The 2020 Kia Telluride has had two different recalls since 2019 — but you shouldn’t let this deter you from taking one for a spin. In fact, the Telluride is incredibly well-reviewed by Consumer Reports, with decent predicted reliability ratings despite its recalls. If you’re on the fence about this SUV, here’s everything you need to know to decide if it’s the right fit for you.

The Kia Telluride’s recalls

Since its release, the 2020 Kia Telluride has been through two recalls. The most recent, in July 2020, involved inoperative trailer brake lights that didn’t function correctly in conjunction with the Telluride’s Smart Cruise Control.

The 2020 Telluride’s first recall was in August 2019. At that time, Kia began investigating certain Telluride models that did not have proper seat belt assemblies. This created a particular danger for children as the incorrect seat belt assemblies made it so that child seats would not be properly secured in the event of a crash, which led to an increased risk of injury.

In response to this problem, Kia dealers replaced all defective seatbelts free of charge. As some driver’s side seat belts featured non-U.S. labels, the dealers also replaced these with seat belts that met U.S. specifications.

The Telluride’s excellent ratings

Despite its two recalls, the 2020 Kia Telluride performs well in just about every area, earning it a spot as the No. 1 Midsize SUV on Consumer Reports. The Telluride has an overall score of 92/100, with a predicted owner satisfaction rating of five out of five. In every area from comfort and convenience to value and emergency handling, the Telluride gets near-perfect scores (although it is worth noting that it dips below average in fuel economy, getting a three out of five).

This SUV also has a predicted reliability rating of four out of five, with perfect ratings in just about every reliability trouble spot. In fact, compared to other similar vehicles, Consumer Reports ranked the Telluride as the second most reliable, trailing just slightly behind the Subaru Ascent.

Based on its overall performance on its road test, Consumer Reports reviewers concluded that the Telluride is a “formidable competitor” in its class, with plenty of great features, a spacious interior, and a pleasant driving experience.

Although it isn’t particularly sporty, the Telluride has a good suspension that makes for a comfortable ride even on bumpy roads. It is also quiet, and performed well in its avoidance-maneuver test despite its bulky size.

Additionally, the Telluride boasts large, comfortable seats and high-quality materials in the cabin. The seats can easily be moved around, and the large windows make for excellent visibility.

Specs and features

Related: How Reliable Is the Kia Telluride?

The Kia Telluride has a 3.8-liter V6 engine that makes 291 hp. It gets 14 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway, lagging slightly behind many of its competitors.

The Telluride’s infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, and it’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, Consumer Reports does note that the touchscreen can be hard to reach if you tend to sit further back from the steering wheel.

One of the major advantages of this SUV is its wealth of standard safety features. These include blind spot warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, a rear-seat reminder, and forward collision warning. With a starting cost of $41,000, the Telluride offers a lot at a highly affordable price point.

If you’re looking for a new SUV, it’s hard to go wrong with this one. Although it has had two recalls, the 2020 Kia Telluride has earned its reputation as a reliable and competitive vehicle. With its responsive steering, quiet cabin, and abundance of standard safety features, it is well worth your consideration.