2025 Kia Telluride Full Review: The Family SUV That Still Sets the Standard
Now in 2025, the Telluride enters its sixth year on the market — a point where most vehicles start showing their age. The competition has sharpened. The Toyota Highlander has evolved. The Honda Pilot added a hybrid. And Kia itself has quietly announced that a complete redesign is coming for 2027, which raises an obvious question for anyone shopping right now: is the 2025 Telluride still worth buying, or is it the cautious choice before something better arrives?
This review gives you the full, honest answer. The good news first: the 2025 Telluride is still one of the best family SUVs you can buy at its price. The complete news: there are specific areas where rivals have caught up, and this review names them clearly so you can decide whether they matter for your situation.
By the end, you'll know which trim to buy, whether to buy now or wait, and exactly how the 2025 Telluride compares to its closest rivals. Let's start with what makes it special.
2025 Kia Telluride at a Glance: Key Specs and What Changed
The 2025 Telluride arrives with the same fundamental formula that made it famous — a naturally aspirated V6, a spacious three-row cabin, and a price that consistently undercuts what you'd expect to pay for this level of quality. Three meaningful updates separate it from the outgoing 2024 model.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.8-liter V6, naturally aspirated |
| Horsepower | 291 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| 0–60 mph | 6.8 seconds (US News testing) |
| Braking (60–0) | 123 feet |
| Fuel Economy (FWD) | 20 city / 26 hwy / 22 combined MPG |
| Fuel Economy (AWD) | 18 city / 24 hwy / 20 combined MPG |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs (5,500 lbs on X-Pro AWD) |
| Seating | 7 or 8 passengers |
| Cargo (all rows up) | 21 cubic feet |
| Cargo (2nd row folded) | 46 cubic feet |
| Cargo (all rows folded) | 87 cubic feet |
| Safety Rating (IIHS) | Top Safety Pick+ |
| Reliability (RepairPal) | 4.5 / 5 — ranked #2 of 32 midsize SUVs |
| Starting MSRP | ~$36,490 (LX trim) |
| Fuel Required | Regular 87 octane (no premium needed) |
What's new for 2025: Three updates stand out. First, second-row side airbags are now standard across the entire lineup — a meaningful safety improvement that was previously unavailable or optional. Second, Highway Driving Assist 1.5 is now standard on every trim level, making hands-on-wheel semi-autonomous highway driving available even to LX buyers. Third, the dual 12.3-inch integrated display — combining instrument cluster and infotainment into a seamless widescreen — is standard across all trims.
None of these changes reinvent the Telluride. But they make it more complete, more capable as a daily safety tool, and noticeably more current-feeling inside. The 2025 is the best version of this generation.
Exterior and Interior Design: Why the Telluride Still Turns Heads
Exterior: bold, upright, and deliberately different
There is nothing subtle about the 2025 Kia Telluride's appearance. The vertical LED headlights — a signature element since the original launch — create an instantly recognizable face that reads as confident without being aggressive. The boxy, upright stance communicates authority without the truck-like bulk that makes some three-row SUVs awkward to park. It looks like it was designed by people who actually asked families what they wanted to see in their driveways, and then built it.
Available in 11 exterior colors for 2025 — including Glacial White Pearl and Ebony Black — the Telluride gives real choice without overwhelming the buyer. The X-Line and X-Pro packages layer on steel-look skid plates, gloss black accents, and blacked-out badging for a more rugged aesthetic. It's effective. Parked next to a Highlander or a Pilot, the Telluride is the car people look at twice.
Interior: Edmunds called it "baby Land Rover" — they weren't wrong
Step inside the Telluride and the immediate impression is that something doesn't add up — in the best way. The surfaces your hands actually rest on feel substantive. The materials on the door panels and armrests have the kind of density you associate with vehicles costing $15,000 more. Edmunds described the experience as "bargain luxury," and it's an accurate summary. The cabin feels less like an affordable family hauler and more like a restrained, tasteful crossover that happens to carry seven people.
The dual 12.3-inch panoramic display — now standard on every 2025 trim — is a clean, crisp unit that responds quickly and organizes functions logically. Wireless device charging sits on the center console. The panoramic sunroof on EX and above trims fills the cabin with natural light that makes the interior feel even more open than its already generous dimensions suggest.
