2022 model—windshield wipers could be faster for heavy rain, and I’ve faced several recalls. The nearest Kia dealership is hard to get into, taking forever to handle any repairs. I would have loved a bench seat option in the second row for my two big dogs, and I noticed the seats don’t heat up with remote start (though I know I could pay for that package). The cooling function on the seats doesn’t seem strong anymore; it felt better when I first got the car. It doesn’t handle slick roads very well either, but that’s my fault for not getting AWD since I lived in Florida when I bought it. It has its small flaws, but overall, I do enjoy the vehicle; just make sure to get AWD.
@Darin
I’m not buying another vehicle unless it has AWD. Driving my Lincoln MKX through Utah winters opened my eyes. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
If you visit the dealer, ask them if you can permanently disable the off when stopped feature.
I have a 2023 Telluride X-Line with 34k miles and five recalls. Other than the recalls, it’s been alright. Fuel economy isn’t great, sitting around 20 miles per gallon. I wish I had opted for a Highlander instead and might be looking to sell or trade it.
Honestly, it’s not very comfortable for driving. The rear seats have oddly placed seat belts that feel uncomfortable. As for the driver’s space, the pedals feel too close, and the steering wheel is too far away, making it feel cramped even for an average-sized guy. The armrests are out of reach, and the mileage isn’t good while the audio system is just okay. Still, it’s a solid vehicle overall.
@Brynn
I had to laugh at your last statement after listing all those dislikes. I appreciate your candid feedback. Cars these days are so pricey that it’s crucial to thoroughly investigate before spending our hard-earned cash. Thanks again!
@Atlas
Well put. I might be too harsh on it since I started driving it after we traded my car for my wife’s van. It wasn’t my pick; just a sensible family option. It’s truly a good family deal but surprisingly not that comfy given how much it costs.
It’s a fantastic car for comfort and has had no major mechanical issues in three years. However, it’s a bit underpowered, and the electronics could use a lot of work. The NAV system struggles and requires a subscription for effective use. The interface is slow and not intuitive.
@Dare
Thanks for sharing your insights!
If your Optima was made before 2012, its quality is superior to these new Kias.
Cory said:
If your Optima was made before 2012, its quality is superior to these new Kias.
Thanks for your input!
I bought a 2024 Prestige SX in May and I’m loving it! The hardest part has been figuring out all the features. I was also let down by the gas mileage—you’d think manufacturers would improve this by now. My second row has captain’s chairs, which are super comfy, but if I need to use the third row for passengers, we can only travel with four people. Sometimes I wish I had the second-row bench instead. Like many others, I dislike the auto stop/start feature, but my dealer says it’s a government regulation. My favorite aspect is how the back hatch opens and closes automatically when you’re near with the key fob. That said, I’ve shared a lot, but that’s probably enough
@Erie
Thanks for your response!
I test drove multiple similarly sized vehicles, created a detailed spreadsheet (my wife thought I was nuts), and finally settled on a 2025 SX Prestige X-Line last October. So I have limited experience, but I understand what you’re going through.
The car can carry extra people or extra items, but it’s an either/or situation—there’s not enough space for both.
I was shocked to find out there was no wireless CarPlay after I accepted it, assuming it would be included with the wireless charging feature; that was on me but still frustrating, particularly since it’s over $50k.
My wife and I share the car, but it’s frustrating that the profiles adjust seats but aren’t automatically applied based on the key fob. My old 19 Forester had that feature, so I wonder why it’s missing now.
Mileage was initially better than I expected, around 15-16 mpg, but since I work mostly from home, traffic conditions changed in winter, leading to about 12-13 mpg during the last couple of fill-ups.
Despite those downsides, it doesn’t change everything much for us.
It’s a stunning car inside and out (especially with blacked-out details and tinted windows). It rides smoothly and quietly on the highway. There is enough room to fit adults comfortably in the third row. It also has more storage space when my wife overpacks. My daughter and her friends appreciate the heated and ventilated seats in the second row.
Ultimately, it is about knowing what you want and what you’re willing to invest. Take your time, ask questions, and test drive several options.
Feel free to reach out if you want to chat about why we chose this over the Palisade, Atlas, Pilot, Infiniti, and others.
@Alston
You’re absolutely right! I’m doing a similar approach with my research, so I truly appreciate this detailed information. The cons you mentioned align closely with my own assessments, but like you, none are dealbreakers for me. Thanks for sharing so much!
I purchased my 2022 Kia Telluride EX in April 2022. It feels as solid now as when I first got it. I’ve never faced any issues and love everything about it. The radar cruise is superior to any competing vehicle I’ve tried.
One small wish is for a sensor to open the trunk without needing a button. And yes, like most, Apple CarPlay would be better if it didn’t require that Amazon dongle that sporadically works.
One thing I think doesn’t get enough attention is how unbelievably comfortable it is for tall families or full seats of adults. My husband and son are both over 6 feet tall, and my daughter stands at 5’9” with enough legroom that we didn’t find in any other SUVs we test drove (which was all of them except Nissan since we didn’t like any prior Nissans).
@Bay
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Awesome vehicles. They are comfortable, have great looks, and come with a strong warranty. Plus, they pack one of Hyundai/Kia’s best engines, the 3.8L V6, without the silly CVT nonsense.
We recently purchased our SX Prestige in Midnight Lake Blue with mahogany leather, and we are in love with it.
Like many others here, we did a lot of research and shopped around before buying. Yes, it’s a $50k+ vehicle, but that’s similar to other mid-size SUVs. At least with the Telluride, you’re getting your money’s worth in terms of aesthetics, features, and overall quality. For instance, the Highlander and Grand Highlander were pretty underwhelming for us, and I don’t like their new turbocharged four-cylinder engines compared to the simplicity of the Telluride’s smooth V6.
The lack of wireless Android Auto is a pain, but newer USB wireless adapters using Bluetooth+WiFi are inexpensive and work perfectly.
The digital key uses wireless charging, so my wife did have to upgrade her phone (timely, since her phone was due for a refresh). The car’s primary owner must set up the digital key using the Kia Connect app that can be added to Google Wallet (or Apple’s equivalent), and then share it with others. It takes some practice using a digital key to open the car and start it, but it’s straightforward. My wife can get in and drive without the physical key fob (though she typically keeps it in her purse), and her phone charges wirelessly while driving, connecting seamlessly to Android Auto. So far, we are very happy with it overall.
Only time will reveal reliability, but J.D. Power ranks it pretty well (around 86/100, if I remember correctly). Plus, it has the best residual value in its class.
2022 EX Nightfall. I might be in the minority, but it’s just an average car for me. I plan to keep it for 8-10 years, but I miss my last vehicle (Nissan Rogue). Given the money spent on the Telluride, there are some nice features missing, like the birds-eye camera view. I mainly bought it for the size to accommodate my kid, stroller, dog, luggage, etc. It meets the requirements for being spacious, reliable, and comfortable, but nothing standout for me personally.