Used 2025 Kia Telluride S

2025 Kia Telluride: A Refined Family Adventure

The 2025 Kia Telluride continues its reign as a top contender in the three-row SUV segment, offering a compelling blend of luxury, practicality, and refined styling. For the upcoming model year, Kia has introduced a mid-cycle refresh that enhances its already impressive package with updated technology, improved comfort, and subtle exterior tweaks, solidifying its position as a benchmark for family-oriented SUVs.

Highlights

• Powertrain: The familiar and potent 3.8-liter V6 engine remains the sole powerplant, delivering a robust 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain provides ample acceleration for everyday driving and confident highway merging. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available on all trims, offering enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions.

• Advanced Safety Features: Kia's commitment to safety is evident in the comprehensive suite of standard and available driver-assistance technologies. Key features include:

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning: Detects oncoming vehicles when making a left turn at an intersection and can automatically apply brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision.
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist: Monitors blind spots and can provide audible warnings and apply brakes to help prevent unintended lane changes into occupied lanes.
  • Lane Following Assist: Uses cameras to detect lane markings and can help keep the vehicle centered within its lane, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys.
  • Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go: Adapts the vehicle's speed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, even coming to a complete stop and then resuming.
  • Highway Driving Assist 2 (available): An advanced system that combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering and can assist with lane changes, further enhancing highway driving comfort and safety.

• Trim Lineup: The 2025 Telluride offers a well-defined range of trims, each building upon the previous to cater to diverse needs and preferences:

  • LX: The entry-level trim provides a strong foundation with its V6 engine, ample interior space, and a generous list of standard safety features.
  • S: Steps up with more premium exterior elements like larger alloy wheels and a power-adjustable driver's seat.
  • EX: Adds a host of comfort and convenience features, including synthetic leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a larger infotainment touchscreen.
  • SX: The flagship trim, the SX, boasts premium Nappa leather seating, a head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for a truly upscale experience.
  • X-Pro (New for 2025): Building upon the SX, the X-Pro designation signifies enhanced capability with all-terrain tires, a higher ground clearance, and a more robust suspension, making it the ideal choice for those who venture off the beaten path.

• Interior Excellence: The Telluride's interior remains a standout, characterized by its spaciousness, thoughtful design, and high-quality materials. The refreshed model introduces a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a revised interface, enhanced connectivity options including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a standard digital instrument cluster across all trims for a more modern and sophisticated feel. The cabin is quiet, comfortable, and offers ample room for passengers in all three rows, with user-friendly controls and clever storage solutions.

What to Expect

Owning a Kia Telluride typically translates to a comfortable and largely predictable ownership experience. Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty provides significant peace of mind. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and tire rotations, will follow the manufacturer's recommended schedule, which is generally competitive for its class. Insurance costs for the Telluride will vary based on individual factors like driving history, location, and coverage choices, but it's generally considered to be in the mid-range for a three-row SUV of its size and features. The vehicle's reputation for reliability, coupled with Kia's extensive dealer network, means that finding service and parts should be relatively straightforward.

Potential Considerations

While the Telluride excels in many areas, potential buyers should be aware of a few points. The V6 engine, while capable, is not the most fuel-efficient in its segment, especially when compared to some turbocharged four-cylinder competitors or hybrid options from other manufacturers. While the interior is luxurious, some might find the lack of genuine leather as standard on lower trims to be a slight detraction compared to certain rivals. Additionally, while the infotainment system has been updated, the sheer number of features and customization options might present a slight learning curve for less tech-savvy individuals initially. Finally, while the exterior styling is broadly appealing, its distinctive and somewhat bold design might not resonate with everyone.

Overall Summary

The 2025 Kia Telluride continues to be a compelling choice for families seeking a well-rounded and upscale three-row SUV. With its potent V6 engine, extensive safety features, luxurious and spacious interior, and now enhanced technology, it offers a compelling package that balances practicality with a premium feel. The addition of the X-Pro trim further broadens its appeal to those with a more adventurous spirit. Despite minor considerations regarding fuel economy and the learning curve for its technology, the Telluride remains a segment leader, delivering a consistently excellent ownership experience that is both comfortable and confidence-inspiring.