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Anthony Cipriano
New member
Based on a comprehensive review of expert ratings, owner feedback, and common issues, here's a detailed summary to help you decide. Overall, the Telluride is considered a reliable midsize SUV, especially for its price point, with strong build quality and an excellent warranty, though it's not entirely issue-free and may not match the durability of some Japanese competitors.
Reliability Ratings
The Telluride scores well in independent evaluations. Here's a breakdown:
- J.D. Power (2025 model): 86/100 ("Great") - Tied for second-highest in the midsize three-row SUV segment; based on predicted reliability from owner data.
- Consumer Reports (2025 model prediction): Average - Based on 2022-2024 models; overall score 84/100, but reliability is middling compared to rivals like the Toyota Highlander.
- U.S. News & World Report: 86/100 (Quality & Reliability) - Highlights strong resale value and awards like "Best 3-Row SUV for the Money."
- Kelley Blue Book/Edmunds Owner Reviews: 4.5-4.8/5 average - High marks for comfort and features, with reliability often praised, though some concerns noted over time.
These suggest it's above average for Korean brands but not as bulletproof as Toyota or Honda SUVs.
Common Issues and Recalls
Most Tellurides are durable, but some problems have been reported, especially in 2020-2024 models. Many are covered by Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
- Engine and Powertrain: Isolated oil consumption, leaks, or failures; recall for engine replacements on some 2024 models (built Sept-Nov 2023). Rare engine swaps after 100,000+ miles, often due to infrequent oil changes (recommend every 5,000-8,000 miles).
- Electrical and Electronics: Keyless entry failures, battery drain, infotainment glitches, navigation issues; often fixed via software updates. Auto start/stop malfunctions.
- Body and Trim: Loose trim (e.g., window moldings), paint chipping, bumper damage from minor impacts – mostly cosmetic.
- Other: Brake wear, suspension failures (e.g., rear shocks on self-leveling models), transmission quirks in early years. For 2024-2025, some safety feature glitches and oil leaks causing dealership downtime.
- Recalls: No major ones for 2025 as of mid-2025; prior years had 5-7, mainly for fire risks or engine parts. Check NHTSA.gov with your VIN.
Issues are generally minor and less common in 2023+ models.
Owner Experiences and Long-Term Feedback
Owners largely give positive reviews for value, space, and dynamics:
- Positive: Many with 60,000-120,000+ miles report no major issues, just routine maintenance. Compared favorably to luxury SUVs; 2025 buyers note improvements. On social media, it's recommended for families due to safety and tech.
- Negative: Some report engine troubles (e.g., 2021 replacement at 105,000 miles) or service frustrations with backordered parts. A few 2024-2025 reviews cite "bad quality" and suggest Toyota for zero-maintenance needs.
Long-term tests (e.g., Car and Driver's 40,000-mile 2020 model) call it "nearly flawless" with low costs ($120-161 per service).
Longevity Expectations
With proper maintenance (Kia's schedule, quality oil, prompt recalls), it can last 200,000-300,000 miles. The 3.8L V6 and 8-speed transmission are robust, shared with the Hyundai Palisade. High resale (60-70% after 3 years) shows market confidence. Harsh conditions or skipped maintenance could lead to earlier wear.
In summary, yes, the Kia Telluride is a solid long-term choice for families wanting a feature-rich three-row SUV under $50,000. It's competitive but not as foolproof as a Highlander. For used buys, prefer 2023+ models, get a pre-purchase inspection, and consider an extended warranty.
1 Alibi 2
Active member
Welcome to the forum.
Ordered a 24, like everything about it,...................enough to order a 25.
The ( 5 year / 60 ) & the ( 10 year / 100 ), says a lot about the confidence the Mfg. has in their products..
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Ordered a 24, like everything about it,...................enough to order a 25.
The ( 5 year / 60 ) & the ( 10 year / 100 ), says a lot about the confidence the Mfg. has in their products..
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.