One gap worth naming: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity in the 2025 Telluride is wired — and through a USB-A port. Kia's own EV9 has wireless projection. At this price point, having to plug in your phone via a cable that requires a separate adapter for modern iPhones is a friction point that should have been resolved by now. It doesn't ruin the experience, but it's the kind of thing you notice every day and competitors have already solved.
Passenger Space and Cargo: Where the Telluride Genuinely Leads the Segment
Third-row reality check: adults actually fit back here
Here is the fact that separates the Telluride from most three-row SUVs at this price point: the third row offers 31.4 inches of legroom. The Toyota Highlander's third row provides 27.7 inches. That 3.7-inch difference is the difference between a seat that adults use and a seat that adults endure.
Most three-row family SUVs treat the rearmost seats as a marketing feature rather than a practical one — useful for children, manageable for shorter adults, uncomfortable for anyone over five feet ten inches on a drive longer than thirty minutes. The Telluride's third row is the exception. Adults can ride there for a full-length road trip without the kind of protest that turns a family vacation into a negotiation. If you regularly carry six or more passengers who include adults — not just children — this distinction is worth more than almost any other feature on the spec sheet.
Cargo numbers that actually mean something
The Telluride's cargo figures across configurations tell a practical story:
- 21 cubic feet behind the third row — enough for four carry-on bags, a week of groceries, or a full set of sports equipment.
- 46 cubic feet with the second row folded — comparable to a compact crossover at maximum capacity.
- 87 cubic feet with all rows down — enough to fit a queen-size mattress flat, move apartment furniture, or haul a full load of landscaping supplies.
One note: power-folding for the third row is not standard on lower trims — on the LX and S, folding requires a manual effort that can be awkward given how far back the seats are positioned. It's manageable, not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing before you commit to the entry trim.
Seven or eight seats: which configuration to choose
The Telluride offers second-row captain chairs (seven-passenger configuration) or a bench seat (eight-passenger configuration) depending on trim and package selection. For families with three children who all need regular access to the third row, the bench seat makes loading and unloading dramatically easier — no captain chair to fold before climbing through. For families who prioritize individual adult comfort in the second row and access the third infrequently, captain chairs are the more pleasant daily experience.
Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience: Smooth, Capable, and Honest
The 3.8L V6: a powertrain that matches the Telluride's character
Every 2025 Telluride uses the same engine — a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. US News recorded a 0–60 mph time of 6.8 seconds in testing, which is competitive for a three-row SUV of this size and weight.
What the numbers don't capture is the engine's character. This V6 is smooth, quiet, and completely unstressed at highway speeds with a full load of passengers. It never feels like it's working hard, even when it is. Acceleration from a rolling start — highway merging, passing on two-lane roads — comes with a confident surge that never requires planning ahead. It's the kind of engine that earns trust over years of ownership rather than impressing at the test drive.
One practical advantage worth highlighting: the Telluride runs on regular 87-octane gasoline. Several rivals in this class require premium fuel to deliver their rated output. Over five years of typical driving, the fuel grade difference alone translates to hundreds of dollars in savings — a real-world ownership cost that rarely appears in spec comparisons but matters at every fill-up.
Ride quality: excellent on standard trims, with one important caveat
On LX, S, EX, and SX trims — the configurations most buyers will choose — ride quality is one of the Telluride's strongest suits. The suspension absorbs road imperfections with a composure that makes long drives feel genuinely relaxed. Body roll in corners is well-managed. Braking is strong and progressive, with Cars.com noting a 60–0 stopping distance of 123 feet — better than average for the class. Highway refinement is excellent; the cabin stays quiet at speed in a way that encourages longer journeys.
The caveat applies specifically to the X-Pro trim. Its all-terrain tires, designed for grip on gravel and light off-road surfaces, translate to a notably clumsy, numb feel on regular pavement. Cars.com's review flagged this directly after testing the SX Prestige X-Pro. If you spend ninety percent or more of your time on paved roads — as most buyers do — the X-Pro's ride trade-off isn't worth the off-road upgrade. The standard X-Line offers a similar aesthetic with better daily behavior.
Towing: enough for most real-world needs
The Telluride tows up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped on most AWD configurations — sufficient for a mid-sized boat, a loaded utility trailer, or a small travel camper. The X-Pro AWD trim extends this to 5,500 pounds with appropriate equipment. Front-wheel drive models are rated at 3,500 pounds. Note that the tow hitch is not automatically included across every trim; verify its inclusion or budget for it as an addition when pricing your configuration.
