New 2025 Kia Telluride: Refining a Champion in the Three-Row SUV Arena

The Kia Telluride burst onto the automotive scene in 2019 for the 2020 model year and promptly redefined expectations for the mainstream three-row family SUV. With its bold, upscale styling, cavernous and well-appointed interior, and compelling value proposition, it became an instant sales sensation and a critical darling, scooping up awards like candy. Now, entering the 2025 model year, the Telluride isn’t undergoing a radical reinvention. Instead, Kia has wisely chosen to subtly refine its champion, maintaining the core attributes that have kept it at the pinnacle of its class, even as newer competitors emerge. The 2025 Kia Telluride stands as a testament to a winning formula, continuing to offer families a sophisticated, spacious, and capable hauler that punches well above its price point.

A Design That Continues to Command Attention

One of the Telluride’s most lauded features since its inception has been its exterior design. Eschewing the overly curvaceous or blandly anonymous styling that plagues some family vehicles, Kia opted for a more upright, ruggedly handsome aesthetic that draws comparisons to much pricier luxury SUVs. The 2025 Kia Telluride largely carries forward this distinguished look. Its broad shoulders, confident stance, and signature grille (which saw a handsome update in 2023) give it an undeniable presence on the road.

For 2025, the most notable styling tweak involves the amber-colored daytime running lights (DRLs) now being standard across more trims, a subtle nod to the previous year’s X-Pro models that adds a touch of rugged sophistication to the entire lineup. The distinctive vertical taillight design remains, ensuring the Telluride is easily recognizable from the rear. Available X-Line and X-Pro packages continue to offer more aggressive styling cues, including unique grille designs, raised roof rails, exclusive wheel designs, and increased ground clearance for the X-Pro, catering to those who desire a more adventurous look or light off-road capability.

Step inside, and the impression of near-luxury continues. The 2025 Kia Telluride boasts a cabin that feels more premium than its price tag suggests. Material quality is generally excellent, with soft-touch surfaces, available Nappa leather upholstery on higher trims, and thoughtful details like convincing open-pore wood trim or brushed metal accents. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, dominated by a sleek, horizontally oriented panel housing dual 12.3-inch screens – one for the digital instrument cluster and one for the infotainment touchscreen – on most trims. This setup looks modern and provides a wealth of information in a clear, accessible manner.

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE

Under the hood of every 2025 Kia Telluride resides a familiar and proven powerplant: a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine. This robust unit produces a healthy 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, numbers that remain competitive in the segment. Power is routed through a smooth and generally unobtrusive eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers have the choice of standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD), with the latter offering enhanced traction in inclement weather and a “Snow” mode, plus a locking center differential for trickier situations.

While not the most athletic sprinter in its class, the Telluride’s V6 provides ample motivation for everyday driving, highway merging, and passing maneuvers. It delivers power in a linear, refined fashion, contributing to the vehicle’s overall composed demeanor. Fuel economy is respectable for a vehicle of its size and power, with EPA estimates typically hovering around 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for FWD models, and slightly less for AWD versions. While some rivals offer turbocharged four-cylinders or hybrid options for better fuel efficiency, the Telluride’s V6 offers a tried-and-true blend of performance and reliability that many buyers appreciate. Towing capacity remains a strong point, with properly equipped models capable of pulling up to 5,000 pounds (or 5,500 pounds for X-Pro trims), making it suitable for hauling small boats or campers.

INTERIOR: Space, Comfort, and Versatility

Where the 2025 Kia Telluride truly shines is in its ability to accommodate families and their gear with effortless grace. The interior is genuinely spacious across all three rows. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, ideal for long journeys, and offer plenty of adjustability. The second row is equally accommodating, available as either a three-person bench seat (for eight-passenger capacity) or captain’s chairs (for seven-passenger capacity), which provide a more luxurious feel and easier access to the third row. Amenities like dedicated climate controls, USB-C ports, and available heated and ventilated second-row seats further enhance passenger comfort.

