2022 Kia Telluride Road Test Review by Larry Nutson

2022 Kia Telluride Review

By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL

Kia America wrapped up the first four months of 2022 with the historic registration of its 10 millionth sale in the US since deliveries to buyers began in 1993. New electrified and electric vehicles are getting lots of attention with more and more new vehicle buyers interested in buying one.

That said, gasoline-powered utility vehicles continue as the popular choice for active families. The Kia Telluride with its 3-row seating for eight was named the “Best 3-Row SUV for Families” by U.S. News & World Report for the third consecutive year. And, at the recent 2022 New York Auto show Kia pulled the cover off the 2023 Telluride with its enhanced exterior design, refreshed interior, upgraded technology and two new more rugged models.

The 2023 Telluride will be available later this year. Meanwhile, the 2022 model continues to attract those in need of a versatile family vehicle. For 2022 the Telluride added the new Kia badging and slightly redesigned radiator grille. Inside, a larger 10.25-inch navigation display, fully automatic temperature control and highway driving assist to the LX and S trims, as well as Navigation Based Smart Cruise Control-Curve were added to all trims.

The mid-size Telluride is a touch under 197 inches long and rides on a 114.2 inch wheelbase. It’s long, but not too, which helps make maneuvering not too challenging. Under the hood is a 291-horsepower 3.8-L V6 mated to an 8-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is an option. There are selectable drive modes as well as a AWD locking function.

EPA rates the fuel economy at 23 mpg combined with 20 city mpg and 26 highway mpg for front drive models. With AWD the ratings are 21 mpg combined with 19 city mpg and 24 highway mpg. Telluride’s 18.8 gallon tank will take you a long way between fill-ups.

Telluride is offered in LX, S, EX and SX trims, each with the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Prices start at $33,390 and climb to $45,190, plus a $1,295 destination charge. Also available are Towing, EX Premium, Nightfall Edition and SX Prestige packages.

More information and specifications on the 2022 Kia Telluride can be found at www.kia.com. The Telluride has very deservedly received lots of accolades from the automotive media.

I drove the Telluride at its launch in 2020 and have had the opportunity to spend some time behind the wheel in subsequent years at rally drive programs produced by the Midwest Automotive Media Association. The 2020 Kia Telluride was named the Midwest Automotive Media Association Family Vehicle of the Year.

My recent drive experience in the Telluride was in a 2022 SX AWD model. This car was fitted with Glacial White Pearl paint, and the Nightfall Edition, SX Prestige and Towing packages bringing the total price to $51,010.

Seating is for seven in this model with two second row captain’s chairs. The Telluride is equipped with a good array of advanced driver-assist safety (ADAS) features that help in keeping you out of harms way. Safe Exit Assist detects approaching vehicles or bicyclists and keeps rear door openers deactivated until they pass. Highway Driving Assist can accelerate, brake and steer the vehicle using the adaptive cruise control system as long as the driver’s hands are kept on the steering wheel.

Head-up display, 10.25 inch touch screen, 360-degree surround view monitor, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and Harmon/Kardon surround sound all make the Telluride pleasurable.

The Telluride offers lots of comfort both with its smooth ride and refined, premium interior. Convenience and versatility abounds and, as mentioned, there are plenty of safety features. Seats are comfortable and supportive; outside noise from wind and tires is hardly perceived.

The engine and transmission work well together with performance that should satisfy every need. There is 5,000 lbs. of maximum towing capacity. With the seats up there’s 21 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

The mid-size utility vehicle segment is crowded with many offerings from an array of automakers. There’s something for everyone’s needs, wants and finances.

All in all, the Kia Telluride provides above-average value in a mid-size utility vehicle.