only $700 more than the Telluride.
The Telluride has three rows of seats, but its third row isn’t the most spacious. MotorTrend lists its “tight third row” as one of the midsize SUV’s few cons. If a spacious eight-seater is what you’re after, there are better midsize SUV options.
Who should buy the Kia Telluride?
The Kia Telluride is practically perfect for drivers with small families looking for the most value for the money. If you don’t regularly need to fit six or more passengers in, the Telluride is a great long-term SUV because it comes with plenty of standard features and has pleasant driving dynamics. If you want the best midsize SUV for the money (based on standard features, quality, and safety) it’s hard to beat the Telluride.
What are the best midsize SUVs for 2022?
The Telluride and its South Korean cousin, the Hyundai Palisade, predictably top midsize SUV rankings. They are joined by models like the Kia Sorento, Subaru Outback, and Hyundai Santa Fe. South Korean and Japanese midsize SUV models appear to dominate the segment on ranking lists compiled by U.S. News & World Report.
Hyundai Motor Company has been on an incredible run in recent years. Hyundai SUVs provide great value for the money, and their final trim level models are reminiscent of luxury vehicles.
Read more about the Kia Telluride and how it compares to the upcoming Kia EV9 in the next article below.
