2020 Kia Telluride Review: Unreliable Midsize SUV With Expensive Ownership Costs

Nov 22, 2023

The 2020 Kia Telluride lasts around 150,000 miles, with some serious engine and transmission issues reported. At $26,125 to $41,250, it’s not worth the money since you’ll spend a ton repairing it as it ages.

The Good

The cabin offers relatively upscale materials for the price, the suspension is smooth and it comes with a long ten-year 100,000 mile warranty.

The Bad

It only offers one engine, the cabin doesn’t have a lot of storage space outside of the main cargo area and there are a lot of mechanical problems.

Is the 2020 Kia Telluride a Good Used SUV?

Overall Rating 7/10 – 2020 is a bad year for the Kia Telluride since it has more mechanical problems than newer models. Owner reviews complain about engine problems, dead batteries, and automatic braking system issues.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very good for an SUV in its price range, the seats are supportive, cargo space is also great behind the seats.
Reliability 7/10 – There are some engine and electrical issues reported on the 2020 Telluride, making it a year to avoid. Models from 2021 through 2023 are more dependable.
Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard V6 engine, although it’s not as powerful as some of the competition.
Safety 10/10 – The 2020 Telluride is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional upgrades include a head-up display, and highway drive assist.
Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 23 MPG, offering 432 miles of range from the 18.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are similar to other SUVs, at $231 per month.
Value 7/10 – The 2020 Kia Telluride is similar in price to other midsize SUVs, but some mechanical problems make it a bad value for shoppers.

Positive Owner Reviews

Brenda G

It has lots of room. So many useful features.

This car is absolutely wonderful! It has many technological features. Along with back cameras, buttons for you are radio, Bluetooth and much more. It is so easy to move the seats too. The very back seats go down so you have room. There is also a storage space too.

Roger M.

Confortable and silent

No problem with this vehicule

Alina F

The best family SUV. 7 seater. Captain seats. Luxury interior.

Memory seats for both the driver side and passenger side would ideal. Since moving the seats back and forth is sometimes inconvenience. Camera in the front of SUV would help out for parking your SUV straight in between the lines. Garage opening memory on view mirror would amazing, instead of caring several garage openers.

Erin F

Great car! My favorite even over high end large price tag luxury vehicles.

Great car! Very impressed with the drive, comfort, style, space! Drove high end luxury cars before we got the Kia telluride and I would say this is my favorite so far when compared to the car and money spent. We leases this one but planning on keeping for many years.

Rachel B

Cruise control is really good.

The mileage is good seats are comfortable lots of space cruise controls are good tires have a good grip nice good range of colors for the car good trims powerful engine. The interiors are good, leather seats easy to clean like the touch screen and good controls.

Brea J

Sleek and s**y Kia telluride.

My vehicle is awesome. The ride is smooth and design is modern. I love the large camera and all of the features. The cabin is roomy and easy to clean. I enjoy all of the features available even in the base model. Kia really impressed me with the telluride.

Eriq B

I wouldn't tell you to ride in anything but the telluride!

The seating in the vehicle is very comfortable! Another thing I like about the vehicle is that I'drives very smoothly. One of the things that get frustrating at times, the vehicle will brake hard if there is a car in front of you while cruise control is initiated. Some of the vehicles are a pretty far distance where you wouldn't otherwise brake. Other than that the car is amazing. I like the buttons that allow the seats to slide up manually without having to push the seat up and slide for third row passengers. I also love the space in the vehicle. I am a taller guy and I can sit in the third row without any problems!

Kristina R

The Kia telluride and some of the perks.

This car is extremely comfortable. It has all the most recent technology. It has plenty of options to make your commutes to work or errands or on road trips extremely comfortable. The gas mileage is fair and the ride is smooth. Quiet in the road. I really like the side cameras for blind spots.

Negative Owner Reviews

Wendy

Dangerous Issues

No!!!! We now have a little over 10,000 miles on it and just this morning encountered the second major event with the vehicle. The motor decided to vibrate badly, oddly, and the check engine light came on. I left it on because I had no other choice. I turned the heat on to warm the vehicle for my son and I so I could put him on the bus for school. Upon moving the vehicle it was sluggish, jerky even. Just before parking it, it stuttered and almost died. We also experienced the Malfunctioning collision warning System. It was not just a light going off. It locked and slid my brakes automatically with no danger in sight. This is in addition to the seat belt recall and windshield cracking that the manufacturer has made the public aware of. It makes me furious to think that the collision system is something they use as a selling point in commercials and it about got me and my children killed.