Fuel economy: the Telluride's honest weakness
There is no polite way to frame 20 MPG combined for an AWD model in 2025. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid returns over 35 MPG. The Honda Pilot Hybrid exceeds 36 MPG. The Telluride's EPA-estimated 20 MPG combined for AWD configurations sits below the segment average, and this is a gap that has grown as hybrid competitors have developed.
The saving grace: Edmunds' real-world testing produced approximately 23 MPG on their evaluation route — indicating that the EPA numbers are achievable and that the vehicle behaves honestly relative to its official ratings. And again, regular 87-octane fuel means the per-mile cost is lower than premium-requiring rivals even at equal efficiency. But for buyers who drive significant mileage annually, the hybrid offerings from Toyota and Honda will save real money over time. This is the one area where the Telluride needs the 2027 redesign most urgently.
Technology and Safety: Mostly Excellent, One Frustrating Gap
Driver assistance: comprehensive and now more standard
The 2025 Telluride's driver assistance suite is genuinely comprehensive, and the upgrade for this model year — making Highway Driving Assist 1.5 standard across all trims — matters more than it might sound. This system handles both steering and speed on the freeway within a marked lane, reducing driver fatigue on long highway stretches. For families who regularly drive significant distances, it's one of the more practically useful technologies available at this price.
Standard across all 2025 Telluride trims: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist with Lane Following Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go functionality, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Driver Attention Warning. Higher trims add a head-up display, 360-degree surround view monitor, and remote smart parking assist. The second-row side airbags — new for 2025 — are standard across every configuration.
IIHS Top Safety Pick+: what it means for families
The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ is the organization's highest safety designation, requiring top scores across multiple crash test categories including the updated small overlap front test and pedestrian detection assessments. The Telluride carries this rating for 2025, placing it among the safest vehicles in the three-row SUV segment. For parents specifically, this designation represents independent verification of crash protection — not manufacturer claims. It's one of the most meaningful specifications on the entire spec sheet.
The one gap that needs calling out: wired CarPlay via USB-A
In 2025, with wireless Apple CarPlay now appearing in vehicles at half the Telluride's price point, this vehicle still requires a physical connection for smartphone projection — and that connection runs through a USB-A port. Modern iPhones use USB-C. Android phones predominantly use USB-C. This means the cable included with the Telluride will not connect to the majority of smartphones buyers actually carry without a separate adapter.
Kia's EV9, which shares platform architecture with the Telluride, has wireless CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Telluride's tech was designed earlier in the development cycle, and it shows. It is not a reason to walk away from an otherwise excellent vehicle — but it is something you will encounter every single day of ownership, and it deserves an honest mention.
2025 Kia Telluride Trim Levels: Which One Should You Actually Buy?
The Telluride is offered in five main trims — LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige — with X-Line and X-Pro adventure packages available on upper configurations. Here is what each delivers and who each suits best.
LX (~$36,490) — more complete than the price suggests
The entry Telluride is a genuinely honest vehicle. It includes the full safety suite (now with second-row side airbags and Highway Driving Assist 1.5), the dual 12.3-inch display, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, tri-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, an 8-speaker audio system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. For buyers who want Telluride space and quality at the lowest possible price, the LX makes a real case. Most buyers will not feel significantly deprived at this trim level day-to-day.
S (~$38,990) — modest additions, often skippable
The S adds a few comfort-focused features over the LX. If the price gap between S and EX is narrow at the dealership, jump straight to the EX. The S trim is rarely the right stopping point.
EX (~$42,490) — the sweet spot ⭐ Recommended for most buyers
This is the trim where the Telluride makes its strongest argument. Leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, wireless device charging, 20-inch wheels, heated front and rear seats, a driver seat with power adjustment in multiple directions, and an upgraded 8-speaker system arrive here. The EX is the point where the Telluride stops feeling like a "good deal" and starts feeling like a genuinely premium vehicle that happens to cost less than it should. For families planning to own this SUV for five to seven years, the EX is where the daily experience holds up best.
SX (~$46,990) — for frequent highway drivers
The SX adds the full Bose 12-speaker premium audio system, ventilated front seats, a head-up display, Slide-Flex second-row seating, and the complete Highway Driving Assist system. If you regularly cover significant highway mileage, the ventilated seats and hands-on-wheel highway assistance make the SX upgrade meaningful. If most of your driving is local, save the money and stay with the EX.
