I’ve been driving an older Kia Optima which I really liked, but my Lincoln MKX is getting old. I need to find a new car, and after doing two weeks of research, the Kia Telluride looks to be one of the top-rated choices in its category. JD Powers and Edmunds have it nearly ranking first. I’m curious to know from the forum what your thoughts are on the Telluride model, what you like or dislike, any advice, and if there are any great deals available right now. I’m looking to buy in January. Thanks for all your help
I wasn’t too impressed with Kias since I had an Optima years ago. My wife wanted a Sorrento, but it felt too small for our family. I asked about bigger options and ended up getting the Telluride SX Prestige.
I thought it would just be my wife’s car, but I really enjoy it too. The self-driving feature is better than my Model 3. I really appreciate both heated and ventilated seats. It’s so quiet inside. I can drive at 90 on the freeway and hardly hear any road noise. It isn’t my truck, but it handles my 3000-pound camping trailer without any issues.
Things I dislike include no way to turn off the reverse sensor permanently, so if you’re towing or have bikes on the back, you have to hold down the parking button every time. The remote app isn’t great compared to what Tesla offers. The gas tank feels too small for towing; I wish it were 24 gallons instead of 18. Using wireless CarPlay needs a tricky Amazon adapter. I also don’t need sunroofs. Lastly, when it’s full of people, there’s barely any room for storage in the back. I ended up taking the Honda Odyssey instead when picking up kids from the airport because it had enough room for all the luggage.
@Arielle
What’s this Amazon adapter you’re talking about? I didn’t know it could go wireless
Ashwin said:
@Arielle
What’s this Amazon adapter you’re talking about? I didn’t know it could go wireless
Here’s what I bought it works… decently.
@Arielle
Awesome info, thank you for sharing. I’m really excited to go check one out myself soon
@Arielle
How many cars do you own
Azriel said:
@Arielle
How many cars do you own
Too many to count. We’re a blended family with 7 kids and I make them take the cars when they go to college
I got the 2024 SX X Pro and I enjoy it except the seats are a bit hard and I have to keep hitting the auto stop feature every time I drive
Clair said:
I got the 2024 SX X Pro and I enjoy it except the seats are a bit hard and I have to keep hitting the auto stop feature every time I drive
Yes, that auto stop feature is annoying to have to deal with every time
@Ashton
There’s an auto stop eliminator. It works well
Clair said:
I got the 2024 SX X Pro and I enjoy it except the seats are a bit hard and I have to keep hitting the auto stop feature every time I drive
Thanks for sharing your experience!
I’ve had a 2025 EX X-Pro for a few weeks now. Coming from a used 2003 Pilot, it’s a huge step up for me.
After losing my Pilot due to an accident caused by someone else, I’m very pleased with all the safety features in the Telluride. The acceleration and braking feel just right; it was hard to get used to a rental Pacifica that had odd gas pedal sensitivity.
The seats are nice and comfy. My older kids find the back row quite alright too.
Overall, I find the controls and features pretty user-friendly. The Kia Connect feature is great. I love being able to start the car from my watch.
I assumed the Kia would have wireless Android Auto like the Pacifica I drove before. I should’ve checked that out more thoroughly, but I wouldn’t change my purchase just for that. It’s just inconvenient since I have to keep my phone plugged in, especially with the built-in wireless charging pad. It’s tricky finding a good spot for my phone with the cable in use, so I haven’t been using Android Auto much.
I do like the built-in navigation system Kia offers. Compared to my family car, a 2017 Toyota Sienna, the navigation in that vehicle is just awful. The Kia’s works pretty similarly to Google Maps, which I appreciate, while the Sienna’s navigation is constantly frustrating.
I dislike how the key fob is quite large and doesn’t have a mechanical key hidden inside like I’ve seen in other cars. You have to attach it to a keychain. I also had an incident where my rear gate opened while I had the key in my pocket with my wallet and earbuds, so now I’m a lot more careful with it.
Also, there are no built-in buttons for garage doors on this model; just something to keep in mind.
Hope this helps someone. I’m really enjoying it overall
@Eren
Thanks a lot for your detailed insights. I’m considering a '25 model too, unless a great '24 comes along. About Android Auto, I thought it had to be activated via a wired connection first, then you can go wireless afterward. It’s not a dealbreaker but annoying nonetheless. I guess I’ll have to see how bulky the fob feels for my needs. The Kia Connect feature sounds neat. I’m excited to go test drive one now. Thanks again!
I dislike that I can’t lock my doors with the engine running using the key fob. The only way to do this is to get out with the window down, lock it from the inside, raise the window, and then use the app to unlock it
@Bran
That’s super annoying. I wonder if that’s some sort of safety feature
@Bran
Thanks for your comments!
2020 SX with 82,500 miles on it.
I’m having a few complaints - there’s an oil leak, likely needing the filter housing replaced, which will cost about $110. The front passenger CV axle started leaking grease and will need replacing for around $115, and the back shocks are beginning to lose their absorbency and might need replacing soon.
Despite these few annoying fixes, I’ve really loved it overall. It shifts smoothly, provides plenty of power when needed, and is very spacious. The audio system is great, and the lane keeping feature makes driving enjoyable.
I’m now on my second Telluride, went from 2021 to 2025 with zero issues over 60,000 km. The only things I’m not fond of include: no option to turn on the massage feature whenever, no way to display navigation on the HUD while using Apple or Android Auto, and no wireless connection for them. I know about the cheaper Amazon adapters, but they are slow and can lag a bit. I’ve tried several with frustrating results.
@Darwin
Just curious, are there any cars that show directions from AA or CarPlay on the HUD?
Blayne said:
@Darwin
Just curious, are there any cars that show directions from AA or CarPlay on the HUD?
Yeah, brands like BMW and Audi do it, and probably many others too