Carol

Battery dead

2 months old and battery is dead!!

Debbie Saintz

Safety. Not thete

Hell no! Any vehicle that locks it's breaks on its own is a danger to the public and my family! Reminds me of the 1999 Dodge Dakota! Also why sell a vehicle knowing the windshield is going to break. They have a long road ahead to fix all the problems coming up! It shakes like it's going to fall apart. Very untrustworthy! Don't buy a rig they didn't even crash test! Very bad design! Not safe! Has a mind of its own and it's all bad.

AK Weaver

Transmission and heat and cooling trouble

We purchased a new Telluride in May 2020. After 4,500 miles the transmission failed. It was replaced under Kia warranty. One month after new transmission installed, it began revving and refusing to accelerate. We also experienced problems with the heat and cooling system not working. After 2 attempts to fix transmission, it is still revving high and is very hesitant to accelerate jerking and occasionally we get an error and we are forced to pull off the side of the road and restart vehicle. It’s a nice vehicle overall, but I am very disappointed in having 2 transmissions fail within 6 months of ownership. I love the looks, features and posh interior, but do not trust this vehicle for reliability and will be replacing it ASAP. Hopefully mine is the exception.

John S.

Poor app.

Boiling down the many issues to single one of would be the app. Simply put it is horrible. The remote start feature takes very long to connect and then once connected it takes a long time to actually the vehicle. The display will read that it is updating vehicle information before it will attempt to initiate starting. Why do they update on the users time? Next you may get a message that says they cannot perform the the feature now TRY AGAIN LATER. Just what components to see her attempting to warm up the vehicle for their family. Called Kia direct and got no help. Very poor response.

Shiah H

The body style of the telluride is very nice, but the amenities are lacking.

It is not what I expected. To be fair, I owned a Lincoln MKX before and things that were standard with my Lincoln, you have to pay up for with the telluride. I have already had three recalls and I hate the windshield wipers. Gas mileage is pretty good though.

Brittaney R

Amazing for the price range.

At this time with the vehicle being so new it does not have any current problems. We did recently have to take it in for a rear main seal leak that the dealership took care of almost immediately. I went from a 2015 suburban to the Kia telluride. The transition wasn't the easiest but the third row seat option was a life saver. Gas mileage and comfort are far superior to vehicles that cost double what we purchased our telluride for. I do highly recommend the Kia telluride for families that are looking from comfort convenience. It has all the bells and whistles that you could ever need and then some. The moon roof is one of my favorite features.

Barb

Recalls on Telluride

I've had my 2020 Telluride for almost a year now. Alarm has just started going off for no reason. They have not called me back on the windshield after reporting that I have a crack in mine. It also breaks for no reason as well. I wonder what is going on. Kia service department in our area is terrible.

What Do Critics Say About the Kia Telluride?

Consumer Reports says the 2020 Kia Telluride offers a lot of standard features for the price, but it only gets average owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
Edmunds rates the Kia Telluride at 4.1/5, enjoying the plush suspension on rough roads, but doesn’t like the relatively limited storage space for smaller items.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Telluride a 4.1/5, praising the modern infotainment system, but owners don’t like the poor off-road performance.

What Common Problems Does the 2020 Kia Telluride Have?

Common problems found on the 2020 Kia Telluride include worn out high beam headlights, excessive oil consumption, along with a lot of transmission noise. Overall, these problems are worse than other midsize SUVs from the same year, leading to expensive repair costs.

Worn out high beam headlights are the most widespread complaint from 2020 Telluride owners, showing up within the first 5,000 miles. The high-beam controller wears out quickly, and has to be replaced even when the bulbs are fine. Often, the unit is replaced for free under warranty, while in others it will cost nearly $600.

Excessive oil consumption is another problem mentioned on some Telluride models at around 25,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by gasket failures throughout the engine, which allows oil to seep into the cylinders. Sometimes an engine rebuild is covered under warranty, but out of warranty you can expect to spend over $3,500.

