2021 KIA Telluride Review

July 12, 2021

When you think SUV, Kia might not be the first brand that comes to mind. This year, Kia is aiming to change that with their most ambitious SUV yet. The 2021 Kia Telluride is Kia’s biggest and most ambitious SUV yet. This midsize crossover beauty raises the standard and challenges some of the best-known SUVs in the market, namely the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and the Ford Explorer. If you’re interested in driving one yourself, contact Dick Hannah KIA. A friendly sales associate will gladly take you on a 2021 Kia Telluride test drive.

Though new to the market, the bold American-made 3-rower comes with tons of technology and safety features packaged nicely within its comfy, sophisticated interior. Its unique features and design make it evident that Kia did their homework beforehand. In its first year out, the Kia Telluride won the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award for its segment and was named the overall Best New Model. Slowly, the Kia Telluride is becoming an SUV staple.

Highs

• Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award winner
• Impressive standard safety features
• Seating for 7 or 8 passengers
• Bold design & Spacious interior
• Intuitive infotainment system

What’s New

This year, Kia rolled out a fresh new logo on its latest models, including the Telluride. The rebrand also brought some new exterior signature features, including a mildly restyled grille, rear liftgate, and a stylish steering wheel cover. The 2021 Telluride’s bottom two trims also benefit from a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen and automated temperature control. In addition, both models now come with semi-autonomous adaptive cruise control that even utilizes the navigation system to actively adjust the vehicle’s speed going into and out of corners.

Pricing

• LX $34,015
• S $36, 515
• EX $39,015
• SX $43,915

Performance

Under the hood, the Telluride is blessed with a powerful V-6 that generates 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Its engine is coupled nicely with an eight-speed automatic transmission that runs smoothly through the front wheels in the standard trims—all-wheel drive options are available as an upgrade on all models. On test drives, the 2021 Telluride is a firm rider and handles most terrains gracefully. Its standard 3.8-liter V6 engine is responsive and rarely hesitates in harsher terrains. Its various modes – Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart – allow for a dynamic road experience. In addition, All-wheel-drive models have an extra feature for snow, with a lock mode that increases power between the front and rear wheels for optimum traction in off-highway use. For a chance to see for yourself, stop by Dick Hannah Kia for a test drive. A sales associate is always available to accommodate a thorough test drive with diverse terrains.

Interior and Tech

The 2021 Kia Telluride is a roomy three-row SUV with the ability to fit seven or eight passengers comfortably. The seven-passenger setup comes with two captain’s seats in the second row. That arrangement is optional on S and EX models and standard on the top-line SX trim. The cabin alone is one of the roomiest in its class and is enhanced by a low center console giving passengers a stadium-style feel, with each row slightly higher as you go rearward. The cargo room isn’t lacking in any way. Folding rear rows creates 87 cubic feet of cargo room, perfect for hauling items of various sizes.

The 2021 Kia Telluride comes with a robust yet easy-to-use infotainment system that features a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 6-speaker audio system, and five USB inputs.

Safety and Driver-Assistance

The 2021 Kia Telluride comes packed with an impressive amount of safety features. Its comprehensive suite includes:

• Forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking
• Lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control with stop and go
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Warranty

The 2021 Telluride comes with impressive coverage and one of the most extended powertrain warranties in the industry.

• The limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers ten years or 100,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance, unfortunately

Conclusion

Overall, the Telluride hauls families in comfort and style. It’s packed with desirable features and quality at an accessible price. Its upscale interior, airy seating space, and ample cargo make the Telluride an excellent fit for various scenarios. With Kia’s impressive warranty and comprehensive safety features, you can have a peaceful commute or adventure. Don’t just take our word for it; visit Dick Hannah KIA for a friendly test drive/road test with one of our store associates. Thanks for reading our review of the new 2021 Nissan Altima.