The Kia Telluride has quickly become a favorite among drivers looking for a midsize SUV that blends comfort, capability, and advanced technology. Since its debut, the Telluride has earned numerous awards and accolades for its sleek design, spacious interior, and impressive performance. If you’re considering buying a used Kia Telluride, you’re making a wise choice. Not only does the Telluride offer premium features at a competitive price, but purchasing a used model allows you to enjoy all of the SUV’s benefits while saving on the initial cost.
In this 1200-word exploration, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the Kia Telluride such an attractive option in the used SUV market. We’ll cover everything from performance and design to safety and technology, highlighting why the Telluride stands out among its competitors.
Why Consider a Used Kia Telluride?
The Kia Telluride is a relatively new vehicle, having been introduced in 2019, but it has already made a huge impact in the midsize SUV segment. If you’re in the market for a used SUV, the Telluride offers a blend of modern features, reliability, and excellent value.
- Cost Savings: Buying a used vehicle often comes with significant savings compared to purchasing new. A used Telluride typically costs less than a brand-new model, even if it’s only a few years old. You can often find models that still have some remaining factory warranty coverage, adding even more value to your purchase.
- Proven Reliability: The Telluride has quickly established itself as a reliable SUV. Kia’s reputation for building vehicles with high-quality materials and lasting performance means that even a pre-owned Telluride can offer years of dependable service. Additionally, Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is often transferable to new owners, providing peace of mind.
- Excellent Resale Value: The Kia Telluride is known for holding its value well. While many vehicles depreciate rapidly, the Telluride’s high demand and award-winning reputation have kept its resale value strong. This means that even when you buy used, you’re investing in a vehicle that retains much of its value over time.
Performance and Powertrain Options
Under the hood, the Kia Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth shifts and a responsive driving experience. The V6 engine strikes a nice balance between power and efficiency, making it suitable for everything from daily commuting to long road trips and even light towing.
Many used Telluride models come with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, but all-wheel drive (AWD) is also available. AWD models provide extra traction and stability, particularly in challenging road conditions like rain or snow. This makes the AWD-equipped Telluride a popular choice for families living in areas with harsh weather or for those who enjoy outdoor activities and need a bit more capability.
The Telluride’s towing capacity is another strong point. With the ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds, the Telluride can easily handle trailers, boats, or campers, making it a versatile option for families who love weekend getaways or outdoor adventures.
Interior Comfort and Space
One of the standout features of the Kia Telluride is its spacious and well-appointed interior. Designed with families in mind, the Telluride offers three rows of seating, comfortably accommodating up to eight passengers. Even in used models, the interior materials are high-quality, with soft-touch surfaces, available leather upholstery, and a thoughtfully designed layout that prioritizes both comfort and functionality.
Whether you’re driving across town or taking a long road trip, passengers will appreciate the ample legroom and headroom in both the second and third rows. The second row can be configured with either a bench seat or captain’s chairs, depending on the model, offering flexibility for seating and cargo arrangements.
Speaking of cargo, the Telluride offers plenty of room for all your gear. With the third row up, you still get about 21 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold down the third row, and that number increases to nearly 46 cubic feet, while folding down both the second and third rows gives you an impressive 87 cubic feet of space. This makes the Telluride ideal for everything from grocery runs to family vacations, where you need room for luggage, sports equipment, or other supplies.
Technology and Infotainment
The Kia Telluride is loaded with modern technology, even in its earlier model years. One of the highlights of the Telluride is its UVO infotainment system, which comes with either an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen depending on the trim level. This system is easy to use, with clear graphics and quick response times, making it simple for drivers and passengers to control navigation, music, and vehicle settings.
Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration with your smartphone for hands-free calls, music streaming, and navigation. Many used Telluride models also come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, multiple USB ports, and an available wireless charging pad, ensuring that everyone stays connected and charged during the drive.
Higher trim levels may include additional tech features like a premium Harman Kardon sound system, head-up display, and dual-zone automatic climate control, offering a more luxurious driving experience. Rear passengers can also enjoy available rear-seat entertainment systems and USB ports to keep devices charged on long trips.
Advanced Safety Features
Safety is a top priority in the Kia Telluride, and even used models come with an impressive array of advanced driver-assistance features. Many of these features are included as part of Kia’s Drive Wise safety suite, which uses sensors, cameras, and other technologies to help prevent accidents and protect passengers.
Some of the most notable safety features available in used Telluride models include:
- Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking: Alerts you to potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and can automatically apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate the impact.
- Lane Keeping Assist: Monitors your position on the road and gently steers the vehicle back into the correct lane if you begin to drift.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring: Alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, helping to prevent accidents during lane changes.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns you of approaching vehicles when backing out of parking spaces or driveways.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed based on traffic conditions.
These features not only enhance safety but also improve the overall driving experience by reducing stress and making the Telluride easier to handle in various driving scenarios.
Trim Levels and Features
When shopping for a used Kia Telluride, you’ll likely come across several different trim levels, each offering a unique set of features. The most common trims you’ll find include:
- LX: The base model, which still comes well-equipped with features like the 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of safety technologies.
- S: Adds 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, and additional driver-assistance features.
- EX: Upgrades include leather upholstery, a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, a power liftgate, and additional luxury touches.
- SX: The top-of-the-line model, which adds premium features like a panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon audio system, ventilated front seats, and a surround-view camera system.
Each trim level offers an impressive mix of features, allowing buyers to choose the one that best suits their needs and budget.
Conclusion: Why the Kia Telluride is a Top Pick for Used SUV Buyers
The Kia Telluride has quickly earned a reputation as one of the best midsize SUVs on the market, and for good reason. Its combination of spaciousness, comfort, advanced technology, and safety features makes it an ideal choice for families, adventurers, and daily commuters alike. Buying a used Kia Telluride allows you to enjoy all of these benefits at a more affordable price point while still getting a reliable, capable, and stylish vehicle.
Whether you need a versatile SUV for family outings, a capable vehicle for road trips, or a comfortable commuter for daily driving, the used Kia Telluride delivers on all fronts. Its impressive performance, tech-forward interior, and award-winning design make it a top contender for anyone in the market for a pre-owned midsize SUV.
