Model research hub
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is a three-row mid-size crossover related to the Hyundai Palisade, made since February 2019, with a second generation (LQ2) arriving for 2027. CarGurus says Kia's generous warranty gave original owners peace of mind, but that as with many brand-new models, first-year reliability wasn't impressive, and that other sources rate the 2022 as average with a slight decline in 2023. Federal data shows the 2020 with the most complaints (748) and the 2020 and 2022 tied for the most recalls (7 each).
What the Kia Telluride is and who buys it
Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) describes the Telluride as a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating made by Kia since 2019, related to the Hyundai Palisade, replacing the Kia Mohave/Borrego in North America, with a first generation (ON) from 2020, a 2023 refresh, and a second generation (LQ2) arriving for 2027. CarGurus (opens in a new tab) says that when Kia introduced the Telluride for the 2020 model year, it proved beyond any shadow of a doubt that the brand no longer deserved to be a punchline for late-night comics.
Best and worst Telluride model years
Federal data shows the 2020 Telluride with 7 recalls and 748 complaints, both among the highest, covering seats, seat belts, the electrical system and trailer hitch. The 2021 has 5 recalls and 354 complaints, the 2022 has 7 recalls and 319 complaints, the 2023 has 6 and 204, the 2024 has 5 and 215, and the 2025 has 3 and 105.
CarGurus (opens in a new tab) says Kia's generous warranty provided original owners with peace of mind, but that as with many brand-new models, first-year reliability wasn't impressive, and that other sources rate the 2022 Telluride as average in reliability with a slight decline in 2023, the same year Kia updated the SUV's technology. Car Smite (opens in a new tab) says it sorted every Telluride model year into the best, the so-so and the ones to avoid, and that the more recalls and complaints a model year has, the lower its reliability rating drops.
Choosing a year
Complaint counts fall steadily from the 2020 launch to the 2025, and the second-generation 2027 Telluride starts fresh with no track record yet, so its first year or two deserve the same first-year caution CarGurus applies to the 2020.
Questions buyers ask
Was the first Kia Telluride model year reliable?
CarGurus (opens in a new tab) says as with many brand-new models, first-year reliability wasn't impressive, though Kia's generous warranty gave original owners peace of mind.
What is the Kia Telluride related to?
Wikipedia lists the Hyundai Palisade as the Telluride's related model.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2027 Kia Telluride is built around 2.5L turbo four-cylinder or 2.5L turbo hybrid, rated at 274 / 329 horsepower across its three-row SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2027 U.S. lineup has 10 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe most the 2027 Kia Telluride is published to tow is up to 5,000 lb.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA recalls, complaints and crash ratings for the 2027 Telluride.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2027 Kia Telluride
The redesigned 2027 Telluride replaces the V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four making 274 horsepower and adds the first-ever Telluride Hybrid at 329 horsepower combined (EX is the hybrid entry point). X-Line, X-Pro and Prestige combinations create a broad marketed trim matrix with different capability, styling and cabin equipment.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
3 indexed Kia Telluride model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Kia Telluride | 3 | 2027 record → |
| 2025 Kia Telluride | 2025 record → | |
| 2020 Kia Telluride | 2020 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Kia Telluride.
The Kia Telluride is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating manufactured and marketed by Kia since 2019. Positioned above the Sorento, it was previewed as a concept car in 2016, with the production model debuting in early 2019 as a 2020 model. It shares components and specifications with its Hyundai counterpart, the Hyundai Palisade, including its engine, transmission, and wheelbase.
- Safety
- The 2020 and 2021 model years of the Telluride were awarded "Top Safety Pick" by IIHS, it was later awarded "Top Safety Pick+".
- Recalls and problems
- In March 2024, Kia recalled over 427,000 Tellurides from 2020 to 2024 model years, due to rollaway risks which the vehicles rolls away when placed in 'P' gear. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this is because of improper assembly of the intermediate shaft and the right front driveshaft could cause unintended vehicle movement, if the driver failed to engage the parking brake.
- Awards
- In 2020, the Telluride received the 2020 World Car of the Year as well as Motor Trend's SUV of the Year.
