The 2020 Telluride is the latest SUV to join Kia’s lineup. It’s a midsize SUV with three rows, perfect for larger families. It also has more cargo room than other Kia SUVs, like the Sportage or the Sorento. However, the base trim is a little more expensive than these models.

A new Telluride retails for a little over $30,000. This is average for its class, but some rivals are cheaper. Still, the Telluride has a few unique standard and available features you may not find on other vehicles. But, does the Telluride come with enough standard features to justify its price?

The Telluride’s standard interior features

The LX , the base level Telluride trim, can seat up to eight passengers. The seats are made of synthetic leather, while the steering wheel is wrapped in genuine leather. Higher trims have additional comfort options, like heating and ventilation. Still, the base seats are comfortable and adjustable enough for most passengers.

Both the cabin and the second row are spacious enough for adults. Some reported that headspace in the third row is too minimal, but these seats can be reclined if needed. Second-row passengers can also control the air-conditioning settings. The back rows can be folded down neatly and open up a combined 87 cubic feet of storage space.

The Teulluride’s safety features

The Telluride comes with a great selection of active standard safety features. Kia’s Drive Wise suite is standard, which includes forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitors, automatic emergency braking, and lane-switching assistance.

The Telluride also comes with parking sensors and rear-seat alert. The latter is a relatively new feature, introduced to protect children and animals from being left in hot cars.

The Telluride also has a few features that make it sportier than standard SUVs. Electronic stability control, a rollover sensor, hill-start assist, and vehicle stability management are all included.

Active all-wheel drive is also an option, which can detect road conditions and adjust itself automatically. While this feature isn’t included on the LX, it may be worth buying if you’re an avid off-roader.

Infotainment

Like most new SUVs, a lot of advanced technology is standard. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, accessible through the 8-inch touchscreen. Bluetooth, a six-speaker audio system, remote start, and cruise control are also included. Multiple USB ports can be found inside for on-the-go charging.

The Telluride also has a few more unique standard features made with families in mind. With Driver Talk, the front-seat drivers can feed their voices through the backseat speakers to get the attention of the other passengers. Quiet Mode is also included, which mutes the backseat speakers. This feature is particularly convenient for when kids need a nap on long car rides.

What engines are available?

The Telluride only has one engine option, but it gives the vehicle ample power in most situations. Under the hood is a 3.8-liter V6 that puts out 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel-drive is available. The V6 also gets good gas mileage. With standard front-wheel drive, it gets 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on highway roads.

Extra power

In addition to its off-roading features, the Telluride also comes with four different drive modes, including a sports setting. It can get better ground clearance than most SUVs at up to eight inches. Critics also noted that the car’s suspension does a great job on uneven pavement.

The Telluride has some impressive accolades, including MotorTrend’s 2020 SUV of the Year and Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy award. It also has an excellent predicted reliability rating. The Telluride may be a new model, but we think it’s definitely worth giving it a test drive.