The Kia Telluride has barely received criticism from automotive experts since its debut in 2020. Owners are also happy to learn that, on average, Kia Telluride costs are lower than some of its rivals. Of course, if you have a bad credit score, your insurance rates will be slightly higher. So, would a Kia Telluride then be too expensive to insure?

Why does bad credit affect auto insurance?

According to ValuePenguin, drivers with bad credit might have to pay up to 72% extra on their yearly auto insurance premiums. Insurance providers see a poor credit score and assume you’ll make a lot of claims, hence the price hike. 

Fortunately, if you manage to get your credit score back to good standing, your auto insurance rates will drop as a result. Paying off your credit card bills on time, until paid in full, is the best way to improve your score.

Here’s what bad credit could do to Kia Telluride insurance costs

CarEdge data shows that a Kia Telluride usually costs around $1,967 annually to insure. Thassumesing you’re a middle-aged driver with good credit and no recent at-fault accidents on your driving record. However, if you have poor credit, your insurance premiums might total $3,378 each year. 

In fact, the Kia Telluride is the automaker’s most expensive car to insure with a low credit score. Younger drivers usually have to pay slightly higher insurance rates as well. For example, someone in their 20s with bad credit could pay over $4,000 yearly to insure their Kia cars.

Is the Kia Telluride worth buying?

Kia gave the Telluride a slight refresh for the 2023 model year, but it still has the same V6 engine under its hood. It’s capable of 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD can be added to any trim, and it comes as standard equipment on the new X-Line and X-Pro models.

Both of these new trims are tuned with enhanced approach and departure angles, plus a higher ground clearance of 8.5 inches. The X-Pro gets exclusive summer tires, and the AWD system has upgraded traction control and torque vectoring. Towing capacity is boosted to 5,500 lbs on the X-Pro, and you’ll get a heavy-duty cooler for the engine. 

These trims also come with fortified roof rails and self-leveling rear suspensions. The Kia Telluride has seating for up to eight people inside, and even adults should feel comfortable in the third row. Heated cloth front seats are standard on the S trim, with ventilated front seats starting on the next trim up.

The Kia Telluride EX also has leather-trimmed seats and a sunroof, plus sound-absorbing window glass for enhanced ride comfort. The SX and SX Prestige trims offer premium features like a Harmon Kardon audio system and dual-pane sunroofs. The SX Prestige is the only model with full leather seats, starting at $50,590.

Even the cheapest Kia Telluride trim comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot and navigation. Many of the Kia Telluride’s ADAS features are also standard.

The 2023 Kia Telluride currently retails for $35,890. It’s a good deal when you consider that many of its rivals don’t offer as many standard features. Even if you choose to work on your credit score before you buy one, the Kia Telluride is worth the wait.