SX Prestige (~$51,490) — everything Kia offers
Nappa leather upholstery, a 12-way power-adjustable driver seat, a rear-seat entertainment system, and every available technology feature arrive at this trim. It's the complete Telluride. If budget allows and you want to extract maximum equipment, this is it. For most buyers, the EX or SX delivers 90% of this experience at 80% of the price.
X-Line vs X-Pro: when are they worth it?
Reliability, Warranty, and Ownership Costs: Five Years of Data
RepairPal: ranked #2 out of 32 midsize SUVs for reliability
The Telluride has been on sale long enough that real ownership data is now available — and that data tells a strong story. RepairPal rates the Kia Telluride 4.5 out of 5 for reliability and ranks it second out of 32 vehicles in the midsize SUV category. Average annual ownership costs are below the segment average. The probability of a severe, expensive repair event is low compared to most rivals.
For a vehicle that launched in 2020 and has now accumulated five years of owner experience across hundreds of thousands of units, this kind of data is far more meaningful than first-year reliability predictions. The Telluride has earned its reputation through actual use, not just design intent.
Kia's 10-year warranty: what it covers and the one thing to know
Every 2025 Kia Telluride includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty — the longest standard coverage offered by any mainstream non-luxury brand in the United States. Basic vehicle coverage runs five years/60,000 miles. Roadside assistance is included for five years.
The caveat that buyers frequently miss: the powertrain warranty is non-transferable. It covers the original purchaser only. A used Telluride does not carry the remaining powertrain warranty to a second owner. For new car buyers, this is one of the most financially significant advantages in the segment. For used car shoppers, it's important context before comparing prices.
Telluride vs the Competition: Highlander, Palisade, and Pilot Compared
Telluride vs Toyota Highlander: best-in-class space vs hybrid efficiency
The Highlander makes a powerful case for hybrid-minded buyers. The Highlander Hybrid returns over 35 MPG combined — nearly double the Telluride AWD's 20 MPG. Toyota's reliability reputation and brand resale value remain strong arguments.
But the Telluride answers with two advantages that matter for families with real passenger loads. First, third-row legroom: 31.4 inches in the Telluride versus 27.7 in the Highlander. Second, interior quality: multiple reviewers and owner comparisons rate the Telluride's cabin materials and overall feel as more premium than the Highlander at equivalent trim levels. The Telluride also undercuts the Highlander on price at most trim comparisons.
Verdict: Highlander if fuel efficiency is your top priority. Telluride if you regularly seat adults in the third row or want a more premium interior feel for less money.
🔗 [INTERNAL LINK] → "Kia Telluride vs Toyota Highlander — Full Comparison" — link here when publishedTelluride vs Hyundai Palisade: the closest competition of all
The Palisade shares platform DNA with the Telluride — same parent company, similar architecture, overlapping price range. This is the most genuine toss-up in the three-row SUV segment, and it's one that genuinely depends on personal preference more than objective data.
The Palisade pushes harder on luxury cues — its top-tier Calligraphy trim features distinctive quilted upholstery and a slightly more refined cabin atmosphere. The Telluride counters with a more assertive exterior design, marginally better third-row space, and a higher towing capacity on AWD configurations. In direct comparison tests, the two have finished within fractions of each other for years. If you're cross-shopping these two, spend time in both cabins and let your personal taste decide.
Telluride vs Honda Pilot: tech currency vs space
The 2023-and-newer Pilot received a significant redesign that brought a hybrid variant and more modern technology features. Its cabin storage — a weak point of older Pilots — improved considerably. For buyers who prioritize the most current in-cabin technology and want hybrid efficiency in a three-row Honda, the Pilot is now a serious competitor.
The Telluride's responses: better overall passenger volume, stronger standard safety scores in IIHS testing, higher standard towing capacity, and a lower starting price at comparable equipment levels. The Pilot has narrowed the gap the Telluride once held convincingly — but the Telluride remains the space-efficiency leader in this three-way contest.
2025 Kia Telluride: Pros, Cons, and Our Final Verdict
✓ Strengths
- Best third-row legroom in class (31.4 in) — adults ride comfortably
- Interior quality rivals vehicles costing $15,000 more
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+ — highest honor
- RepairPal #2/32 midsize SUVs for reliability
- Runs on regular 87-octane fuel (saves money long-term)
- Up to 5,500 lbs towing with X-Pro AWD
- 87 cu ft cargo with all rows folded
- Second-row side airbags now standard (new 2025)
- Highway Driving Assist 1.5 standard on all trims (new 2025)
- Strong current deals: $2,000 rebate + 0.9% APR
✗ Weaknesses
- No hybrid option (competitors offer 35+ MPG hybrid)
- Apple CarPlay wired only via USB-A port
- AWD fuel economy (20 MPG combined) below segment average
- X-Pro rides poorly on regular pavement
- Third-row power folding not standard on lower trims
- 2027 redesign incoming — this generation is aging
The practical buying advice is equally clear. If you need a three-row SUV now and fuel economy is not your primary constraint, buy the 2025 Telluride with confidence. The current incentives — $2,000 rebate and 0.9% financing — make this an unusually favorable window.
