10 Things We Like and Dislike About the 2020 Kia Telluride
The all-new Kia Telluride recently won the 2020 World Car of the Year Award and we figured it would be a good time to review some of the reasons why this Korean midsize SUV is so successful—and other reasons why potential customers might be turned off.
Here are 10 things we like and dislike about the 2020 Kia Telluride…
We Like: Modern, Refined Looks
While not the most distinctive or unorthodox SUV in the segment (it can easily be confused with the Hyundai Palisade from behind), the Kia Telluride makes a big statement, even more when riding on 20-inch wheels. The classy new interpretation of the “tiger nose” grille and standard LED headlights with signature orange accent lighting are beautiful touches.
We Dislike: Lack of Agility
The Kia Telluride is relatively pleasant to drive, but that’s mostly because of its comfortable ride. It feels big on the road and handling is definitely not as sporty as a Mazda CX-9 or even a Honda Pilot.
We Like: Handsome Interior
The designers of the Kia Telluride created a superb layout with great ergonomics and plenty of light. A dual-panel panoramic sunroof comes standard and the large windows provide good visibility all around. The quality of the seats and the ride accentuates the level of comfort inside. The adjustable thigh support for the driver and super-easy access to the third row are bonuses.
We Dislike: Some of the Materials
Overall, the Kia Telluride is a good example to justify Kia’s first-place finish among mainstream car brands in J.D. Power’s latest initial quality rankings. However, there are some cheaper plastics we just can’t ignore, including on the door panels and centre console. They also get dirty in a hurry.
We Like: Practicality for the Whole Family
From the blind spot display between the instruments to the standard hands-free rear liftgate, the Kia Telluride is a practical, family-friendly SUV. Cargo capacity is rated at 601 litres behind the third row (enough to load five large grocery bags) and up to 2,455 litres overall. There are plenty of cup holders, USB ports and power outlets, too.
We Dislike: High Fuel Consumption
According to Natural Resources Canada, the 2020 Kia Telluride burns 9.6 L/100 km on the highway, 12.5 L/100 km in the city and 11.2 L/100 km combined. At least one of our test drives validated that last number, which is higher than the average fuel consumption of the Honda Pilot (11.0), Nissan Pathfinder (10.7), Mazda CX-9 (10.5), Subaru Ascent (10.4), Toyota Highlander (10.3) and others. A four-cylinder option would help.
We Like: Smart, Capable Powertrain
The Kia Telluride boasts a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It delivers adequate acceleration and better passing manoeuvres, aided by an eight-speed automatic transmission that operates seamlessly, just like the auto start-stop system. Towing capacity is the usual 5,000 pounds, but we must highlight the seven different drive modes that adjust the vehicle’s parameters to the terrain and traction requirements.
We Dislike: Shocking Price
Let’s be clear: the Kia Telluride will give you more bang for your buck than pretty much every other competitor at a similar price. But since we’re used to seeing affordable vehicles from Kia, the base price of $44,995 is fairly tough to swallow. The Hyundai Palisade, which shares its platform and powertrain with the Telluride, starts at just $38,699—or $40,699 with AWD. You can also have a Subaru Ascent for as little as $36,695.
We Like: Comprehensive Equipment
Kia Telluride customers can hardly complain no matter which trim level they select. Even in base trim, there are many upscale features that would make some luxury SUV jealous, including heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless charging for smartphones and a host of advanced safety and driver assistance systems.
We Dislike: Resale Value TDB
Another thing that might scare off potential buyers from a financial standpoint is the Telluride’s expected lower resale value. Typically, Kia products tend to depreciate faster than Toyota, Honda and Ford vehicles, for example, and this one is brand new on top of that. You have to take that into account when setting your long-term budget.