The Kia Telluride hasn’t been out long, but early reports suggest solid longevity. While first-hand examples are limited, the SUV’s reliable powertrain should see the odometer crossing 200,000 miles more often than not.
Key Points
- By the end of the Kia Tellurides’ first full year, the SUV had already become the automaker’s best-selling vehicle with a third row.
- While the Telluride has only been available since 2020, the vehicle’s tried-and-true motor should allow the SUV to reach 200,000 miles or more.
- Following Kia’s suggested maintenance schedule is critical to the vehicle’s longevity. Most frequently, the oil and filter require changing every 7,500 miles.
- No real problems exist for the Kia Telluride. Just four recalls have been issued across all three years, and registered complaints number less than 350.
- With proper maintenance, you should have no issue clocking 150,000 miles in a Kia Telluride. Just keep your eyes peeled once you start approaching 200,000.
How Long Will a Kia Telluride Last? Firsthand Reports are Limited Due to the SUV’s Short Time on the Market, but Reaching 200,000 Miles or More Looks Likely
Kia debuted the midsize Telluride SUV for 2020. The model quickly outsold both the Sorento and Sedona, becoming the brand’s best-selling vehicle with three rows of seating. As for the SUV’s reliability, no major concerns have yet been recorded.
So, how long will a Kia Telluride last? With its reliable Lambda II engine, the average Kia Telluride should last 200,000 to 250,000 miles without much issue. Variants of the motor have powered several Kia and Hyundai vehicles since 2011, all of which can reach 200,000.
Looking through Kia Telluride forums, one owner reports reaching 168,000 miles before having any problems. They even share a photo of the odometer as proof in one update. In this case, the alternator and battery gave out, costing $1,100. Generally, alternators last up to 150,000 miles, so even this is a feat.
Several others mention clocking 40,000 to 70,000 miles, which is still quite a bit considering the SUV’s limited time on the market. Though, with Kia’s 10-year/100,000 powertrain warranty, these folks still look forward to many more years of reliable service.
Can the Kia Telluride Last for 200,000 Miles? If You Regularly Maintain the SUV, Yes, and Possibly More
Using the same logic as an auto insurance company, you should consider a vehicle a total loss if a repair totals about 75 percent of the model’s value.
With the Telluride so new to the market, we’ll use the similarly priced Sorento as a stand-in.
Consider a model from 2011, which has a starting Blue Book value of about $7,000. Suppose the engine fails and requires replacing. In this case, you may consider investing the $5,000 shop bill into a replacement vehicle instead.
With powertrain problems being the costliest, avoiding them is critical to a Kia Telluride’s longevity. Routine maintenance is your best bet at doing so.
Kia suggests changing the Telluride’s oil and filter every 7,500 miles. The battery, brakes, exhaust system, suspension, and tires should also be inspected. Another vital part, the transmission, should have its fluid flushed and replaced every 90,000 miles. Additionally, the sparks plugs need replacing at 97,500, and the engine coolant changed at 125,000.
Find a full maintenance breakdown for the Telluride on Kia’s official service page.
Few Real Problems Exist for the Kia Telluride, Much Thanks to the SUV’s Dependable Powertrain Combination
Looking at National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports, the 2020 Telluride has just two recalls and only 207 registered complaints. Both recalls are non-mechanical, and complaints mostly pertain to high beams that don’t activate or a windshield that easily chips.
Typically, first-year models have more problems, but not the Telluride. In comparison, rivals like the redesigned 2020 Explorer and Escapes already have 18 recalls combined.
Telluride SUVs from 2021 and 2022 have even fewer issues.
Much of the Telluride’s longevity stems from its tried-and-true powertrain. All three years feature a 3.8L V6, part of the long-standing Lambda II engine family. Earlier variants are found in models like the Kia K7, Cadenza, and Sorento, all known to often reach 200,000 miles or more.
The eight-speed A8LF1 automatic transmission dates to just 2020. However, reported problems are rare, and very few mention failure.
How Long Will a Kia Telluride Really Last? Expect at Least 150,000 Miles from Well-serviced Examples
With just three years on the market, not enough time has passed for many Telluride owners to reach higher odometer figures. However, initial reports from the NHTSA, as well as positive owner reviews, show the Kia Telluride is very likely to reach 150,000 on little more than regular maintenance.
Just remember that many engine parts aren’t built to last beyond 150,000 miles. Components like the alternator can go out as early as 80,000 miles but rarely pass 150,000. The same goes for the radiator, ball joints, fuel pump, and more.
Photos: Kia
