Why We Chose the 2025 Kia Telluride for Best Family Cars of 2025

When it comes to choosing a family vehicle, safety, comfort, and reliability are priorities, and the 2025 Kia Telluride delivers on all fronts. One of the top reasons this midsize SUV secured a spot on our Best Family Cars list is that it’s earned the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the third consecutive year, a testament to Kia’s commitment to passenger protection.

Safety first! The IIHS awarded the Telluride the top “Good” ratings across all crashworthiness categories. It also received top marks for headlight performance and pedestrian front crash prevention, both critical for night driving and urban environments. These ratings reflect the Telluride’s robust structural engineering and its suite of standard safety technologies, such as blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and rear automatic braking.

Beyond safety, the Telluride excels in family-friendly design. Its three-row seating comfortably accommodates up to eight passengers, with ample legroom and cargo space for road trips, school runs, and weekend adventures. The cabin is thoughtfully appointed with high-quality materials, intuitive infotainment controls, and all the modern connectivity a family could need.

The 2025 Telluride offers a smooth and confident driving experience, powered by a V6 engine that balances performance with decent fuel efficiency. Whether navigating city streets or cruising on highways, it provides a quiet, composed ride. This first generation does not yet feature a hybrid powertrain found in other Kia products, but some prefer the simplicity of the V6. It can also tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The Kia Telluride offers a compelling value proposition, undercutting many competitors in price. Starting at under $38,000 (after destination charges), it beats the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, and even its cousin, the Hyundai Palisade, on pricing across trim levels. Plus, it comes with Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

In an increasingly crowded field of midsize SUVs, the 2025 Kia Telluride distinguishes itself not just with style and substance but with a proven track record of safety and dependability. For families seeking peace of mind and everyday practicality, it’s a clear top choice, and the recipient of our KBB Best Buy Award in its class.