The Kia Telluride is one of the most well-received midsize SUVs on the current market. Since 2020 was its first Telluride model year, it doesn’t have the long-standing reputation of other rivals. However, based on glowing reviews from critics, it’s clear that the Telluride will have many successful years.

Reviewers have praised the car’s large cargo bay, upscale interior materials, and its strong engine. Consumer Reports was impressed with the Kia Telluride’s ride quality, naming it the quietest SUV for 2020. Here’s everything Consumer Reports enjoyed about the Kia Telluride and why it’s one of the best family vehicles.

A quiet and gentle drive

In terms of quiet cabins, the Kia Telluride beat many rivals, like the Ford Edge and Hyundai Palisade. In its road test, CR’s testers found that you could barely hear any road, wind, or tire noise from inside the cabin. The hum of the engine was also very subtle.

The Kia Telluride also has an excellent suspension that can absorb most hard bumps in the road. CR’s testers only experienced one instance of mild discomfort going over rough pavement. The Telluride definitely has some body lean, but overall it’s a breeze to control.

Impressive interior quality

Another joy of riding inside the Kia Telluride is its comfortable seats. It comes with either synthetic or genuine leather upholstery, both of which feel supportive and high-quality. CR reported that there’s a lot of legroom in the second row, but the third row is a little restrictive.

Both the first- and second-row seats also offer good adjustability. For easier access to the third row, the second-row seats have power-folding and sliding capability. The standard Telluride can hold up to eight passengers and has three complete sets of LATCH connectors for child safety seats.

Why are these factors so important?

Typically, SUV shoppers have young children that will be spending a good deal of time in the car. Because of this, it’s important to have a vehicle that drives smoothly. An SUV with a harsh ride isn’t fun for anybody, but it could potentially make some children anxious or sick.

Very young children are also inclined to take naps in the car, especially during long trips. Drivers of the Kia Telluride won’t have to worry about their children’s slumber being disturbed. This SUV also has a Quiet Mode feature, a setting that mutes the sound system’s audio in the back rows.

Other great qualities about the Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride also includes many useful standard safety features. It has lane-keeping assistance, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision warning/braking. The Kia Telluride also received good marks on crash tests from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

Consumer Reports was also impressed with the Telluride’s predicted reliability. The site gave it a nearly perfect score, citing only in-car electronics as a potential problem area. Owner satisfaction is also very high, with 90 percent of Telluride drivers saying that they would purchase the car again.

Are there any drawbacks to owning a Kia Telluride?

As you could probably guess from a vehicle its size, the Kia Telluride isn’t very agile. It’s not the best car for handling corners, and its body roll could make some drivers nervous. If you want something more sporty, the Mazda CX-9 might be a better fit.

However, the Mazda CX-9’s engine tends to be a little noisier, especially at full throttle. For many drivers, the Telluride’s V6 engine and fine-tuned suspension will suit their needs just fine. It’s also cheaper than its sporty Mazda rival, and few can beat the Telluride in terms of cargo capacity.