A lot of transmission noise has also been reported by 2020 Telluride owners at around 15,000 miles. In some cases simply changing out the transmission fluid can solve the problems, in others you will need a new transmission if there’s physical damage. Replacing the transmission costs over $3,000 if it’s not a warranty replacement.

There are three recalls on the 2020 Telluride, which is similar to other SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall covers the tow hitch wiring harness, which may catch fire while parked. Kia will replace the wiring harness on affected models for free.

How Long Will the 2020 Kia Telluride Last?

A well-maintained 2020 Kia Telluride may last around 150,000 miles, which is only half as long as the popular Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than some competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $535 per year.

As a used 2020 Telluride reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the strut bearings for $225, fuel injectors costing $500, along with the A/C compressor, which costs around $900.

Amanda K

I haven't had any problems so far and it has been very reliable and fit all of our needs thus far. I would recommend it to others.

Nicholas A

No problems thus far. Only issue were the nitrogen-filled tires got low and I couldn't find a place to fill it back up. Changed nitrogen to regular air.

Misty E

No there no problem. Because it is still new. All the tools are good. It is very much super reliable. Very nice car would recommend it

How Is the Technology?

The standard entertainment technology is great for a midsize SUV offering an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen and Harman Kardon stereo system.

Standard safety technology is better than other SUVs, and includes:

Forward collision warning
Pedestrian detection
Driver attention monitor
Safe exit assist
Lane departure warning
Lane follow assist
Rear cross traffic alert
Forward automatic emergency braking
Rear parking sensors
Rearview camera
Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
Lane keep assist
Blind spot monitoring

Optional upgrades include:

Head-up display
Surround-view parking camera system
Automatic high-beam headlights
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Front parking sensors
Highway drive assist to adjust speed and keep it centered in its lane
Blind spot camera

Is the 2020 Kia Telluride a Good Value?

No, the 2020 Kia Telluride is not a great value since it has some mechanical issues, making it the year buyers should avoid. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $26,125 to $41,250, making it similar in price to a Honda Pilot or Subaru Ascent. When new, the price range was $31,890 to $43,790. Depreciation is similar to other midsize SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Kia Telluride?

There are four main models of the 2020 Kia Telluride offered from the entry-level LX through to the more luxurious SX. It comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.

LX is the entry-level model with:

18-inch alloy wheels
Automatic headlights
Rear parking sensors
Selectable drive modes
Adaptive cruise control
Simulated-leather upholstery
60/40-split folding second and third rows
Bluetooth connectivity
Five USB charge ports
8-inch touchscreen display
Rearview camera
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Six-speaker stereo with satellite radio and USB input
Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
Lane keeping assist
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
Drowsy driver warning system

S is a step up, adding:

20-inch wheels
Roof rails
Sunroof
Power-adjustable driver’s seat
Heated front seats
Second-row captain’s chairs (optional bench seating)

EX offers more features such as:

LED tail lights
Power-folding mirrors
Acoustic glass for front doors
Hands-free liftgate
Keyless entry and ignition
Three-zone automatic climate control
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Leather upholstery
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Ventilated front seats
Standard second-row bench seating
Additional USB charge port (six total)
3-inch touchscreen
Driver voice amplifier for rear seats
Quiet Mode for rear speakers
Wireless charging pad

SX is the flagship model, which has:

LED headlights and fog lights
Dual sunroofs
Front parking sensors
Upgraded driver information display
Interior ambient lighting
Driver-seat memory functions
Standard second-row captain’s chairs
Surround-view parking camera system
10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system
Blind-spot camera system
Automatic high beams
Low-level automated highway driving system
Optional towing package with self-leveling suspension (for EX and SX)
Prestige package for SX with AWD (includes premium leather, head-up display, heated and ventilated second-row seats, automatic wipers, household power outlet, heated steering wheel)

291 HP 21 MPG

291 HP 21 MPG

291 HP 21 MPG

291 HP 21 MPG

What Engines Come In the Kia Telluride?

The 2020 Kia Telluride is equipped with a single powertrain option across all of its trims. This engine is a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 291 horsepower. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this engine delivers a combined fuel economy of around 23 MPG. As for acceleration, the Telluride can reach 0-60 MPH in 7.2 seconds, offering a respectable performance for a vehicle of its size.

What Colors Does the Kia Telluride Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Kia Telluride?

