2025 Kia Telluride

The 2025 Kia Telluride continues its legacy as a top-tier midsize crossover, offering spacious three-row seating, upscale design, and strong value. First launched in 2019, the Telluride quickly became a standout in its segment and remains a favorite among families and adventure-seekers. For 2025, Kia introduces subtle updates including new color options, second-row side airbags, and enhanced Highway Driving Assist 1.5. The Telluride seats seven or eight passengers depending on configuration and comes in a single body style. Key competitors, include the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Mazda CX-90, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Volkswagen Atlas.

All 2025 Telluride models are powered by a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on lower trims, while all-wheel drive is available or standard on higher trims. The lineup includes 10 trims: LX, S, EX, EX X-Line, EX X-Pro, SX, SX X-Line, SX X-Pro, SX Prestige, and SX Prestige X-Pro. The X-Line and X-Pro trims offer increased ground clearance and rugged styling, while the X-Pro boosts towing capacity to 5,500 pounds.

Pricing for the 2025 Telluride ranges from $36,190 for the base LX FWD to $53,685 for the fully loaded SX Prestige X-Pro AWD. Standard features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and a full suite of driver-assistance technologies. Higher trims add luxury touches like Nappa leather, dual sunroofs, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a head-up display. The X-Line and X-Pro trims feature gloss black accents, Terracotta interior options, and upgraded tech like Digital Key 2 Touch.

The 2025 Kia Telluride delivers solid engine performance that balances everyday usability with confident highway capability. Powered by a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, the Telluride offers smooth acceleration. While not a performance crossover, it handles daily driving tasks with ease and provides enough punch for merging and passing on highways.

In terms of acceleration, the Telluride's 0-60 mph times vary slightly by trim, but most models clock in between 6.7 and 7.4 seconds. This puts it on par with many midsize three-row rivals. The engine is responsive, though not as snappy as turbocharged alternatives, and the eight-speed automatic transmission performs adequately-though it can sometimes shift abruptly under hard acceleration or when climbing grades.

According to EPA estimates, front-wheel-drive models achieve 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive variants are slightly less efficient, rated at 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined. Kia says that regular-grade gasoline is fine. The Telluride features an 18.8-gallon fuel tank, which translates to a highway driving range of approximately 489 miles for FWD models and around 451 miles for AWD versions.

In real-world conditions, fuel economy tends to fall just below EPA ratings. Drivers typically report 17 to 18 mpg in city driving, 23 to 25 mpg on the highway, and around 19 to 21 mpg in mixed use. These numbers can vary based on driving habits, terrain, and weather conditions. While not the most fuel-efficient option in the midsize SUV segment, the Telluride delivers respectable mileage for a naturally aspirated V6-powered vehicles.

The 2025 Kia Telluride features an advanced Active On-Demand all-wheel-drive system that continuously monitors road conditions and redistributes torque between the front and rear wheels to optimize traction. Drivers can manually engage AWD Lock mode for equal torque distribution at low speeds, ideal for slippery or uneven terrain. The Telluride also offers multiple drive modes-Normal, Sport, Smart, Eco, and Snow-which adjust throttle response, transmission behavior, and steering feel to suit different driving conditions. Like most crossovers, the Telluride's all-wheel-drive system does not offer a low range for extreme off-road use.

For those seeking enhanced off-road capability, the X-Pro trim builds on the X-Line's raised suspension and adds 18-inch all-terrain tires, a heavy-duty cooling system, and trailer sway control, boosting towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. It also includes Downhill Brake Control for maintaining steady speed on steep descents, and a re-tuned traction control system for better grip on gravel, mud, or snow. 

Ride Quality & Handling - The 2025 Kia Telluride delivers a well-balanced and comfortable ride, thanks to its suspension tuning that leans slightly toward the softer side. This setup allows the Telluride to absorb bumps and road imperfections with ease, making it an ideal choice for long-distance cruising and daily family use. The ride remains composed over uneven pavement, and the cabin stays impressively quiet even at highway speeds. While not sporty, the Telluride's suspension offers good control and stability in corners, with minimal body roll for a vehicle of its size. Steering is nicely weighted and very precise. Brakes provide good stopping power with an easy-to-modulate pedal.

Ride quality does vary slightly between trims. The base LX and mid-level EX offer a plush, comfort-focused experience, while the SX and SX Prestige trims add larger wheels that can introduce a firmer feel over rough surfaces. The X-Line and X-Pro trims, designed for more rugged use, feature a slightly raised suspension and all-terrain tires in the X-Pro, which can make the ride feel more robust and less cushioned compared to standard models. However, even these off-road-oriented versions maintain a high level of comfort, with additional features like self-leveling rear suspension and Downhill Brake Control enhancing ride stability and control on challenging terrain.

