The Kia Telluride has firmly established itself as a dominant force in the competitive midsize three-row SUV market. Its consistent high performance in automotive testing is a testament to its well-rounded nature, consistently placing it near the top of its class. The Telluride achieves this through a combination of refined driving dynamics, intuitive user interfaces, thoughtfully designed features, and a generously sized cargo area. While it may not boast flashy or overtly attention-grabbing elements, the 2025 Kia Telluride impresses with its overall competence and the impressive array of standard equipment offered for its price point.
Unlike Kia’s smaller three-row SUV offering, the Sorento, the Telluride stands shoulder-to-shoulder with formidable rivals such as the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, and Subaru Ascent in terms of size and capability. This positions the 2025 Kia Telluride as a prime contender for families seeking a spacious and reliable SUV.
Driving Performance and Handling of the 2025 Telluride
The driving experience in the 2025 Kia Telluride is characterized by its robust V6 engine. This powerplant delivers readily available power, ensuring confident acceleration and smooth cruising. The engine is seamlessly paired with a responsive and smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. In real-world testing, fuel economy figures reached 21 mpg overall, a respectable number for its class, although not leading the pack.
The Telluride’s suspension effectively absorbs most road imperfections, contributing to a comfortable and composed ride. The cabin remains quiet, further enhancing the sense of refinement. While not engineered for sporty handling, exhibiting some expected body roll in corners typical of SUVs in this segment, the 2025 Kia Telluride demonstrated impressive composure in emergency situations. It successfully navigated an avoidance-maneuver test at a notable 53.5 mph, highlighting the effectiveness of its well-tuned electronic stability control system. This showcases the 2025 Kia Telluride’s ability to maintain control and stability even in demanding driving scenarios.
Interior Comfort and Cabin Features of the 2025 Kia Telluride
The front seats of the 2025 Kia Telluride are designed to be wide and comfortable, accommodating a wide range of body types. Second-row passengers are treated to generous accommodations, with seats that both slide forward and backward and recline for customized comfort. Access to the third row is made convenient with a one-button feature that effortlessly moves the second-row seats forward and out of the way. While the third row is functional, it is best suited for children or shorter adults. Practicality is further enhanced with USB ports conveniently located on the sides of the front seats for second-row charging needs. Rear passengers also benefit from their own dedicated climate controls, adding to overall passenger comfort in the 2025 Kia Telluride.
The interior of the 2025 Telluride presents a pleasing blend of soft-touch materials and thoughtfully styled trim pieces throughout the cabin. Kia’s commitment to user-friendliness is evident in the straightforward and intuitive controls. The infotainment system is responsive to inputs and easy to navigate. The large touchscreen, while visually appealing, may require a slight reach for drivers who prefer to sit further back from the steering wheel. Standard inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility ensures seamless smartphone integration in the 2025 Kia Telluride.
Practicality, Space, and Safety in the 2025 Telluride
The 2025 Kia Telluride’s boxy silhouette and expansive windows contribute to excellent visibility, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces surprisingly manageable despite its substantial size. Cargo space is abundant, particularly with the third-row seats folded down. For added convenience when needing maximum cargo capacity, the second-row seats can be easily folded using buttons located in the cargo area.
Safety is a paramount consideration in the 2025 Kia Telluride. A comprehensive suite of standard safety features includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning. It also incorporates a rear-seat reminder system for children and pets, and a feature that prevents doors from opening if a vehicle is approaching from the rear. Notably, all 2025 Telluride trim levels come standard with Highway Driving Assist 1.5, further enhancing driver assistance capabilities.
Conclusion: Is the 2025 Kia Telluride the Right SUV for You?
Overall, the 2025 Kia Telluride stands out as an exceptionally competent SUV with very few shortcomings. The inclusion of advanced safety features as standard across all trims further strengthens its appeal. With an as-tested price of approximately $43,000 for the EX trim, the 2025 Kia Telluride represents remarkable value, offering a significant amount of SUV for the money. For families seeking a well-equipped, spacious, and safe three-row SUV, the 2025 Kia Telluride should be at the top of their consideration list.