The 2020 Kia Telluride is widely regarded as a comfortable and spacious SUV, offering a plush ride for its occupants. It features three rows of seating, with the first two rows providing generous headroom and legroom, accommodating adults with ease, even on longer journeys. The third row is more suitable for children but can still manage adults for shorter trips. The seats themselves are supportive and well-cushioned, and the driver’s seat comes with multiple adjustments to help find an optimal driving position. Additionally, higher trims offer features like heated and ventilated seats, which further enhance passenger comfort in varying climates.

On the road, the Telluride’s suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections, delivering a smooth and composed ride. Noise insulation is also well-managed, with a quiet cabin that shields occupants from wind and road noise, contributing to a serene driving experience. The climate control system is effective and easy to use, maintaining a comfortable cabin environment. Kia also equipped the Telluride with a host of convenience features, including an intuitive infotainment system and available driver assistance technologies, which can reduce driver fatigue on long drives. Overall, the Telluride’s focus on comfort makes it a standout in its class for both daily commutes and extended road trips.

How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Telluride Have?

The 2020 Kia Telluride boasts an impressive amount of storage space for a midsize SUV, designed to accommodate both passengers and cargo with ease. Behind the third row of seats, you’ll find about 21 cubic feet of room, which is ample space for a family’s weekly groceries or a couple of large suitcases. When the third-row seats are folded down, this expands to about 46 cubic feet, allowing for larger items such as bicycles or a substantial amount of home improvement supplies. With both the second and third rows folded, the Telluride offers a cavernous 87 cubic feet of storage space, which is more than enough to handle larger pieces of furniture or a full complement of camping gear for an outdoor adventure.

Beyond the primary cargo area, the Telluride also includes some small interior spaces designed for convenience and organization. These include a well-sized glove compartment, door bins in all doors, a center console in the front, which can hold smaller personal items like wallets or smartphones, and cupholders strategically placed throughout the cabin. Seat-back pockets provide extra space for books or tablets, and there’s even a hidden storage compartment below the cargo floor for securing valuables or keeping emergency items out of sight. All these thoughtful storage solutions make the 2020 Kia Telluride a versatile choice for families and professionals who require both seating capacity and substantial cargo room.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The Kia Telluride was introduced for the 2020 model year as a new three-row SUV, and the largest SUV offered by Kia.

2020: First model year for the Kia Telluride with a new engine, advanced technology, and room for seven or eight people.

2021: Nightfall Edition package with black wheels and trim, upgraded trailer wiring harness, and remote engine start added.

2022: More standard driver assistance features, standard 10.25-inch center screen and an updated front grille.

2023: Improved front and rear styling, X-Line and X-Pro models introduced, and larger displays throughout the cabin.

How Does the Kia Telluride Compare to the Competition?

The 2020 Kia Telluride is a bad midsize SUV since there are a lot of mechanical issues which show up as they age, making it a year that buyers should avoid.

The Hyundai Palisade is another SUV, which is available for around $1,500 more. Both the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are built on the same platform, while the Hyundai Palisade has a better interior. We recommend avoiding both SUVs for the 2020 model year since they suffer from the same problems.

The Toyota Highlander is a popular midsize SUV, which can be found for roughly $3,000 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better in the Toyota Highlander, while the Kia Telluride offers more passenger room in the third row. We recommend the Toyota Highlander because it’s a much more reliable SUV.

Ranks #5 Midsize SUV by Owners

2020 Jeep Wrangler

4.83

2020 Volkswagen Atlas

4.82

2020 Kia Telluride

4.71

Do Owners Recommend the Kia Telluride?

Amanda K

Yes, I love it! It is roomy and the gas mileage is not too bad. Price is horrible though. My payments are extremely high. I would rate this vehicle very good for the most part. I do not think I'd ever go back to a car. It ride comfortably and the gas mileage is not too bad.

Nicholas A

It's a wonderful vehicle. The size, the accessories, the safety rating, the space and the price tag. Unreal!

Trent T

Yes it is. Nice car very easy to drive. You should buy it if your interested. That’s it. Very good condition

Owner Reviews

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johan t on December 13, 2023

Mastering Local SEO for Photography Studios with NLP

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T Bowman on July 26, 2021

2020 Telluride

Absolutely love our Telluride. Best SUV we’ve ever owned. Have over 29,000 miles with no issues. Wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Barbara T on June 25, 2021

Telluride best SUV out there today made with dependability comfort and style.

