2021 Kia Telluride Review

Name: 2021 Kia Telluride Review
Brand: Kia

Price Range: $20,836 - $41,998

+198

The 2021 Telluride is an impressive three-row SUV. It boasts a quiet and upscale cabin, impressive tech, extensive standard features, adult-friendly third-row seating, and a satisfying driving experience. It has a few minor weaknesses, but overall this Kia is a great pick for a three-row crossover SUV.

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2021 Kia Telluride Review

by the Edmunds Experts

8/4/2020

What's new

A Nightfall Edition package that adds black-painted wheels and trim
Upgraded trailer-towing wiring harness (now a seven-pin)
Remote engine start button has been added to the key fob
Part of the first Telluride generation introduced for 2020

What is the Telluride?

The Kia Telluride instantly became a favorite of our test team when the automaker unwrapped its largest SUV to date last year. It was named the 2020 Edmunds Top Rated SUV, and we added one to our long-term test fleet. Before its debut, Kia buyers looking to seat seven passengers in comfort could only choose between the Sorento compact crossover and the Sedona minivan.

For the 2021 model year, we are not expecting significant changes to the Telluride, given its recent introduction. The Kia Telluride already has a considerable list of strengths, starting with its smart use of space. With 21 cubic feet of cargo space, the Telluride has more storage room behind the third row than its rivals. Its third row is also adult-friendly; we have found that anyone under 6 feet tall can fit without discomfort. If you're looking to keep your crossover for the long haul, even as your family grows, it's hard to imagine an SUV more suitable than the Telluride.

If you are in the market for a new seven-seater SUV, we'd see little reason to wait for the 2021 model year instead of buying a 2020.

Edmunds says

The Kia Telluride stands head and shoulders above the rest thanks in part to its adult-friendly third row and tons of cargo room.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Kia Telluride LX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.96 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$163/mo

$222/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#2 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Kia Telluride from 2008-2022.}

$404/yr

vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.13x/yr

vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

7.4%

vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Kia Telluride Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.0

79 reviews

5(63%)

4(8%)

3(8%)

2(10%)

1(11%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Decent SUV but not for $5k they immediately added

Bostondrive, 12/08/2020

2021 Kia Telluride S 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A)

SUV drove very well and lots of new updates (looked at the mid range). Once we sat down to discuss the sticker price we were informed the Kia Dealership would be adding $5000 to the sticker price because “it’s popular” and that’s what we could start negotiating from ($42,820). It’s a great deal for the maker at the sticker price but not at starting above sticker.

Disappointed

M.T., 03/21/2021

2021 Kia Telluride SX 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A)

After a 4 month wait to get my new Telluride I have become quickly dissatisfied. The car is a perfect size and rides great. When the features work I love it. Unfortunately I have had it in the shop 4 time's for the same problem. The blind spot detector doesn't work. Currently in a loaner car. I also had an emergency when the car wouldn't start. Lights were flashing. Called 2 …

The hype is deserved - drive one for yourself!

PapaDoc, 04/08/2021

2021 Kia Telluride S 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 8A)

Spent a year looking at the VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport - certain I would purchase one of these - or maybe the CX-9 or Highlander. I often skipped over reviews of the Telluride simply because it was a KIA - regardless of how often it came out as the #1 SUV in comparison reviews. A local dealer was offering bonus cash on trade-ins, and I went for a test drive. Then I drove it over … to the wife for a look. Then I bought the damn thing. Same day. I watched 2 other Tellurides sell off the lot while I made my deal. Note: The dealer listed all of their Tellys @ MSRP. No markups. The Telluride is everything you’ve already read about. Really. Safety - GREAT standard safety features including Lane Keep Assist, Auto-Break (collision avoidance), Rear Cross-Traffic alerts, and Blind-spot monitoring. All of that is included on the lowest trim (LX). All the safety ratings are great - you feel confident driving and riding in this vehicle. Drive - super smooth in all drive modes and powerful enough in Sport mode to scratch the occasional itch. The drive can best be described as Composed and Comfortable. It’s an SUV so you’ll be reminded of that in sharper turns, but it feels grounded and handles great. Design - there’s nothing for me to tell you that your eyes can’t see - it’s beautiful. I turn and look at it after parking it like an a-hole, because it’s just that pretty and I don’t care about the opinions of others. Rugged and refined, it can easily be mistaken for a Volvo XC90 or other higher priced SUV. Infotainment - Top trims get the bigger touchscreen, and all the “bells and whistles” you’d hope to find in a high end SUV in 2021 - including customizable interior mood lighting, Driver Intercom, etc. The standard package is great on the S trim I have - easy to use, sounds very good for stock (I’m told the Harmon Kardons in the top trim are nice, but also not class-leading). Function - 3rd Row is big enough to comfortably handle my 6’0” son with zero complaints, and even has cup holders and USB ports back there. Both 2nd and 3rd row collapse flat with cargo floor at push of a button. Simple and easy to access both rows - 2nd row captain’s chairs are as nice as the Front Row seats - equally comfortable. Conclusion - If you’re interested in a 3-row SUV because you have a growing family and need the 3rd row, or you need the versatility of a people mover and a stuff-hauler, OR if you just really like the midsize SUV package, the Telluride is without doubt, the best value you can find... if you’re purchasing new. Because of the current supply is not enough to fulfill the demand for this vehicle, used prices are at least $4k-$6k over true KBB - and there are a lot of dealers nationwide, marking up NEW models at the same amount. DONT PAY OVER MSRP - there are reputable dealers out there still selling at MSRP. Find them and give them your business. Form, Function, and Value. KIA absolutely nailed it.

FABULOUS

Adam, 02/13/2021

2021 Kia Telluride S 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 8A)

Don't let the dealers markup your vehicle, they are inflating the price as much as $10,000 if you aren't careful. Don't be afraid to shop around and walk out in you need too.

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2021 Kia Telluride videos

Nissan Pathfinder vs. Kia Telluride | Midsize 3-Row SUV Comparison | Price, Interior, Towing & More

When the Kia Telluride debuted in 2019 to critical and commercial success, it was a sign that Ford and Honda no longer ruled the three-row midsize SUV market. Over the past couple of years, the Telluride has been recognized as one of the best three-row SUVs. We named it the Edmunds Top Rated SUV for 2020 and 2021.

2021 Telluride Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$32,190
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$163/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	21.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Telluride models:

Blind-Spot View Monitor: Displays a live-camera view of blind spots when the turn signal is activated.
Safe Exit Assist: Warns if a vehicle or bicyclist is approaching your parked car and locks the doors to prevent you from opening them into traffic.
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warns if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Marginal
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Kia Telluride Review

Price & Payment