2020 Kia Telluride Consumer Reviews

2023 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro – Owner Review Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) We own the top-of-the-line SX-Prestige X-Pro in white with the light brown Nappa leather interior, and after 30 months and 32,000 miles, it has proven to be one of the most enjoyable vehicles we’ve ever had. We have a long history with Lexus (three RX300s, plus a 2006 LX we still own), so we’re accustomed to very high build quality. I wouldn’t say the Telluride reaches Lexus standards in pure craftsmanship—but it strikes a compelling balance of design, technology, comfort, and value that keeps us coming back. This is our second Telluride, and we’re already thinking about a 2027. Driving Experience The Telluride is an absolute pleasure on long trips—we drive from Wisconsin to Florida and back, and it’s smooth, quiet, and extremely comfortable. Driver-assist features make highway travel feel effortless, and in many situations the vehicle practically steers itself. The X-Pro’s ride quality and composed handling make it feel more premium than its price would suggest. Interior & Features Kia’s tech suite is a major reason we enjoy this vehicle. The cabin design feels upscale, and the Nappa leather interior looks and feels fantastic. Everything from the infotainment system to the safety tech is modern, intuitive, and feature-rich. For families, it checks every box: space, comfort, visibility, charging ports, and thoughtful convenience touches. Looks & Design One of the Telluride’s strengths is its presence. It has the stance and visual appeal of a Range Rover, with the day-to-day drivability of a Lexus. The Calligraphy edition of the Palisade also has our attention, but the Telluride still holds the edge in styling—clean, modern, and confident. Reliability & Issues We did experience two significant problems: a full replacement of the front instrument cluster and a rear differential replacement. The latter is a known issue on some Tellurides, and oil consumption has been reported by other owners as well. Our dealership covered everything under warranty and provided a loaner, but the repairs kept our vehicle in the shop for 32 days. The estimated cost outside warranty would have been about $7,200—so Kia’s warranty really matters. Value What keeps us loyal is the “sweet spot” Kia hits. If you imagine a Venn diagram of quality, price, design, and modern features, the Telluride sits right in the overlap. It may not match Lexus in long-term durability, but the overall package—and especially the warranty—creates tremendous value. It’s a luxury-level family hauler without the luxury-brand premium. Would We Buy Again? Yes. This is our second Telluride, and we’re considering replacing it with a 2027 model. The combination of comfort, technology, styling, and warranty coverage is hard to beat.

Pros: I love the vehicle! Rides and drives really good. Goes great in snow, good gas mileage. Cons: Depreciation!! I know everything depreciates but this vehicle has depreciated MAJORLY!

Perfect for my family of 3, including a 2yr old and a 4 year old with 2 car seats and associated gear.

I have had my Kia for over 100,000 miles not problems, just a few recalls. I am loving all of the features and I’m not planning on buy a new car for the next 5 or so years.

I bought my first Kia, a fully loaded 2024 Telluride, and I will never buy one again. Or a Hyundai, which I’ve owned two. They contract out their navigation system, and it is garbage. On a road trip I tried to navigate to home and the system sent me 9 hours out of the way. I called to complain and I was forwarded to their navigation system contractor who said I needed an update, which they would charge me for. I bought a memory stick and downloaded the update, successfully. It still sends me in the wrong direction. Kia and Hyundai use the same company, so I will never buy from them again.

Bought new 2021 Telluride - have spent thousands of dollars keeping it going. Dealer and company very anti customer support. During the first 50K miles it needed new shocks, new alternator, new whoopy sensor, new windshield washer repair and several other minor repairs. At 62K needs oil pan leak repair and new brakes. At time of purchase the sales folk agreed that because I live so far away from the dealer I could take it to my mechanic for maintenance and repairs. Later the manager refused to honor that agreement. On appeal the company itself also refused. On the two times I managed to take it to the dealer I was very unhappy with the service and pricing. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone. It is a very unreliable.

This SUV is awesome! Sun roof, Moon roof, I can run a laptop via the inverter for 5+ hours while watching UFC in the mountains and I can fit a full size futon mattress in the back (w/ a little modification, that even a ten could do) to sleep while camping. 😃 I LOVE MY TELLURIDE!

I'm in love. I previously owned a 2011 Honda Pilot. I loved the Pilot, but I wasn't in love with the new interior changes. I patiently watched other brands and their comparable models. Then I stumbled across the Car and Driver review for the Telluride. After their 40,000-mile test drive, they struggled to find items that they didn't find satisfactory. I have a friend who had a Telluride for a couple of years and had nothing but love for the model, so I jumped in. I got a 2023 used, with just under 7K miles on it. I have twins, a busy life filled with travel, errands, a dog, and even a small farm. The Telly has met and exceeded all my expectations. It is full of luxury features while keeping the utility and form functions intact. I have rented a Palisade a couple of times, and it is missing some of the Telly pizaz. The smooth engine, lots of cup holders and charging ports, ease of entry, and comfort are some of our favorites.