My telluride is the top of the line model it has captain chairs first two rows with a bench for the third row it is quiet dependable reliable and has every feature that should be on every car. Lane assist blind spot warning forward collision rear collision it lets you know to check your back seat if something is left there the SUV was built with dependability and comfort in mind. It has heated seats cooled seats heated steering wheel a panoramic sunroof. But most of all it is crafted with you in mind high quality materials and many safety features plus a world class warranty.

Theresa S on June 24, 2021

Has a few kinks but a great vehicle.

I hate they did not add a remote start to this years vehicle. I also do not like that the moonroof is so small and does not open that wide. I do however love the heated steering wheel and the ambient lighting in the vehicle. It has a smooth ride and luxurious feel.

Nicole M on June 21, 2021

Moving seats can be freaky too!

I love the comfort and overall feel while sitting in the vehicle. The safety features are awesome and really make me feel safe driving such a large SUV. I will say I do not like that the seat immediately goes bag once the car is turned off. It always makes me think I am still moving and that I forgot to put the car in park.

AK Weaver on June 17, 2021

Transmission and heat and cooling trouble

Daniel M on June 6, 2021

Sleek, style family SUV that keeps dad looking cool!

There is really nothing that I like about the car. It drives smooth, it has all the safety features I would want. I wish I didn't need a cord for apple play and that I had captain seats for second row seating for the kids, but overall really love it. This is my first Kia and I would buy again.

SE H on May 28, 2021

Great purchase! Best mom car we could’ve picked!

The car seems to handle itself pretty well in all types of weather. It looks sleek and feels like luxury without having the luxury price tag. The safety features are great; it reminds me to look in the backseat every time I turn off the car to ensure I do not forget any precious cargo. My three dogs fit in the back easily. The third row can go up and down quickly when needed.

Alisha B on May 23, 2021

About having a Kia and a reliable vehicle as a mom.

It is the best SUV I have ever seen. Safe and reliable and is good on gas. There is so many added features to this vehicle and it is in the right price range as well. I recommend this vehicle to anyone with kids or loves SUV’s. It will change your mind about having a Kia.

Kasey W on May 21, 2021

Third row option with captain seats!

I have always been a Toyota owner. I was looking for a third row option vehicle with captains seats that wouldn't completely break the bank. I test drove many vehicles before deciding on the telluride. The options for the price are unmatched. It is fantastic on gas mileage for being a larger SUV. I love the raised screen because it allows me to see the navigation better. I do wish it had a larger storage space in the back without having to put the third row down.

Kelsey M on May 19, 2021

This car is gorgeous! I love it so much.

I have never had any problems. I love this car and the features so much! It has a ton of USB outlets which are so convenient for the kiddos. I love the fact that it has apple car play, which I think is a big deal for iPhone users. It is gorgeous on the outside and the interior details are amazing.

Julie L on April 29, 2021

Why the Kia telluride is a great car.

The Kia telluride is one of the best cars that I have ever gotten. The Kia is really smooth when you drive and it is really comfortable. It is extremely spacious and it provides a lot of features that most cars do not. There are about 6 different plugins all throughout the car making is really convenient. The backseat passengers can change the ac settings to fit their needs. There are about 5 different options of driving modes including sport mode, economic, snow, regular, etc.

Lee R on April 26, 2021

Best purchased vehicle of 2020.

Best car ever. Love the smooth ride and the driver assist features. The handling is smooth and love the different drive modes. Best car ever. Love the smooth ride and the driver assist features. The handling is smooth and love the different drive modes.

Kylie H on April 22, 2021

Overall I really love it!

I really like that it includes so many safety features as standard. Other makes of vehicle require you to pay extra for these safety features. I also really like how many passengers the vehicle can hold while still looking cool. Probably my only dislike is that I cannot lock the car while I fill the gas tank. It just beeps at you if you try to do that.

Jackie V on April 11, 2021

Smooth, quiet and sleek inside and out.

Absolutely love the car. Ride is very smooth and quiet. Every detail, big and small, was thought of when making this car. Very spacious with plenty of storage as well. Each model is very similar so you do not feel like you are missing out on too much if you go with a lower model.

