I bought my Kia Telluride EX AWD from Fort Collins Kia in CO. I drove it from CO to San Francisco (1500 Miles - Via Moab and Arizona). Yes, Kia Telluride is 50 state certified. Specifically, it is California Emissions certified. Before I share the technical details, do indulge me for a bit -- as out of state buyers might find it useful.
I highly recommend Fort Collins KIA for out of state California Purchasers. It might be a bit far -- but they way they handled the entire process, it has been my undoubtedly BEST car buying experience.
I am also going to give FIVE Star rating to Rocky Douangadara (the sales person who helped me). I signed up with KIA finance and got the $1000 rebate. The dealer already had all weather mats installed which was perfect. (Since i had to drive through a Snow Storm out of CO and my Kids like to drop their food on the floor - all the time.) I specifically wanted EX AWD for the Leather Trim/ 2nd Row Bench Seat and 18" Wheels. All the dealers in my area (SF Bay Area) had EX AWD with premium package which comes with 2nd row Captains Chairs and 20" wheels. (18" wheels will make a lot of difference where fuel economy and driving comfort matter Consider the lower wheel weight and larger tire/air volume).
My buying experience:
Thursday 11PM, Jan 16th
Looked up out of state stock for EX AWD in Utah, CO and Nevada. Found a match at Fort Collins KIA, CO.
Friday, Jan 17th 9:00 AM:
Called up the dealer and confirmed stock availability. I spoke to Rocky.
Told them I was calling from CA and they didn't believe me at first.
So I placed a $1000 deposit over the phone.
Friday, Jan 17th 10:30 AM:
Bought 2-way Ticket to Denver on Frontier $280 (just in case something didn't work out! and besides 2-way tickets are cheaper than 1-way)
Friday, Jan 17th 10:30 PM:
Drove to SFO
Saturday 12:59 AM
Boarded Flight to Denver
Saturday 4:40 AM
Landed in Denver
Saturday 6:30 AM
Left Denver Airport to Fort Collins using Uber ($70)
Saturday 7:30 AM
Arrived in Fort Collins, Had Breakfast.
Saturday 8:30 AM
Walked in to the store (they were having a meeting in the store parking lot and were surprised to see me).
Saturday 11:00 AM
Paper work complete and left the store. (It only took this long because I was the first customer of the day and everybody needs their coffee

. Also, they washed the car for me + filled it up. And we did go on a 20 minute test drive).
... drove back to SF Bay Area (about $300 in Fuel and $300 for 3 night stays along the route + $150 for food and coffee). I could've driven faster and taken a shorter route, but decided to drive thru Grand Junction, Moab & AZ.
All in all EX AWD List Price $42000 (rounded) - $1000 Rebate, + $1100 for travel. So yeah, If you really like the Telluride, I highly recommend buying at Fort Collins Kia.
After sales registration:
Dealer will collect Sales Tax based on where you intend to use the car/reside. So they charged me California State rate. The dealer will pay State of CA along with their monthly tax returns/remittances.
About 20 days after the purchase, the dealer will email documents. Using these documents, you'd have to visit the nearest DMV who will verify the Vehicle complies with CA state emissions. Once verified, you'll receive your number plates in mail in about 2 weeks or so.
Negative Points to:
Oakland Kia
San Leandro Kia
Stevens Creek Kia
Kia of Concord
.. for their $6000+"mark up".
Also slightly less negative points (because the sales person was actually knowledgeble about the product, took me out a decent test drive) to Han Lees Hyundai in Richmond. They had $7000 "mark up" on
Hyundai Palisade which is the same as Kia Telluride (under the hood) with a different exterior , badging, +1 interior option, 17" wheels and a different dash board. It also had button operated gear shifting, which is pretty cool, but it was bit of a stretch for me to adapt to it. (for those who may not know). Hyundai actually has +2 more options than KIA and it also looks pretty nice. But between Telluride and Hyundai, my entire family voted for Telluride (though I personally would've chosen the Hyundai if the dealer didn't try to price gouge and gave me additional rebates. Between the two KIA is emphasized as the premium brand. Sort of like Lexus and Toyota. But then there is Genesis which is really Hyundai but appears to be evolving into a premium brand of its own. Anyway, I digress.)
You can find detailed Technical information here:
California Air Resources Board - Clean Vehicle Compliance Requirements
(Look at the table on Page 95 for a quickie)
And also here:
fueleconomy.gov
(Click on Energy and Environment and Select "California" for State of Purchase)
Telluride complies with ULEV70 (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle).
Source:
2020 Kia Telluride Documents
Look at the Technical Specifications
2020 Kia Telluride Specifications | | | | |
| | | | |
Engine | LX | EX | S | SX |
Type | 3.8L, V6, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) Lambda-II | 3.8L, V6, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) Lambda-II | 3.8L, V6, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) Lambda-II | 3.8L, V6, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) Lambda-II |
Displacement (cc) | 3,778 CC | 3,778 CC | 3,778 CC | 3,778 CC |
Compression ratio | 13.0:1 | 13.0:1 | 13.0:1 | 13.0:1 |
Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
Torque | 262 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm | 262 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm | 262 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm | 262 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm |
Block | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Head | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Valve System | DOHC with DUAL CVVT | DOHC with DUAL CVVT | DOHC with DUAL CVVT | DOHC with DUAL CVVT |
Fuel System | Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) | Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) | Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) | Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) |
Rec. Fuel | Unleaded Gasoline (Regular 87 or higher) | Unleaded Gasoline (Regular 87 or higher) | Unleaded Gasoline (Regular 87 or higher) | Unleaded Gasoline (Regular 87 or higher) |
Emission Rating | ULEV70 | ULEV70 | ULEV70 | ULEV70 |
Fuel tank capacity (gal.) | 18.8 gallons | 18.8 gallons | 18.8 gallons | 18.8 gallons |