The new 2022 Kia Telluride is the hottest SUV on the market right now. It’s one of those vehicles that caught a wave and stayed on it. Of course, that’s been helped out a great deal by the chip shortage. Unfortunately, you couldn’t get a Telluride right now if you wanted to. That is, supposing you should be buying one in the first place.

What’s wrong with the 2022 Kia Telluride

Frankly, there isn’t really much wrong with the 2022 Kia Telluride. For starters, it’s a handsome-looking thing. . Moreover, it’s not just looks. The new Kia SUV is a smash-hit family hauler. In fact, Consumer Reports loves the 2022 Kia Telluride. So does just about every publication out there.

However, you shouldn’t be buying one for other reasons. Consumer Reports rated the 2022 Kia Telluride highly in nearly every category but one: fuel economy. Unfortunately, the Telluride is a little thirsty. Moreover, it’s not the greatest for the planet either. Consumer reports managed a lowly 14 mpg city. The 2022 Kia Telluride did a little better on the highway, at 30 mpg. But it also scored a shocking 4/10 for greenhouse gas emissions. And that’s why you shouldn’t want one.

You shouldn’t be buying a thirsty car right now

Now, before I get too much further into this I should clarify that Kia is pushing for a greener image. The brand will have 11 EVs in the lineup by 2025, after all. However, the fact of the matter is that the 2022 Kia Telluride isn’t very good for the planet. It’s also not very good for your wallet. Burning all that gas is expensive, especially right now. Here in Colorado, 91 octane is up to nearly $4.30 a gallon.

So, in short, you should skip the Telluride if you’re concerned about the planet. I’m not saying don’t go buy a Kia, but maybe wait for the EV equivalent. Manufacturers need to start playing a larger role in the climate crisis, and SUVs like the Telluride aren’t a good look for the industry. I mean, we still make the Cadillac Escalade for Christ’s sake.

High prices- and tempratures- are set to continue

This trend of higher temperatures and more weather extremes is set to continue. The auto industry also plays a large part in our global carbon footprint, and that includes the Kia Telluride. I hate to be a downer, but if you’re not worried, you should be. Buying a greener car is a great place to start.

Yes, the 2022 Kia Telluride is good at a great many things, but right now cars need to be getting better at only one thing: Being greener. For now, at least, the Telluride isn’t, and consumers ought to take issue with that, especially as more automakers begin to make the switch to sustainable materials and EV development.