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If you’re looking for a three-row SUV that offers style, comfort and value — the Kia Telluride is a standout option in 2025. Here’s a simple, SEO-friendly breakdown of what it brings, what’s new this year, and how it stacks up against some rivals.
What is the Kia Telluride?
The Telluride is a mid-size SUV from Kia. It’s built for families or anyone who needs serious space — with seating for up to eight, all the modern tech and drivers-assist features, and a bold design. For many buyers, it combines premium feel without “luxury-brand” pricing.
What’s New for 2025
Upgrades & Highlights
- For 2025, the Telluride gets second-row side-impact airbags and Kia’s Highway Driving Assist 1.5 now standard across all trims. Cars.com+1
- The “X-Line” and “X-Pro” off-road / premium trims now include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Terracotta-coloured leather upholstery, and in the X-Pro the towing capacity has been increased to 5,500 lbs (about 500 lbs more than 2024). Cars.com+1
- Pricing starts at around $37,585 USD for the base trim (LX) and goes up into the low‐$50k range for top trims. Cars.com+1
Power & Efficiency
- The engine is a 3.8-litre V6 producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Cars.com+1
- Fuel economy: Front-wheel drive models are rated at about 20/26 mpg (city/highway); all-wheel drive drops to about 18/23. Car and Driver+1
What Stands Out: Pros & Cons
👍 The Good
- Spacious and comfortable: The Telluride has a generous cabin, quality materials, and comfortable seats in all rows. noblequote.com+1
- Great value: For a three-row SUV with many features, the Telluride offers strong value compared to premium brands. gerane.com
- Strong tech & safety suite: Driver assistance features are comprehensive and many are standard. Cars.com+1
- Real-world positive user reviews: Owners praise comfort and reliability in many cases. Kbb.com
👎 The Less Good
- Performance is competent but not sporty: Some reviews point out that the 291 hp V6 can feel modest when the vehicle is fully loaded. CarsDirect
- Fuel economy isn’t class-leading: For its size and power, the mpg numbers are okay but not great. Car and Driver
- Recalls & reliability notes: There are reports of reliability issues and recalls that buyers should check. Edmunds+2Reuters+2
Who Is It For?
- Families who need seating for 7-8 people and want generous cargo space.
- Buyers who want near-premium features (leather seats, large infotainment screens, advanced safety tech) without luxury brand pricing.
- Drivers who do long trips or carry gear, thanks to its higher towing capacity (especially X-Pro) and roomy cabin.
- People who value comfort and space more than sporty driving dynamics.
How It Compares to Some Rivals
Here are a few other SUVs worth comparing:
- Toyota Highlander – Slightly smaller third-row space, strong reliability reputation, hybrid options.
- Honda Pilot – Known for practicality and space but less premium feel.
- Ford Explorer – Offers more power in some trims, but perhaps higher cost of ownership.
- Volkswagen Atlas – Generous space, but may lack some premium materials and features found in Telluride.
In many reviews, the Telluride is highlighted as offering the “premium SUV feel for a mainstream brand price.”
Should You Buy the 2025 Telluride?
If you check off these conditions, then yes — the Telluride is a strong purchase:
- You need three rows of seating and will regularly use that space.
- You value interior comfort, tech features, and strong safety equipment.
- You aren’t primarily after sporty driving dynamics or ultra-high fuel economy.
- You check for the specific recalls/maintenance history if buying used.
If instead you mostly drive solo or pair, don’t need the third row often, or you prioritise ultra-efficient hybrid powertrains, there might be better fits. But for what it aims to do, the Telluride executes very well.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Kia Telluride is one of the best-rounded three-row SUVs available that blends space, comfort, features and value in a compelling package. It has few weak points, and its strengths make it a top contender for families and drivers who want a major upgrade from a typical compact SUV. If you find one in your region, it’s definitely worth serious consideration.