There’s a reasoncrossovershave quietly taken over the roads. They blend the smooth ride of a car with the space and confidence of an SUV—without going full off-roader.
They don’t have to be the best at any one thing to be perfect for everyday life. For most families, it’s about striking a balance:roomy enough, efficient enough, capable enough.
And every now and then,one crossovernails that balance better than the rest. This one in particular might just be the ultimate one-car solution—and it’s easy to see why.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Kia other authoritative sources, includingFuelEconomy.govandTopSpeed.
The 2025 Kia Telluride Does It All—and Does It Well
The 2025KiaTelluride is still a crowd favorite—and that’s no accident. It’s stayed ahead of the curve by evolving with shifting trends and what drivers actually want.
Since its debut, thisSUVhas made smart changes to meet the moment. Here’s how it continues to adapt without losing what made it a hit in the first place.
This Kia Makes Practical Feel Surprisingly Plush
The Kia Telluride earned its reputation by offering an interior that feels more upscale than you’d expect for the price. It’s also one of the rare three-row crossovers that can technically seat eight passengers.
That’s thanks to a 2-3-3 layout, with a third row wide enough to squeeze in three—though two adults will be more comfortable than three. Most trims, however, come with second-row captain’s chairs, giving you a more relaxed 2-2-3 setup.
Interior quality varies by trim, but overall, the cabin feels modern and well-finished. Base models get leatherette, while higher trims upgrade to genuine leather—especially the SX Prestige, which packs in the most premium features, including:
This SUV Can Handle More Than Just School Runs
Most people don’t need ahardcore, rock-crawling SUVthat rides like a tank on city streets. That’s where crossovers like the Kia Telluride step in—comfortable for the commute, but still ready for a weekend adventure.
The off-road-ready X-Line and X-Pro trims bring extra grip and ground clearance, but without the bumpy trade-offs of a full body-on-frame SUV. They’re built for families who spend 90 percent of their time on pavement, but still want the freedom to explore when the road ends.
Comfortable, Capable, and Easy to Love
The Telluride’s popularity comes down to this: it’s a stylish three-row SUV that feels calm, composed, and easy to live with. A subtle 2023 facelift sharpened the design, but for 2025, new dark trim and amber LED running lights give it even more presence.
Inside the SX Prestige X-Pro, everything feels thoughtfully crafted—from the cushy seats to the ultra-quiet cabin. The soft suspension and self-leveling rear end keep things level and smooth, even when you’re hauling a full load.
Despite wearing chunkier off-road tires, the ride stays impressively refined. Its 291-horsepower V6 delivers power in a relaxed, natural way, while the eight-speed automatic stays mostly invisible. Bonus: the X-Pro ups towing to 5,500 pounds—handy, without being overkill.
3.8-liter V-6
291 hp
262 lb-ft
8-speed automatic
FWD or AWD
0–60 MPH
22 mpg (FWD)
20 mpg (AWD)
Ready for Dirt Without Ditching Comfort
Kia’s X-Line and X-Pro trims were built for drivers who want a little extra off-road confidence without giving up a cushy ride. The X-Pro adds a slight bump in ground clearance, all-terrain tires, upgraded traction control, and 500 extra pounds of towing—just enough to matter, without trying to be a trail monster.
Most families don’t need rock-crawling capability anyway—they just want a vehicle that can handle a dirt road or snowy driveway without drama. Kia understood that early, and while others are still catching up, the Telluride has been quietly filling that gap for years.
Competitors like theGrand Highlander, CX-90, and Ascent don’t offer rugged variants yet, giving Kia a head start in the segment. And based on how popular the Telluride continues to be, it’s clear they nailed the formula.
Even a Top-Spec 2025 Kia Telluride Stays Just Under $54K
The 2025 Kia Telluride lineup includes 10 trims, starting with the base LX at $36,390 before destination fees. At the top, the SX Prestige X-Pro kicks off at $53,685.
Check every dealer-installed accessory box, and the price climbs to around $60,600—including the $1,395 destination fee. While there aren’t extra packages to pile on, those add-ons can still push the final cost well above base MSRP.
$36,390
$39,390
$42,090
$46,190
$46,485
$47,385
$49,885
$51,390
$52,785
$53,685
Where the Telluride Still Has Room to Grow
Nothing’s perfect—especially not in the ever-evolving SUV world. The 2025 Kia Telluride may be a strong all-rounder, but there’s still room to grow.
After all, it’s riding high on momentum, with 2024 sales soaring to 115,504 units—a 14-percent jump year-over-year. And with its corporate cousin, theHyundai Palisade, already getting a next-gen refresh, it feels like the perfect moment for Kia to level up the Telluride too.
More Confidence When the Pavement Ends
The Telluride’s X-Pro trims bring just enough off-road muscle for light trails, but it still plays it pretty safe. Compared to rivals, it’s not pushing any boundaries.
Take theJeep Grand CherokeeL, for example—it can be equipped with a transfer case and a proper electronic limited-slip differential that mimics a locking diff. That’s serious hardware, even if it comes at a higher cost.
Kia doesn’t need to go that far, but a few smart tweaks to the current AWD system—especially in how it manages traction—could give the Telluride a welcome boost in capability for its next chapter.
Signs Point to a Hybrid Telluride on the Way
The demand for hybrid three-row SUVs is hotter than ever. While fullEVsstill give many drivers pause, hybrids strike that sweet spot between better mileage and everyday usability.
Hyundai’s new Palisade is already leading the way with a turbocharged 2.5-liter hybrid setup paired with a six-speed automatic. And since the Telluride shares its bones with the Palisade, it wouldn’t be surprising if Kia follows suit with an electrified version soon.
That said, don’t expect the hybrid powertrain to land in the off-road-focused trims right away. Like the Palisade, rugged variants may stick with the tried-and-true 3.8-liter V6 for now.
