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Has the idea of purchasing a Kia been floating around? It seems everywhere on the roads, the 2021 Kia Telluride is nearby. While the SUV certainly is popular, what does Edmunds have to say about it? Check out the review of what the company enjoyed and where the Telluride fell short.

Is the 2021 Kia Telluride a good car?

A Kia Telluride SUV on display at an award show
A Kia Telluride SUV on display during the 2019 NBA Awards | Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Turner Sports

Edmunds calls the 2021 Kia Telluride a top-rated SUV. The company also gave the Telluride the best midsize 3-row SUV for 2021. With an expert rating of 8.4 out of 10, what makes this SUV so desirable to drivers?

While 2020 was the first year for this SUV, Kia came out ready to fight. It has room for eight passengers with a third row that can fit adults. Edmunds notes it “rides smoothly and is abundantly equipped with the latest technology and safety features.”

Kia has an industry-leading warranty that consists of 10-years and 1000,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage. In addition to that, there is also a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty for some vehicles.

Edmunds calls the Telluride satisfying and notes that the V6 is responsive. Compared to the acceleration of the Honda Pilot or Hyundai Palisade, it still came out on top. The stop-start feature is helpful to save fuel and keeps the engine quiet at short stops.

From what we can tell, the Telluride offers a lot of value for potential buyers. It has all of the latest safety features and infotainment features. It has room for plenty of passengers and cargo space but won’t break the bank.

Edmunds states that the SUV has adaptive cruise control and numerous collision avoidance systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standards, as do enough USB plugs to keep electronics going.

The SX trim (more on that later) has a head up display and intercom features for the back rows.

The EPA-estimated fuel economy comes in at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. When tested, Edmunds found the SUV got around 23 mpg throughout the journey. Not the best rating in its class, but not the worst, either. It does take regular gas, which helps make it more economical.

What are the trim levels for the 2021 Kia Telluride?

The 2021 Telluride has a few trim options. The LX trim starts at $32,190. It comes with automatic emergency braking and warning, blind-spot detection technology, and cruise control.

The S starts at $34,590. The S trim offers a power sunroof and 20-inch wheels. It also has a remote start and heated front seats.

The EX has all of the other features but also includes an upgraded navigation area. It has wireless phone charging, a power liftgate, and heated/ventilated front seats starting at $37,590.

Finally, the Telluride SX trim is at the top level. It has LED headlights and fogs, dual sunroofs, and second-row captain’s chairs. Starting at $42,490, the price is still lower than some competitors.

In addition to these options, each one has available upgrades to choose from. Upgraded wheels, infotainment systems, and other audio upgrades. Whatever is needed to make the SUV of your dreams.

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