If hybrid efficiency is your top priority, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid or Honda Pilot Hybrid are the honest answers. If you can wait eighteen months and want wireless CarPlay, a hybrid powertrain option, and the latest technology, the 2027 Telluride redesign will address most of the current generation's gaps.
But for most families, most situations, and most budgets in 2025 — the Telluride EX is the easiest recommendation in the three-row segment.
🔗 [INTERNAL LINK] → "Complete Kia SUV Guide 2025" — link here when published 🔗Frequently Asked Questions — 2025 Kia Telluride
Is the 2025 Kia Telluride a good car?
Yes — the 2025 Kia Telluride earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating (the organization's highest honor), a RepairPal reliability score of 4.5 out of 5 — ranked second out of 32 midsize SUVs — and a 7.1 out of 10 from Edmunds. Its third-row legroom leads the class, and its interior quality consistently impresses reviewers and owners at this price range. Its main weaknesses are below-average fuel economy and the absence of a hybrid option.
How many miles will a Kia Telluride last?
With proper routine maintenance, a Kia Telluride is built to exceed 200,000 miles. Kia backs this expectation with its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty — the longest standard coverage offered by any mainstream non-luxury automaker in the United States. Five years of RepairPal ownership data consistently rates the Telluride above average for reliability within the midsize SUV category.
What is the 2025 Kia Telluride's towing capacity?
The 2025 Kia Telluride tows up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped on most AWD trim configurations. The X-Pro AWD trim increases maximum towing to 5,500 pounds with appropriate equipment. Front-wheel drive models are rated at 3,500 pounds. Note that a factory tow hitch is not standard equipment on all trims — verify its inclusion or plan for it as an addition when pricing your build.
Should I buy a 2025 Telluride or wait for the 2027?
If you need a vehicle now and can take advantage of current offers — a $2,000 customer cash rebate and 0.9% APR financing for 60 months as of April 2026 — the 2025 Telluride is an outstanding purchase. If you can wait 12–18 months and specifically want a hybrid powertrain, wireless CarPlay, or the complete technology update the redesign will bring, the 2027 may justify the patience. The 2025 is not an inferior product — it is the current class benchmark.
Which 2025 Kia Telluride trim is the best value?
The EX at approximately $42,490 delivers the best value for the widest range of buyers. Leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, wireless device charging, heated front and rear seats, and 20-inch wheels arrive at this trim level — the point where the Telluride transitions from well-equipped to genuinely premium. The LX is the strong budget option; the SX earns its price for drivers who regularly cover highway miles. Most buyers will find the EX hits the optimal balance.
Final Thoughts: The 2025 Kia Telluride Still Deserves Its Reputation
Five years is a long time to hold the top position in a segment as competitive as three-row family SUVs. The Kia Telluride has done it through a combination of factors that don't disappear just because newer competition has arrived: genuine third-row space for adults, an interior that feels more expensive than it is, safety credentials that independent testing consistently validates, and reliability data from real owners that backs up the warranty Kia attaches to every vehicle.
The 2025 model year adds meaningful improvements — standardized second-row airbags, Highway Driving Assist across every trim, and a complete dual-display interior — that make this the most complete version of the first-generation Telluride. The gaps that remain, specifically the lack of a hybrid option and wired-only phone integration, are real. They're gaps the 2027 redesign is positioned to close.
But until that redesign arrives, the 2025 Telluride EX remains the most compelling recommendation in the three-row family SUV segment under $45,000. It earns that position every time a family loads into it, every mile it covers on a road trip, and every year it stays reliable in a driveway. That's what five years of awards actually means when it comes from real-world ownership.
Explore More Kia Reviews
Full reviews, trim comparisons, and buying guides for every Kia SUV — updated for 2025–2026.
Post a Comment for "2025 Kia Telluride Full Review: The Family SUV That Still Sets the Standard"