The 2025 Kia Telluride offers impressively low interior noise levels, making it one of the quietest midsize crossovers in its class. Thanks to features like active noise cancellation (ANC), acoustic laminated glass, and sound-absorbing cabin materials, the Telluride maintains a serene atmosphere whether you're cruising through city streets or traveling at highway speeds. Kia's smooth-running V6 engine also contributes to the quiet ride, with minimal vibration and subdued engine noise. Real-world feedback from owners and reviewers consistently praises the Telluride's ability to isolate passengers from road and wind noise, creating a peaceful driving experience.

The interior of the 2025 Kia Telluride blends upscale design with family-friendly functionality, offering a cabin that rivals luxury crossovers at a more accessible price point. The dashboard features a sleek, horizontal layout that enhances the sense of width and modernity, while soft-touch surfaces, brushed metal accents, and available real wood trim elevate the overall aesthetic. Seating options include seven- or eight-passenger configurations, with available second-row captain's chairs and premium upholstery choices ranging from SynTex to Nappa leather. Ambient mood lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and tri-zone climate control contribute to a refined and comfortable atmosphere, while thoughtful touches like integrated sunshades and underfloor cargo storage add everyday convenience.

Technology is a standout in the 2025 Telluride, with a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and an available head-up display. Higher trims offer a fully digital instrument cluster, Digital Key 2.0 Touch, and a Harman Kardon 10-speaker premium audio system. The cabin also includes multiple USB-C ports, wireless charging, and a rear-seat entertainment system on select models. Kia's attention to detail extends to comfort features like heated and ventilated seats in both rows, memory settings for the driver's seat and mirrors, and advanced air filtration.

The 2025 Kia Telluride offers a spacious and thoughtfully designed seating area that accommodates either seven or eight passengers, depending on configuration. Buyers can choose between a second-row, three-passenger bench seat for maximum capacity or dual captain's chairs for added comfort and easier access to the third row. The front seats provide excellent legroom (41.4 inches) and headroom (40.9 inches), while the second row is even roomier with 42.4 inches of legroom, making it ideal for adults. The third row offers 31.4 inches of legroom, which is adequate for adults on shorter drives and comfortable for children on longer journeys. 

Getting in and out of the Telluride is easy thanks to wide rear doors and a low step-in height. Access to the third row is particularly user-friendly, with second-row seats that slide and fold forward with minimal effort. Some trims even offer power-folding second-row seats, allowing for quick and convenient entry to the back.

The 2025 Kia Telluride offers generous cargo space and smart interior storage solutions. With all seats upright, it provides 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row-enough for several suitcases or a full grocery haul. Folding down the third row expands the space to 46 cubic feet, and with both rear rows folded flat, the Telluride opens up to an impressive 87 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity. The cabin also includes clever storage areas like a deep center console, front seatback pockets, and underfloor cargo compartments to keep smaller items organized. In terms of connectivity and convenience, the Telluride is equipped with multiple USB-C ports across all three rows, each capable of delivering up to 27W of fast charging power. A wireless charging pad is standard on most trims, and select models also feature 12V power outlets in the front and rear.

Bottom Line - The 2025 Kia Telluride continues to be one of the most well-rounded midsize crossovers on the market, offering a compelling mix of upscale features, solid performance, and strong value. Its spacious interior, intuitive tech, and refined ride quality make it a standout among three-row crossovers. Compared to rivals like the Toyota Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Hyundai Palisade, the Telluride holds its own with a premium feel that punches above its price point. 

Strengths of the Telluride include its luxurious cabin, user-friendly infotainment, and comprehensive safety features, which are standard across all trims. The ride is quiet and comfortable, and the crossover offers up to 87 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded. However, it's not without drawbacks: fuel economy is average for the class, and the third-row seating is tighter than some competitors. Despite these minor shortcomings, the Telluride remains a top pick for families and adventure-seekers alike.

For buyers seeking the best balance of features and affordability, the EX AWD trim makes a lot of sense. It includes leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a power liftgate, and advanced driver-assistance tech-all for just over $45,000. If you want a bit more luxury without jumping to the top-tier SX Prestige, the SX AWD adds dual sunroofs, a premium Harman Kardon audio system, and a surround-view camera for under $50,000. Either way, the Telluride delivers exceptional value in a crowded segment.