When we’re challenged about SUVs like the Kia Telluride, we rise to the occasion. So when we had the opportunity to put the 2022 Kia Telluride through the paces, we didn’t hesitate for a single second. Now we know what the big deal is. 

What’s so great about the 2022 Kia Telluride? 

There are many great things to say about the Kia Telluride, but we also found a few potential cons. Our week with the Telluride came after speculating about how the new Mazda CX-90 could give the Telluride a run for its money. 

James Bell, Head of Kia Corporate Communications, sent us a Telluride after saying it would have no problem keeping the CX-90 in the rearview mirror.

After spending time behind the wheel, James isn’t wrong. We did forget about the CX-90, but we did think about how it compares to popular rivals such as the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer. 

What are the Telluride pros? 

1. The 2022 Telluride is comfortable 

The 2022 Kia Telluride has large, plush, and supportive seats. They have plenty of adjustment controls to find the perfect driving or riding position. Taller and shorter drivers can fit perfectly. It’s the Goldilocks SUV, meaning it’s just right. 

The headrest and lumbar support make it easy to relax for a hassle-free driving experience. Also, The heated and ventilated seats are strong and effective in providing relief. 

The second row features captain’s chairs with plenty of support and comfort. They can slide back and forth to provide more leg room as needed. Plus, there’s tons of head space. 

Even the third row is spacious. People around 5’1″ still have over an inch of knee space before hitting the seat in front of them. The backrest sits at a nice angle too. 

2. Personalization

You can cater the Kia Telluride to your personal desires and save your settings. There are two driver profiles that will save your seating position, radio settings, screen colors, safety settings, and more. There are also guest profiles for your kids and friends. 

Each part of the vehicle can be customized. For example, you can even change the settings on the head-up display to place the speed limit in a different spot and adjust how bright the infotainment system is. 

The driving modes for Comfort, Sport, and Eco provide different throttle responses and noise levels to adjust to different moods. Use Eco Mode to save fuel and the Sport Mode to have some fun. Also, relax with the quiet and smooth Comfort Mode. 

3. The tech is epic

We have to revisit the tech. The 10.3-inch infotainment screen has crisp graphics and works quickly. Finding certain menus and functions in a matter of seconds is easy. It can be used as a touch screen, but physical buttons are nearby with clear labels. 

The digital gauge cluster can be adjusted to display specific stats, such as your fuel economy or route. Also, the 360-degree camera makes it extremely easy to maneuver around tight areas confidently. 

4. The Telluride’s capability is surprising

Don’t sleep on the 2022 Kia Telluride. It has off-roading capabilities. It has all-wheel drive, a locking differential, and down-hill speed control. We took it off the pavement despite being worried about the 8.0-inch ground clearance, and it was great. 

The Telluride can handle larger dips and ruts with ease. It feels stable and confident in slippery patches of mud and on loose gravel. You can turn off traction control if you want to have more freedom on the trail. 

The undercarriage, front bumper, and rear bumper cleared obstacles without touching them. We wouldn’t push the Telluride too hard, but it can get you to campsites and off the beaten track. 

5. Storage in the Kia Telluride is abundant

Did you know the Telluride is incredibly spacious? There are 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and up to 87.0 cubes total. Plus, there is a large underfloor storage compartment in the trunk area. 

The rear hatch is wide and deep with a low liftover height. Also, the center console is wide and deep. There are storage trays and cubbies up front for storing your keys, wallet, and other personal items. 

Potential Kia Telluride Cons 

1. The Telluride has heft around curves 

The Kia Telluride is big, but it’s not too big. It doesn’t feel as heavy as rivals such as the Toyota Sequoia. However, you can notice some of its heft around curves and while changing lanes at higher speeds. 

Despite the lumbering feel, the 2022 Kia Telluride is surprisingly agile. It has a tight turning radius and can quickly get in and out of tight spaces. But the Ford Explorer is noticeably sportier. 

2. Sensitive Telluride safety systems 

We appreciate how safe the 2022 Kia Telluride is. Plus, it’s loaded with standard features to up the value. However, the lane-keeping assist system was a little sensitive and pushy. Getting near the line causes loud beeps and firmly tightens the steering wheel. 

Plus, the forward collision warning system can be sensitive. A few times, when we were clearly paying attention to the traffic in front of us, the collision warning went off with loud beeps and hit the breaks. It was a little jarring. 

But as mentioned above, it’s easy to personalize your experience. The safety functions can be turned off with the touch of a button. 

3. Radio quality 

We were in the Kia Telluride SX, which is the top-spec trim. But our Harmon Kardon audio system seemed off. The bass wasn’t clear, but the radio settings were set to the standard options. 

Perhaps one of the drivers before us blew a speaker, or the system needed an update. But it is nice and loud. Plus, it’s easy to connect personal devices. 

4. The auto start and stop system seems inconsistent 

The auto start and stop system is there to help the 2022 Kia Telluride save fuel. However, it’s a bit rough. You can peacefully sit in traffic as the engine starts up with a rumble and loud roar. It made us jump a few times. 

Sometimes while stopped at a stop sign or traffic light, we didn’t notice the system. We aren’t sure if it was peaceful or if it didn’t cut the engine off. 

Other times, the engine would cut back on while we were still sitting still. It was just a bit puzzling but easy to turn off with a button. 

That was a lot of Telluride information randomly thrown at you and we have more to come! Stay tuned for our complete review with all the specs.