When shopping for a family SUV, there are a few must-haves on everyone’s list. You need space for the kids, comfort for long drives, and safety features that give you peace of mind. Throw in a splash of style and modern tech, and you’ve got the recipe for the perfect family vehicle. Enter the Kia Telluride, an SUV that not only checks all these boxes but does so with flair. Since its debut, this three-row SUV has become a crowd favorite, earning awards and praise from families and critics alike. But what exactly makes the Kia Telluride so special? From its luxurious interior to its rugged performance, here’s everything that helps this SUV go the extra mile for families everywhere.
A Spacious Interior That Feels Like Home
The Kia Telluride doesn’t just give you space; it gives you space that feels like home. Inside, this SUV boasts one of the most thoughtfully designed cabins in its class. Whether you choose to fill its three rows with five passengers or eight, everyone rides in comfort. There’s plenty of legroom, even in the third row, so no one has to feel cramped on long trips. The seats are plush and supportive, and higher trims offer premium touches like leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and even heated second-row seats.
Road trips become a breeze when you have smart features like USB ports in every row and generous storage space for snacks, toys, and everything in between. Speaking of storage, the Telluride offers a massive cargo area, with up to 87 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are folded down. Families with strollers, sports equipment, or luggage will have no problem fitting everything they need for their next adventure.
The Telluride’s interior also packs a touch of elegance. The dashboard is clean, modern, and easy to use, featuring wood accents and soft materials that elevate it beyond your average family SUV. Kia has gone above and beyond to create an atmosphere that feels classy but remains totally kid-friendly.
Packed with Family-Friendly Tech
Technology is a significant part of what makes the Kia Telluride stand out, especially for families who value convenience and entertainment while on the go. Front and center is the 12.3-inch touchscreen that serves as a hub for all things tech. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing hands-free access to playlists, navigation, and more. The touchscreen is intuitive, making it simple to switch between apps or adjust settings while keeping your focus on the road.
Kids in the back seat will love the available Rear Seat Entertainment system, which ensures they stay engaged during long drives. Parents will appreciate features like Quiet Mode, which lets drivers listen to their favorite podcast while silencing rear speakers so sleeping kids won’t get disturbed.
Another highlight is Kia’s Driver Talk system, which turns the cabin into a makeshift PA system. Using the microphone, the driver can easily speak to passengers in the third row without yelling, making it easier to maintain those “quiet voices” when things get rowdy in the back. Combine this with a heads-up display for the driver and a surround-view monitor for parking assistance, and you’ve got an SUV that feels as smart as it is practical.
Power Meets Versatility
The Kia Telluride may be designed with families in mind, but that doesn’t mean it skips out on performance. Every model is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers an impressive 291 horsepower. Whether you’re merging onto busy highways or pulling a trailer full of camping gear, the Telluride has more than enough power to get the job done. It also offers a smooth, composed ride that handles well in both city traffic and on winding roads.
Families who love the outdoors will appreciate the Telluride’s adventurous side. The available all-wheel-drive system enhances grip on slippery surfaces, while specific drive modes like Snow and AWD Lock allow you to adapt to different conditions easily. With a towing capacity of up to 5,500 pounds, this SUV is up for hauling boats, small campers, or even a utility trailer.
Despite its power, the Telluride still maintains great everyday drivability. Its suspension system is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps and uneven roads so your family doesn’t feel like they’re riding a roller coaster on the way to school. Whether you’re heading off the beaten path or just heading to soccer practice, the Telluride is built to keep up with your lifestyle.
Safety You Can Count On
When it comes to family vehicles, safety is non-negotiable, and the Kia Telluride excels in this category. Named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, this SUV features a robust lineup of advanced safety features that give parents added peace of mind. Kia’s Drive Wise suite comes standard and includes tools like forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
One standout feature is Safe Exit Assist, which prevents passengers from opening their doors if it detects an approaching car or cyclist. This is especially helpful with young children who may not always think to check their surroundings. Kia has also added features like Highway Driving Assist, which takes adaptive cruise control to the next level. It helps maintain a safe distance between vehicles, adjusts speed based on speed limits, and even makes small steering corrections, creating a stress-free driving experience on long highway stretches.
For extra visibility, both in the front and behind your vehicle, the Telluride offers standard high-beam assist and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance systems. It’s clear that Kia put careful thought into making sure every trip, no matter how hectic, is as safe as possible.
Great Value in Every Trim
The Kia Telluride is proof that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability. Starting at a competitive price, even the base LX trim comes generously equipped with features like three-zone automatic climate control, advanced safety systems, and an impressive infotainment setup. The midlevel trims add luxuries like a power liftgate, upgraded materials, and refined sound systems, while the top-level SX Prestige trim offers all the bells and whistles with an extra dose of luxury.
No matter which trim you go for, the Telluride offers a strong value proposition that keeps budget-conscious families in mind. With its unbeatable combination of comfort, style, and versatility, it’s no wonder the Kia Telluride has become such a trusted name among family SUVs.
