The 10 Second Review
The Kia Telluride is a strong contender in the mid-size SUV market, offering something for everyone regardless of budget or preference. Whether you’re a family prioritizing space and comfort, or someone who desires a luxurious feel without the luxury price tag, the Telluride delivers. It strikes a perfect balance between affordability and premium features, making it a very attractive option for a wide range of car buyers.
Pros
- Lots of Space
- Very Practical Interior
- Decent Technology
- Capable of Light Offroading
Cons
- No Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto
- Limited Assisted Driving features
- Confusing Instrument Cluster
- Restrained handling
The In-Depth Review
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Kia Telluride packs a powerful punch under the hood with a naturally aspirated V-6 engine generating 291 horsepower. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that can deliver power to the front wheels, although all-wheel drive is available as an option for all Telluride trims.
During our test drive, the Telluride accelerated from 0 to 100km/h in a brisk 6.8 seconds. However, at lower speeds, the Telluride’s throttle response felt less immediate compared to some of its turbocharged competitors. The ride quality leans towards the firm side, with rough road surfaces occasionally causing the Telluride to deviate slightly from its intended path. An optional self-leveling rear air suspension can help to improve ride comfort.
The Telluride impresses with its excellent braking performance and precise steering that provides a reassuring sense of control. It also boasts a respectable ground clearance of up to 8.4 inches, making it suitable for light off-road adventures. Additionally, the Telluride offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 2,500 kilograms.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
While the Telluride’s exterior design might be a matter of taste, its interior is universally praised for being luxurious and comfortable, particularly in higher trims. The craftsmanship is top-notch, the materials are high-quality and visually appealing, and the feature list is extensive. The top trim takes the cake with decent options, offering perks like driver’s seat memory, a head-up display, heated and cooled seats in the back, a luxurious headliner, and sumptuous Nappa leather upholstery.
Thanks to its larger size compared to the Kia Sorento (another 7-seater Kia), the Telluride boasts a more spacious cabin, especially for passengers in the third row. You can choose between an 8-seater configuration with a bench seat in the second row or opt for the captain’s chairs for 7-seater comfort. Ample storage compartments are scattered throughout the interior, and during our test, we were able to fit four carry-on suitcases behind the third row. Folding both rear rows flat yielded a staggering cargo capacity of 35 medium sized suitcases.
Infotainment and Connectivity
No matter which Telluride you choose, you’ll be treated to a top-notch entertainment system. It features a large 12.3-inch touchscreen that puts popular features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, built-in navigation, and even Wi-Fi at your fingertips. To further enhance the in-car experience, Kia offers an optional premium Harman/Kardon sound system with 10 speakers, a 110-volt power outlet to keep devices charged, and wireless charging for your smartphone. There’s even a clever feature called Driver Talk that amplifies your voice and transmits it through the rear speakers, making it easier to communicate with passengers in the back without yelling.
Price from AED 123,900
“The Telluride fits well in the UAE landscape. Family SUVs are a competitive segment that the Telluride has made a great offering!”