Source: Kia Telluride (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Kia Telluride at a glance
- Production
- February 2019 – present
- Model years
- 2020–present
- Class
- Mid-size crossover SUV (E)
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or front-engine, all-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive
- Chassis
- Unibody
- Predecessor
- Kia Mohave/Borrego (North America)
- Related models
- Hyundai Palisade
Kia Telluride generations
The Kia Telluride has been redesigned in 2027, gaps of 7 years, an average of 7.0 years between generations. The current generation (second generation, LQ2) began in 2027.
| Generation | Code | Began | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | ON | 2020–2027 | The production version of the Telluride was launched at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in January 2019. |
| Second generation | LQ2 | 2027–present | The second-generation Telluride was revealed online on November 10, 2025. |
NHTSA rated the 2025 Kia Telluride overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (5 campaigns across the latest model years)
- June 2026, Seat Belts:Front. Kia America, Inc (Kia) is recalling certain 2027 Telluride and Telluride Hybrid vehicles. The driver seat belt emergency locking retractor may lock, causing the seat belt strap not to extend. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal… Consequence: A seat belt strap that does not extend can fail to restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- March 2026, Seat Belts:Rear/Other:Anchorage. Kia America, Inc (Kia) is recalling certain 2027 Kia Telluride and 2026 Kia K4 vehicles. The rear center seat belt anchor buckle in the 2026 K4 and the third-row center seat belt anchor buckle in the 2027 Telluride may not latch properly. Consequence: A seat belt buckle that is not latched properly can fail to restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- February 2026, Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride vehicles, equipped with power front seat(s). Due to a manufacturing error, the driver and passenger seat back frame assemblies may fail to properly restrain occupants in a crash. Consequence: A seat back frame that fails to properly restrain an occupant during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Owners filed 24 complaints with NHTSA for the 2027 Kia Telluride, most often about seat belts (7), power train (6), seats (5).
Year by year
The Kia Telluride across 7 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Kia Telluride | 19–35 | $1,850–$3,400 | 6 | |||
| 2025 Kia Telluride | 20–22 | $2,850–$3,100 | 2 | 3 | 105 | 5 stars |
| 2024 Kia Telluride | 20–22 | $2,850–$3,100 | 2 | 5 | 215 | 5 stars |
| 2023 Kia Telluride | 21–23 | $2,700–$2,950 | 2 | 6 | 204 | 5 stars |
| 2022 Kia Telluride | 21–23 | $2,700–$2,950 | 2 | 7 | 319 | 5 stars |
| 2021 Kia Telluride | 21–23 | $2,700–$2,950 | 2 | 5 | 354 | 5 stars |
| 2020 Kia Telluride | 21–23 | $2,700–$2,950 | 2 | 7 | 748 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Kia Telluride, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2027 | 2 to 6 | 21.0 to 27.0 | Labels: Telluride FE Hybrid, Telluride Hybrid AWD, Telluride Hybrid FWD, Telluride X-Pro; Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI, 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI; Hybrid; Transmissions: Automatic (AM-S6); Size classes: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Engines: 3.8L 6-cyl SIDI; Size classes: Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| 2023 to 2024 | 22.0 to 21.0 |
Buying used
What the Kia Telluride recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | structure (exterior trim); tires (temporary/emergency spare tire); seats (front assembly) | None |
| 2024 | 5 | engine and engine cooling; power train (driveline); seats (front assembly); 1 more | 2 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2023 | 6 | air bags (side/window); electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); power train (driveline); 2 more | 2 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2022 | 7 | electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); tires (temporary/emergency spare tire); trailer hitches; 2 more | 3 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2021 | 5 | air bags (air bag/restraint control module); trailer hitches; power train (driveline); 1 more | 3 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2020 | 7 | seat belts (rear/other); electrical system (wiring); trailer hitches; 3 more | 3 stop-driving or park-outside |
Recalls that told owners to stop driving or park outside
- 2020, campaign 22V-626 (Aug 2022): trailer hitches. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 2020, campaign 24V-407 (Jun 2024): seats (front assembly). A fire increases the risk of injury.
- 2020, campaign 26V-430 (Jul 2026): seats (front assembly). A fire increases the risk of injury.
- 2021, campaign 22V-626 (Aug 2022): trailer hitches. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 2021, campaign 24V-407 (Jun 2024): seats (front assembly). A fire increases the risk of injury.
- 2021, campaign 26V-430 (Jul 2026): seats (front assembly). A fire increases the risk of injury.
7 more campaigns carry the same warning; each is on its model year's page.
