First Impressions: Big, Bold, and Unapologetically Practical
There’s a certain calm that washes over you when you slide into the 2025 Kia Telluride. Maybe it’s the faintly reassuring click of the climate control knobs or the way the doors shut with a hushed thud—heavier and more substantial than in some rivals. In a market obsessed with crossovers, this three-row SUV stands out for its honest approach: no wild turbocharging experiments or luxury pretensions, just a straightforward recipe that works.
Under the Hood: Familiar V6 Still Gets the Job Done
Kia sticks with its tried-and-true 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6, putting out a healthy 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. No hybrid options—at least not yet—which feels like a missed opportunity given where Toyota is heading with the Highlander Hybrid. On the road, acceleration is brisk enough for daily demands, though pushing hard produces a muted growl rather than a roar. The Telluride doesn’t pretend to be sporty; instead, it delivers predictable, composed handling and a ride that absorbs potholes better than most minivan-based competitors (looking at you, Honda Pilot).
Inside the Cabin: Where Buttons Meet Big Screens
Step inside and you’re greeted by a sweeping dashboard anchored by dual 12.3-inch displays—one for gauges, one for infotainment. Kia hasn’t fallen prey to the touchscreen-only craze; physical controls remain for volume, climate, and drive modes. Seats are broad and supportive, with plenty of adjustability up front and space aplenty in rows two and three. Materials feel upscale for the price point; there’s soft-touch where your elbows land and just enough metallic trim to keep things interesting.
The Telluride’s cabin is quieter than a Chevy Traverse at highway speeds. Kia’s active noise cancellation is subtle but effective—just enough to drown out tire rumble without making everything eerily silent. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the board now (finally), and USB ports abound in every row.
Real-World Usability: Everyday Heroics
Cargo space is generous (21 cubic feet behind the third row, over 87 with seats folded), and the power liftgate opens high enough to avoid head bumps—a minor but appreciated detail if you’re north of six feet tall. Towing maxes out at 5,500 pounds when properly equipped, which lands it right in line with rivals like the Ford Explorer but short of some truck-based SUVs.
Fuel economy isn’t groundbreaking (EPA estimates still hover around 20 mpg combined), but real-world numbers often edge higher on gentle suburban runs. Ownership costs should remain reasonable—Kia’s warranty is still among the industry’s best—and insurance quotes I’ve seen are competitive for this segment.
On Balance: Telluride Still Nails the Brief
The 2025 Kia Telluride remains a top choice among three-row SUVs thanks to its blend of comfort, tech, and value. It doesn’t break new ground this year—some may find that disappointing—but it continues to deliver where it counts. Rivals like the Hyundai Palisade (a close cousin), Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander each have their charms, but few match Kia’s mix of refinement, real-world utility, and price.
If you’re looking for maximum flash or cutting-edge electrification, look elsewhere. But if what you want is an SUV that feels thoughtfully designed for families—and built to last—the Telluride deserves its place on your short list.
