Avoid the 2023 Kia Telluride on Everyman Driver

If you're in the market for a three-row midsize SUV, you'd do well to check out the 2023 Kia Telluride. Since its introduction in 2020, the Telluride has accumulated a long list of awards and accolades for its blend of comfort, convenience, and value.

For 2023, the Telluride receives a mild styling refresh, but it remains instantly recognizable. The interior is new and its modern execution includes a curved glass display. The cabin continues to draw praise for its sturdy construction and materials that rival some luxury vehicles. There are also two new trim levels available with added off-road capabilities: the X-Line and X-Pro.

The Kia Telluride is the standard by which other SUVs in the class are judged. The related Hyundai Palisade is its closest rival since they share most of their mechanical components. Other worthy competitors include the Honda Pilot, Volkswagen Atlas, and Mazda CX-9.

The 2023 Kia Telluride is available in 10 trim levels: LX, S, EX, EX X-Line, SX, SX X-Line, SX X-Pro, SX Prestige, SX Prestige X-Line, and SX Prestige X-Pro. All come with front-wheel or optional all-wheel drive.

At a time when many carmakers are replacing larger six-cylinder engines with turbocharged four-cylinders, the 2023 Kia Telluride sticks with a burly 3.8-liter V6 that produces 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. That makes it one of the most powerful in the class and gets the Telluride to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds, which is respectable for a three-row SUV. The eight-speed automatic transmission strikes a good balance between fuel economy and responsiveness, delivering power on demand.
All that horsepower from the Kia's big, brawny V6 does limit the 2023 Telluride's fuel economy. Mileage is only average for this class. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the front-wheel-drive 2023 Kia will deliver 20 mpg in city driving and 26 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive dips those numbers to 19/24 mpg city/highway. During our testing, an all-wheel-drive 2022 Telluride earned 20 mpg in mixed driving around Southern California cities and freeways. In this class, the Toyota Highlander is the fuel-efficiency leader, especially in hybrid trim.

[Amp_Edition]

Made me laugh when he says a 54k car is a steal...prices of cars are out of control

[mrjasonaquino]

We got our Telluride last month and no single regret! My favorite unit already! Super duper recommendable for families!

[shauntampa]

I have the original Telluride and have had it for four years. No problems at all with the vehicle and still drives like it’s brand new.

[MorDeals]

I like how you had me thinking you were going to bash the Kia Telluride 😄. I was ready to hit the thumb down lol. You are absolutely right these Kia Tellurides are awesome vehicles!!

[kingswan]

On my 2nd Telluride, no issues no complaints.

[TheTundraDude]

I have a 23 Telluride X Line, bought it January 2023 for $59, 844 and actually drove 7.5 hours to another state to get the color I wanted. It’s Dawning Red exterior with quilted baseball glove colored leather interior. It has all the bells and whistles. I’ve only had one recall for the parking brake, which was just a software update. I drove it from my home in Saint Simons, Georgia to Bozeman Montana four months after I purchased it and it handled beautifully. Going through South Dakota where the speed limits in some places was 85 mph, in sport mode, my Telluride handled like a rocket. My other vehicle is a bulletproof 5.7 L V8 Tundra double cab, which gets 16.2 miles per gallon. It’s not the best vehicle to drive across the country on a 3000 mile road trip. My Telluride averaged 35 miles per gallon driving across the country. The heated seats were just what was needed on cold Yellowstone nights, and the cooling feature on the seats was needed and welcomed in Las Vegas, where it was hotter than hell. I love my Telluride.

[zackkadish]

My wife's on her 2nd, about to get a third and we have had zero issues or complaints

[dre_withthek]

I traded my 2021 Nightfall for a 23 SX Prestige and love it. Love the new infotainment center.

[savillecreations]

We took delivery of our 2023 xPro a couple months ago. Took 18 months to get it. Definitely a great SUV. I do wish they did dual exhaust and staggered wheels…but I’m getting picky 😅

[CindyDean-uv]

I bought the first one out, and love it. Four friends and I do a lot of traveling in it. We are from age 63 to 74 and we have never had a problem.

[johnnyloungejazz]

54K For My 23 Xs Pro here. Been looking for a couple of years for a car to replace My 2013 GMC Acadia which was the best car I ever had. I looked at the new and used Yukon pricing and couldn’t believe what they were asking. This Telluride has more option and styling for the Money. Love the Telluride. Black with Terracotta Interior. Beautiful

[jayparks]

Good to hear you still like the vehicle. We build them all day in West Point, GA. Hope you get one soon! Later in ‘25, you can trade for EV9 when it comes. Btw love the scruffy look.

[SupreemSPGamer]

Kia is now full of German engineer's and designers. They just hired another BMW designer. Kia (and Genesis/Hyundai) is Quality.

[CHATO]

Would You Recomend this over the New Highlander Hybrid? Especially since Toyota has a History of being more Reliable.

[foreverbrownsfan]

We have a 2020 S Trim that we LOVE. We have owned 5 Kia and Hyundai vehicles over last 15 years. Loved each one!

[gamerintelligence]

i bought my first KIA Cerato 2 Liter Engine brand new from the Dealership in Dubai in 2014 and it still runs like a top in 2024. Its now 27000 KMS (167700 Miles). still love the fuel economy.

[gaae]

My gf has the 2023 Sportage and I have learned to like it. I am thinking of getting the Telluride and think will do great here in South Florida. Liked the review, I clicked the bell :)

[Spaceguy]

You wouldn’t believe it. But we own a Hyundai Veracruz 2012 Limited edition. Just so you know, we used it for long drive (California to New Jersey) and 3 back to back trips to New Brunswick Canada and a lot more out of state trips. Hyundai never fails us. Ours is over 10 years old and obviously overused but this time we are ready to have another one.

[gunnsteinnjonsson]

When l have an eye on a new car l try to find all the negative reviews and comments to see if there is a common problem with the car. I just bought a 2024 X line Telluride that l have not gotten delivered yet, so l got a little bit worried when l saw the title of your video 😂 l was pleasantly surprised to watch your video. I will get my Telluride delivered after three days and l look very much forward to it. Thanks for a grest video 😂

[joelb]

I watched, commented and then subscribed in 2020 after you first reviewed the Telluride. I had just traded in my X5 for the top trim end of 2019. I don't put a lot of miles on the car...but it's been great. Have two kids and we still enjoy the vehicle. Our other vehicle is the Model X. The only downside I see in the Telluride experience is the Kia dealer... they are the achilles heel. They could've leveraged the Telluride to become a trusted and loved seller...in the end, they haven't been able to handle being the hot girl at the party.

Full disclosure: I bought online and out of state. Paid msrp plus shipping.