Patrick B on April 10, 2021

My telluride. My telluride feels like you are floating on a cloud.

The telluride is a smooth driving vehicle with excellent handling. It drives as easily as the optima. Very comfortable and spacious with wonderful styling and practicality. The sound system is permeates the entire vehicle. When the windows are up there is minimal outside noise.

Jessica C on April 2, 2021

Great! Comfortable and luxurious with a great price tag.

The telluride is overall a great vehicle. I have had only one issue with the windshield cracking but they fixed it no questions asked. We have a family of 6 and it fits all of us comfortably and there is enough leg room in the rear seats for me to sit comfortably also. An added bonus is that it can hold the stroller on the back cargo area!

Theresa S on March 29, 2021

A pretty nice roomy family SUV!

Easy controls and lot of features. Sports mode is by far the best. Ambience lighting is cool and you can change the color. No crazy about the lid the covers the charging console area. I always leave it open as it is difficult to open and I do not want to break it. I also wish the 3rd row had push button seats. I have had it 7 months now and no problems.

Angel G on March 26, 2021

The Kia 2020 telluride is the vehicle of the future.

Absolutely zero problems. The leather seats are very high quality, the range on it is amazing, the speakers sound great, and there's seat cooling and heating. Additionally, the different modes on the vehicle is cool.There's sport mode, eco mode. Smart, and two more that I cannot remember.

Kinga K on March 24, 2021

Great car for errands and family vacations!

No issued at all. Wonderful vehicle packed with safety features. I highly recommend this car to anyone that is looking to purchase a new car. Heated and cooled seats, steering wheel also heated with 8 persons seating arrangement. Great mileage per gallon.

Amanda G on March 24, 2021

Great SUV. Tons of space. Captain seats are great!

Things I love: so much space!! By far the biggest interior of any SUV I've owned. Love the look, how it drives. Great vehicle for the price. The negatives: no automatic tailgate. Has every other bell and whistle but not this one and would be more than helpful!! No automatic start without uvo subscription. Another thing that I would have thought came standard on all. New vehicles over $30,000.

Josh S on March 23, 2021

Great vehicle with amazing room!

Is a really nice car but lacks some of the little things that I used to get in my luxury Acura. It has a great style and has tons of room for multiple people. Has leather, 2nd row captains seats and fully fold down third row. The third row is very spacious and a large size adult has no problem fitting. The little things that it is missing are items like a garage door opener, seat memory, etc. The infotainment system is nice and the heated and cooled seats are awesome.

Justin V on March 14, 2021

2020 Kia telluride sx - 1 year ownership.

We ordered the vehicle the first day it was available. It was well worth the 4 month wait to get it. We have owned several different SUVs of this size and this, by far, has been our favorite. It is extremely comfortable and offers great features. We have driven it locally and on long trips and we have been very pleased with the gas mileage and performance. I really cannot think of one negative thing to say.

Hayley A on March 8, 2021

Has a lot of space and room inside. Has a massive trunks.

The alarm goes off of the windows are rolled down and you lock the car and walk away. Other than that there really are no problems with the car. Actually, there are no seat warmers even though it is a brand new car. In addition, it has no sunroof. I wish there was!

Stacey S on March 6, 2021

Kia telluride. A very functional and helpful family car.

It is very comfortable and is easy to use with a good screen. It fits my family very comfortably! I love the colors of it and all the features operate very smooth. This includes features such as seat recliners, air conditioning, sound/music, heating, and Bluetooth phone connection. This car is great for family vacation because it has a lot of room for luggage in the trunk while also having enough seating for an entire family. It is also a very good looking car. Love it!

Olivia B on March 5, 2021

Kia telluride - great safety.

Absolutely love the Kia telluride. The ride is incredibly smooth. The safety features are phenomenal. When you turn the car off, it tells you to check the backseat so you do not forget any kids! Also the steering wheel will vibrate and shake if someone or something is behind the car. The seats are amazingly comfortable! It has a huge screen in the front that looks so sleek and nice. I had never owned a Kia, but I will definitely go back for another telluride down the road.

Joshua L on March 1, 2021

2020 Kia telluride overall review.

I really enjoy driving the vehicle, it has been very reliable and is a very comfortable ride. Plenty of room for kids and groceries. Very good in the snow and has a good amount of power behind the pedal. I would definitely recommend test driving this vehicle.

