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2025 Buick Enclave vs Honda Pilot2020 Kia Telluride Blends Value & Features
Put the 2020 Kia Telluride on your list if value. Bold styling, plenty of space, and not to mention the DriverTalk intercom for families.
2020 Kia Telluride – kiamedia.com | Shop 2020 Kia Telluride on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2020 Kia Telluride
Designed in California and built in Georgia, the 2020 Kia Telluride is a brand-new SUV focused squarely on American drivers. Kia’s biggest vehicle features three rows, butch styling, and a laundry list of features. Ranging in price from $33,000 on up to $43,000, the new Telluride offers something for all budgets, and in keeping with their value-first approach, even based models are well equipped.
The Breakdown
Blend of power & elegance
Standard driver-assistance aids
DriverTalk passenger intercom
High-end options like Nappa leather
No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Kia nails the elusive Value-Looks-Amenities equation
2021 Telluride Specs
- 291 horsepower from base engine
- 262 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 21 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 87 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- UVO Remote Climate feature controlled via smartphone
- Smart Exit Assist prevents opening doors when unsafe
- Powertrain is covered for up to 100,000 miles
- Downhill Brake Control makes trailering easy
2020 Kia Telluride Powertrain
Like its corporate cousin Hyundai Palisade, the 2020 Telluride has a single powertrain setup. The engine is a 3.8-liter V6 that utilizes direct inject and continuously variable valve timing. It produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft torque that is run to the wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Front-wheel drive is the standard configuration though AWD is an option on all Tellurides. Drivers can select from Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort driving modes, which vary powertrain, drivetrain and steering effort mapping accordingly. For instance, Eco mode sends 100% of available torque to the front wheels while Sport splits it 65/35 front-to-rear.
The monocoque body is comprised of nearly 60% advanced high strength steel and the Telluride sits on independent suspension at all four corners. Together, the solid structure and footing provides handling confidence behind the wheel. The available self-leveling suspension bolsters that confidence when hauling a full load of occupants and cargo.
Towing & Payload
Eight passengers, a 1,664-pound payload capacity and 5,000-pound max towing figure gives the 2020 Telluride excellent road-trip chops. Selecting the $795 Tow Package brings a trailer hitch and self-leveling suspension. That magic suspension feature is handy when the interior is piled high, potentially pointing the head lights up high and making for squirrelly handing. Downhill brake control and uphill assist combined with electronic stability control lend a helping hand while pulling a trailer.
2020 Kia Telluride Fuel Economy & MPG
The 2020 Telluride is “only” 4,255 pounds, which is nearly 500 pounds lighter than a comparable Volkswagen Atlas. However, it’s still a large SUV with a nearly 300 horse V6 under the hood, so fuel economy is not a strong suit. Front-wheel drive equipped models are EPA estimated to achieve 20 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. With all-wheel-drive, those figures drop to 19 and 24, respectively.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Cavernous could describe the 2020 Telluride considering the 87 cu-ft of volume on hand when the middle and rear rows are folded. Which is easy to do with a one-touch button handling sliding and folding duties in the second row. The third row also splits and folds while offering recline for added comfort.
Sound absorbing glass up front offers a serene cabin, which can be complimented by heated and ventilated seats for driver, passenger and those in the captain’s thrones. Two sunroofs let the light in, temperature can be controlled both up front and by rear occupants and a hands-free power liftgate makes grocery getting simpler.
Entertainment & Technology
LX and S Tellurides are fitted with an 8” touchscreen infotainment interface which jumps to 10.25” on EX and SX trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the board but you’ll need the SX Telluride to access a digital gauge cluster, head-up display and 110-volt power inverter. Kia’s UVO link pairs the vehicle with your smartphone, allowing owners to cool or heat their Telluride before getting in. USB ports are scattered across all three rows and the optional Harmon-Kardon sound system uses “Clari-Fi” tech to ensure top-notch audio quality coming through its 10-speaker layout.
Safety Features
No matter the trim level, all 2020 Tellurides are outfitted with seven airbags and thirteen driver-aids. One of those aids, Safe Exit Assist, warns the driver of approaching traffic if an occupant is about to open the door. Some of the other systems on that list are blind spot collision avoidance, lane keeping assist and lane departure warning. Higher trims include the semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist system and Surround View monitor.
2020 Kia Telluride Trims & Pricing
LX – $33,060
Kia keeps things simple with LX models by not offering any packages. That being said, there is a high level of features baked in to this base trim. Like all Tellurides, it pairs a 291 hp V6 with an 8-speed automatic and the option of AWD for $2000. The list of included active safety measures is exhaustive but some highlights are a driver attention warning, rear occupant alert, smart cruise control and rear cross traffic collision avoidance.
An 8” touchscreen controls infotainment duties along with Apple and Android smartphone software. LX models are built with a second-row bench allowing for 8 passengers sitting on SOFINO synthetic leather. 18” alloys dress up the exterior and heated side mirrors have integrated LED turn signals. Though full-blown packages are not available on the Telluride LX, there is a $1500, rear-seat entertainment system, accessory option.
S – $35,460
S models are spruced up outside with 20-inch wheels, satin trim finish and roof rails. Inside, the middle row bench is replaced with dual captain’s chairs. A front row sunroof is included and the driver seat has 10-way power adjustability plus lumbar support and heat. A leather shift knob joins the leather steering wheel though upholstery remains leatherette. Like the LX trim, there are no packages on tap with the S, but accessories like illuminated scuff plates and side step bars can be selected.
EX – $38,460
With an 8-passenger configuration, EX models start to pile on amenities like leather seating that are ventilated for the front row. Wood grain trim, a power adjustable passenger seat and dual zone climate control fill out interior comforts. The tech list lengthens with a 10” touchscreen, DriverTalk vehicle intercom system, wireless charging pad, and 6 USB ports. The $795 Towing Package includes self-leveling rear suspension and a tow hitch. There is also an available Premium pack that nets 20” rims and 2nd row captain’s seats for $1695.
SX – $42,960
At about $43,000, top-tier SX Telluride’s are a tremendous value statement. Highway Driving Assist blends smart cruise control with the ability to adjust velocity based on current speed limits. LED lighting for the headlights and fog lamps plus black-finished 20” wheels add styling presence. Harman-Kardon handles the EX audio with 10-speakers, an amplifier, and subwoofer. A second sunroof is added and the instrument panel is rendered on the 7” digital “Supervision Meter Cluster”. True luxury is an option with the $2300 Prestige package, which features Nappa leather and second row seating with heat and ventilation.
Warranties
Long known for its outstanding warranties, Kia includes a 10 year or 100,000-mile coverage period on the 2020 Kia Telluride. For the vehicle coverage, that period lasts for 5 years or 60,000 miles, which is the same term for roadside assistance. Perforations due to corrosion are under a 5 year / 100,000-mile warranty term. There is no complimentary scheduled maintenance included in the Telluride warranty
What We Think
2020 Kia Telluride – kia.com | Shop 2020 Kia Telluride on Carsforsale.com
If you have kids with lots of stuff and want a vehicle that doesn’t look like everything else on the road, the 2020 Kia Telluride needs to be on your list. Size and styling plus features galore and robust safety systems are on hand, with the definition of reasonable pricing.
