South Korean automaker Kia is killing the game in the SUV vehicle class. The automaker has produced several SUV models that are major players in their respective vehicle segments. This 2022 Kia SUV checks all boxes but one fuel economy.

This 2022 Kia SUV is practically perfect

Does the perfect midsize SUV exist? If it does, it looks something like the 2022 Kia Telluride, according to multiple automotive publications and experts. Many critics agree that the Telluride is the best midsize SUV on the market for the money.

This 2022 Kia SUV is affordable, practical, and comes with plenty of standard features for its price. The 2022 Kia Telluride starts at $33,090. It scored a perfect 10/10 from Car and Driver. The midsize SUV also earned an Editor’s Choice award from the automotive publication. What’s so great about the Telluride?

The Kia Telluride has an attractive exterior and cabin. It uses great materials and has incredible styling for its price. The midsize SUV has a five-star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rating.

The 2022 Kia Telluride may seem like the perfect SUV, but it does have one shortcoming that’s even more accentuated today: gas mileage. It achieves 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. This works out to a combined total of 23 miles per gallon. While this fuel economy isn’t horrible for a vehicle of its size, some rivals offer better fuel economy.

Is the Kia Telluride fuel efficient?

The Kia Telluride isn’t the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its segment. Thanks to hybrid technology, there are several midsize SUVs that get amazing gas mileage for their size. The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets an incredible 36 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Telluride has an 18.8-gallon gas tank. According to AAA.com, the national average gas price as of March 2022 is $4.25. It costs around $80 to refuel the midsize SUV. The Telluride should get close to 432 miles of range. The Highlander Hybrid gets a whopping 627 miles of range on a full tank. A full tank of gas should cost Highlander Hybrid owners about $76.

When compared side by side to a hybrid midsize SUV like the Highlander Hybrid, the Telluride isn’t as appealing under the lens of fuel efficiency. Consumer Reports gave the Telluride nearly perfect scores for everything. Some of its lowest scores are in the fuel economy, greenhouse gas, and smog rating categories.

The 2022 Kia Telluride has an overall score of 97 based on Consumer Reports’ rating system. While a rating that high could cause consumers to come to the conclusion that the Telluride is the perfect midsize SUV, its one imperfection is a huge one. As rising gas prices devastate millions of Americans already grappling with inflation in other facets of life, can the average American afford to refuel the Telluride?

Is the 2022 Kia Telluride a good SUV?

Fuel economy aside, it’s tough to deny the 2022 Kia Telluride’s greatness. It offers a 10.25-inch standard touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The midsize SUV also comes standard with remote start and proximity keyless entry. It’s more affordable than many of its rivals and is easily one of the best options on the market.

The Telluride has its strengths, but consumers can’t afford to disregard one of its biggest weaknesses. Is the Kia Telluride still the best midsize SUV option as gas prices soar?