Delia W on February 28, 2021

Kia telluride- great for families.

The Kia telluride drives very smoothly and tows a camper/trailer or boat with ease. It fits my family of 5 with room for more. The seats folding help the capacity a lot and the climate control for the back seats was a game changer. The cargo space is decently big and when the back row is folded down becomes significantly bigger.

Lexi Q on February 26, 2021

Great family car with incredible safety ratings and extra features.

Love the spaciousness, the high roof, all the USB plug ins. We did get an 8 seater and would have preferred 7 with 2nd row captains seats, but that wasn't available. The telluride has had absurd market demand so we settled for the only one available in our area. It drives quiet and feels amazing. Plenty of room for our baby and dogs which is what we got it for.

Raquel B on February 23, 2021

Kia us much better than before.

I recently purchased my first ever Kia. We purchased the 2020 Kia telluride. I had been leasing a ford escape for the past six plus years. I was in need of a larger vehicle to accommodate my two small children who were in car seats. With my current vehicle I was not able to sit in the backseat with my children. The Kia telluride was much more spacious and was able to fit my two car seats and myself in the second row. I also wanted to have a third row to be able to bring along other family members and to have lots of storage. I absolutely love my vehicle there's a few things that I wish I had but because I got the base model the options I wanted were not available. I miss having the power seats and the power tailgate and I miss having the climate control. Everything else so far I have loved about the vehicle I love how spacious it is my kids have plenty of room in the backseat and any adult who wants to ride in the second row or in the third row has plenty of leg room there's tons of room for storage. The car drives very smooth and blocks lots of the road noise out. I have had a couple issues with the android auto but it could possibly be just my connecting cord and not the actual port itself. The cruise control options are very nice and if anybody cuts you off the car automatically slows itself it does warn you when there is a possible collision. The taller doors make it much easier to put your children in without bumping their head on the door frame trying to get them into their seat. I would definitely purchase my vehicle again but I would upgrade so that I could have all of the features that I said I missed.

Ana C on February 21, 2021

Safety features are amazing.

Absolutely love my telluride and how much room it has. Super comfortable! Third row seats fold down when you need that extra trunk space. I extremely love the fact that the back of this SUV is not rounded! I do not feel like I am driving a minivan from the 80’s.

Melanie M on February 19, 2021

This car is so quiet and comfortable driving!

I love this car. The only thing that I do not care for is that the front seats (mainly the passenger seat--which is less adjustable than my power driver's seat) is not terribly comfortable especially on long rides. If I had known this prior to buying I might have splurged on power front passenger option.

Lajolla M on February 18, 2021

Telluride exceeds all expectations.

I love every inch of my telluride. The space, quality and safety features exceeds all expectations. Compared to the forerunner, it was more spacious, better mileage and overall safety was more than I could hope for. USB available for each of the 8 passengers, controls in the trunk that allow for the middle row to drop without having to walk around is a timesaver!

Ralph J on February 13, 2021

Quality and performance throughout telluride.

The telluride is an exceptional vehicle. The quality and feel is exquisite. An extremely quiet cabin, to an almost tank like feel in a good way. Never driving anything but a Kia in the (my) future. Once you test drive the telluride you too will be a customer.

Stefanie G on January 31, 2021

Dream car, new luxury, best car 2020.

We received the best interest rate, warranty, and maintenance package. We love Kia, and all associates we work with. I feel safe 100% of the time while driving. The color is beautiful. The car has every luxury feature, even down to ac seat chillers in the captain chairs in the second row.

Maria V on January 29, 2021

I love my telluride, especially the apple car play system.

I love the telluride. Besides being a great looking SUV, I love its safety features, like the lane assist. The different driving modes (comfort, smart, sport...) Also enhance the driving experience. I particularly love the one that lets you step off the gas in stop and go traffic conditions. The interior is very comfortable and the apple car system is super convenient to connect your iPhone to the screen and use navigation apps or play your music or use your phone to make calls or text with your voice while driving.

Josey M on January 24, 2021

My family is over 6 foot tall and plenty of room in the 2nd or third row seats.

