From the moment it stepped off the production line, the Kia Telluride has had the votes of experts and consumers alike. But first impressions are very different from lasting impressions. As a completely new vehicle, the Telluride’s performance over time could prove different from its initial wow factor. After 20,000 miles, will the 2020 Kia Telluride still deserve its prestigious position?

The Kia Telluride’s favoritism goes beyond the test drive

Experts at Car and Driver got their hands on a brand-new 2020 Kia Telluride but luckily got to keep it beyond the test drive. In fact, according to Car and Driver’s recent reports, it’s been roughly 10 months since they first took the 2020 Kia Telluride back to the office, and it’s so popular, “editors are piling on the miles.”

As proof that the Telluride’s popularity stretches beyond the test track, Car and Driver editors racked up nearly 24,000 miles in around 10 months. This means an average of more than 500 miles were put on the Telluride each week.

The Kia Telluride has been admittedly “in demand among editors” for small errands as well as personal vacations and adventures. So what about the Telluride has Car and Driver experts so impressed? And how did it perform under its demand?

How the 2020 Kia Telluride proved its merit

It is important to know how a vehicle performs over time as maintaining a vehicle is just as important as first impressions. More than halfway through its 40,000-mile testing, the Telluride still impresses.

Aside from a random windshield accident, Car and Driver experts only needed to make trips to the dealer for its regularly-scheduled oil changes, tire rotations, etc. And even with the expense of a replacement windshield, editors believe in the Telluride’s value, saying they’ve “already forgotten about it.” This means that after 20,000 miles, the Kia Telluride’s maintenance costs are nearly non-existent. 

Labeled as the “cool kid” around the office, the 2020 Kia Telluride is proving it’s a formidable machine. It accompanied editors on errands around town but also adventures across the country. Even pulling 3,000 pounds for more than 400 miles, the Telluride provided “no drama” along the way. Past its capabilities, features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, comfortable seating, and fancy accents make it fun and convenient to drive. The experts admit being “flummoxed” in finding even something trivial to complain about.

A champion from its debut

After the long-term reaction, it should come as no surprise that it wasn’t long after receiving keys that Car and Driver experts fell in love with the 2020 Kia Telluride. Not only does it earn Car and Driver’s approval with a perfect 10/10 rating, but the 2020 Kia Telluride is also awarded a spot in its “10 Best” and “Editor’s Choice” lists.

Finding it difficult to see fault with the Telluride, its average fuel economy and not-entirely-sporty attitude were found to be its biggest faults. Experts were quickly won over by its interior space and features, as well as impressive performance that boasts “prestige at a low price.”

That option isn’t just Car and Driver’s bias either. Out of 24 midsize SUVs, Consumer Reports ranks the 2020 Kia Telluride as its No. 1 choice. Not just the No. 1 pick, its highly impressive overall score of 92 (out of 100) is unmatched throughout all segments, and its road test score of 97 is unheard of.

Calling it a “formidable competitor,” the experts were amazed at its balance between cargo space and refined driving experience. Its valuable and thoughtful features as well as a decent price earn it a perfect predicted owner satisfaction score of five (out of five). It seems the Kia Telluride earns its crown.