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| unknown or other | 466 | 24% | 2020 (143) |
| visibility/wiper | 345 | 17% | 2020 (135) |
| engine | 312 | 16% | 2020 (142) |
| electrical system | 285 | 14% | 2022 (69) |
| exterior lighting | 183 | 9% | 2020 (183) |
| power train | 168 | 9% | 2020 (70) |
Trim by trim
Every 2027 Kia Telluride trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | FWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | – | – | – | 5,000 | 22 | $40,735 |
| S | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | – | – | – | 5,000 | 20 | $43,635 |
| EX | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | – | – | – | 5,000 | 20 | $45,335 |
| X-Line EX | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | – | – | – | 5,000 | 20 | $48,835 |
| SX | FWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | – | – | – | 5,000 | 22 | $50,335 |
| X-Line SX | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | – | – | – | 5,000 | 20 | $53,335 |
| X-Pro SX | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | – | – | – | 5,500 | 20 | $55,235 |
| SX-Prestige | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | – | – | – | 5,000 | 20 | $55,435 |
| X-Line SX-Prestige | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | – | – | – | 5,000 | 20 | $56,435 |
| X-Pro SX-Prestige | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | – | – | – | 5,500 | 20 | $58,335 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2027 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Kia Telluride model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 10 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | – | – | 5,000–5,500 | 18.8 |
| 2025 | 10 | 3.8-liter V6 (GDI) | 291 | 4,134–4,455 | 5,000–5,500 | 18.8 |
| 2024 | 10 | 3.8-liter V6 (GDI) | 291 | 4,134–4,455 | 5,000–5,500 | 18.8 |
| 2023 | 10 | 3.8-liter V6 (GDI) | 291 | 455–4,378 | 5,000–5,500 | 18.8 |
| 2022 | 4 | 3.8-liter V6 (GDI) | 291 | 4,112–4,354 | 5,000 | 18.8 |
| 2021 | 4 | 3.8-liter V6 (GDI) | 291 | 4,112–4,354 | 5,000 | 18.8 |
| 2020 | 4 | 3.8-liter V6 (GDI) | 291 | 4,112–4,354 | 5,000 | 18.8 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Kia Telluride.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0W-30 (6.13 qt) Smartstream G2.5 T-GDi | DOT 4 | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2025 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2024 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2023 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Kia Telluride: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | ||
| 2025 | 3 | 105 | structure, tires, seats |
| 2024 | 5 | 215 | seats, engine cooling, powertrain, structure |
| 2023 | 6 | 204 | seats, airbags, electrical system, powertrain |
| 2022 | 7 | 319 | electrical system, seats, tires, trailer hitch |
| 2021 | 5 | 354 | seats, airbags, trailer hitch, powertrain |
| 2020 | 7 | 748 | seats, seat belts, electrical system, trailer hitch |
| 2019 | not available | ||
| 2018 | not available | ||
| 2017 | not available | ||
| 2016 | not available | ||
| 2015 | not available |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Kia Telluride?
Federal recall records don't single out a best Kia Telluride model year: recall counts across the 6 published model years checked here stay within a normal range of this nameplate's own average (about 5.5 recalls per year), with no year standing out as notably higher or lower. Recall count is one input, not a purchase verdict. It says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record.
Q02What are common recall-related problems on the Kia Telluride by model year?
2025: structure, tires, seats. 2024: seats, engine cooling, powertrain, structure. 2023: seats, airbags, electrical system, powertrain. 2022: electrical system, seats, tires, trailer hitch. 2021: seats, airbags, trailer hitch, powertrain. 2020: seats, seat belts, electrical system, trailer hitch.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Buying, records and recalls, Climate and electrical, Transmission and drivetrain, Brakes, tires and steering, Engine and cooling.
Trim ladder
3 Kia Telluride trims, each with its own page.
Compared with
Models this Kia Telluride is most often compared with.
Nearest Kia models
Other Kia models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2027 Telluride come in?
The 2027 Kia Telluride (three-row SUV) comes in 10 trims: LX, S, EX, SX, EX X-Line, EX X-Pro, SX X-Line, SX Prestige, SX Prestige X-Line, SX Prestige X-Pro.
Q02What are the 2027 Telluride trims?
The 2027 Kia Telluride trims are LX, S, EX, SX, EX X-Line, EX X-Pro, SX X-Line, SX Prestige, SX Prestige X-Line, SX Prestige X-Pro, listed from the entry LX up to the top SX Prestige X-Pro.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2027 Telluride use?
The 2027 Kia Telluride is built around 2.5L turbo four-cylinder or 2.5L turbo hybrid, rated at 274 / 329 horsepower across its three-row SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2027 Telluride have?
The 2027 Kia Telluride is rated at 274 / 329 horsepower (2.5L turbo four-cylinder or 2.5L turbo hybrid).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2027 Telluride?
The 2027 Kia Telluride is offered with FWD / AWD.