My telluride has the most room for backseat passengers that I have seen in a mid size SUV. It rides very nice and has a lot of very high tech features. The one thing I wish Kia would do is have remote start on the key itself instead of using the app. I purchased the highest trim package you can get, which has everything if not more of other makes and was substantially cheaper than other models I have looked at.

Shiah H on January 22, 2021

The body style of the telluride is very nice, but the amenities are lacking.

Cindy M on January 15, 2021

Plenty of room and pick up.

We love our telluride. It is very comfortable driving for long periods of time and it does not feel like a bulky truck. We can fit 8 people very comfortably and not feel cramped. There is more cargo space than I could have imagined. No lack of USB ports and cup holders.

Melissa J on January 13, 2021

Overall I think it is a good running vehicle.

I love the color of the vehicle. I do think that some of the things on the vehicle are made cheap. I have had a couple of issues with the back of the seats coming off, the felt. However, Kia did fix the problem. The handle to shut the trunk has popped off a few times but it goes right back on. Although, it being a new car it is kind of frustrating. Other than that I do not really have any complaints about the car. I love the way it drives and all the bells and whistles.

Deborah M on January 9, 2021

Kia telluride has comfort, safety features, and is physically pretty!

I have been driving my vehicle for 9 months now and I have zero issues or complaints. I absolutely love my telluride. It drives smooth, even in the snow! The interior is smart and comfortable. We have two kids and two dogs and the vehicle still does not feel crowded.

Elizabeth B on January 3, 2021

2020 Kia telluride - amazing vehicle.

I have only had this vehicle for 3 months, but I have no complaints. The ride is very smooth and quiet. Seats are comfortable. The third and second row fold down easily, making it possible to fit a lot of cargo. The second row bucket seats on the s model are a must!

Wendy on December 30, 2020

Dangerous Issues

Maydarling C on December 26, 2020

Telluride is the most amazing vehicle I have owned.

The Kia telluride is a great family vehicle. It is very comfortable and spacious. The vehicle comes with a lot of extras. It includes lost of convenient features. Our trim includes push start button, leather seats. It also has captain chairs for the passenger isles which makes getting in and out of the vehicle easier than with the stock bench middle seat.

Brea J on December 19, 2020

Sleek and s**y Kia telluride.

Larissa G on December 18, 2020

2020 Kia telluride- a beautiful car.

Performance on this vehicle is absolutely amazing. It drives so smoothly. It has a sport mode, comfort mode, smart mode, eco mode all of which are extremely useful. The interior is gorgeous. The car is luxurious and is definitely the most bang for your buck. You get so much out of this car. It is an awesome family car that is so practical and makes your life so much easier. We get so many compliments. The only issue we have had so far is sometime the fan for the ac and heat will not blow hard and we haven’t been able to figure out why it comes and goes.

Kristina R on December 17, 2020

The Kia telluride and some of the perks.

Sam M on December 5, 2020

Great vehicle, in my opinion.

The overall vehicle is has a lot of nice features. Above all I really enjoy how quiet it is when driving. The auto-hold function of the vehicle is also very helpful when in traffic or a drive-thru line. Personally I am a bit new to having sensors on my vehicle, however it is helpful for when backing out of a parking spot with little-to-no visibility.

Lindsay S on December 2, 2020

The Kia telluride is new-age family friendly. It makes it easy to be a cool mom.

So far, I have not had any issues with my Kia telluride. It was purchased in October of 2019 and I have been very pleased with this vehicle. The gas mileage is impressive, the ride is so smooth on the road. I love the wood grain paneling detail on the interior as well as the comfortable seating. My daughter and her cousins love the bucket/command seats and third row. Very family friendly and comfortable!

Kathy B on November 27, 2020

Best vehicle for its price range.

Roomy, speak, perfect family vehicle. This vehicle has plenty of space for my family of 5 we couldn't have picked a better vehicle. Plenty of trunk room and leg room for all. There are a nice cross between a van and an SUV. We have own both Sportage and Sorento but they do not compare.

Shayla M on November 23, 2020

It comes with lane assist and helps the vehicle drive if you drift.

Gas mileage is great. You get about 420 miles on a full tank. Safety features are amazing. My standard telluride came with leather seats. It's a 3 row vehicle. They are a hot commodity. They do not last long on a dealers lot. The lane assist is a must if you're a distracted driver.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.