Impressively, the third row in the Telluride is one of the more adult-friendly in the segment. While still best suited for children on longer trips, adults can manage shorter journeys without feeling overly cramped, thanks to decent headroom and legroom. Access to the third row is also relatively easy, especially with the one-touch sliding and folding second-row seats.

Cargo capacity is another strong suit. Behind the third row, the Telluride offers a generous 21 cubic feet of space, enough for a substantial grocery run or several carry-on bags. Fold the third row flat (a simple operation), and that space expands to an impressive 46 cubic feet. With both the second and third rows folded, a cavernous 87 cubic feet of cargo volume is available, rivaling some larger SUVs and making the Telluride incredibly versatile for hauling bulky items. Thoughtful storage solutions, including a useful underfloor compartment in the cargo area, numerous cupholders, and handy cubbies, further enhance its practicality.

INFOTAINMENT & TECH

The 2025 Kia Telluride is well-equipped with modern technology. As mentioned, the centerpiece is the available dual 12.3-inch panoramic display, which integrates the digital gauge cluster and the central infotainment touchscreen. Kia’s infotainment system is user-friendly, with a logical menu structure, crisp graphics, and responsive touch inputs. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (wired, unfortunately, as wireless connectivity remains an elusive feature on some trims) allows seamless smartphone mirroring.

Other available tech features include a head-up display (HUD) that projects vital information onto the windshield, a premium Harman Kardon audio system for an immersive sound experience, a wireless charging pad, and Kia’s Digital Key 2 Touch, which allows compatible smartphones to act as a key. Multiple USB-C ports are thoughtfully distributed throughout all three rows, ensuring everyone can keep their devices charged. The available Driver Talk feature allows the driver to project their voice through the rear speakers, making it easier to communicate with passengers in the back, while Quiet Mode can isolate audio to the front seats – boons for parents.

A Trim for Every Taste and Budget

Kia offers the 2025 Kia Telluride in a wide array of trim levels, ensuring there’s a model to suit various preferences and budgets:

• LX: The entry-point, yet still well-equipped with the V6, 12.3-inch touchscreen, SynTex upholstery, and a comprehensive suite of safety features.
• S: Adds sportier styling cues, 20-inch wheels, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and second-row captain’s chairs (optional bench).
• EX: A popular choice for its balance of features and value, adding leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a hands-free power liftgate, and more luxury touches. The X-Line variant adds rugged styling and AWD.
• SX: Steps firmly into near-luxury territory with the dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays, Harman Kardon audio, a surround-view monitor, and more advanced driver aids.
• SX Prestige: The pinnacle, lavishing occupants with Nappa leather, a head-up display, heated and ventilated second-row seats, and premium interior materials.

The X-Line package (available on EX, SX, SX Prestige) adds unique 20-inch wheels, a distinct grille, bridge-type roof rails, and standard AWD. The more capable X-Pro package (available on SX and SX Prestige) builds on X-Line features with 18-inch black wheels shod in all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance (8.4 inches), improved approach/departure angles, a 5,500-pound towing capacity, and specific X-Pro styling.

Safety: A Top Priority

Kia has consistently prioritized safety, and the 2025 Kia Telluride is no exception. It comes standard with Kia’s comprehensive Drive Wise suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). This typically includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist-Rear, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Highway Driving Assist (on higher trims, which helps with steering, acceleration, and deceleration on highways). While specific 2025 crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS may still be pending at the time of writing, the Telluride has historically performed exceptionally well in these evaluations, earning top marks.

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The Driving Experience: Composed, Quiet, and Confident

On the road, the 2025 Kia Telluride delivers a driving experience that prioritizes comfort and refinement. The ride quality is generally smooth and well-controlled, absorbing most road imperfections with composure, though models with larger 20-inch wheels can feel slightly firmer. The cabin is impressively quiet, with minimal intrusion from wind, road, or engine noise, contributing to a serene environment for passengers.

Handling is predictable and secure for a vehicle of its size. While it’s not a sporty SUV meant for carving canyons, it feels stable and confident through corners, with well-weighted steering that makes it easy to maneuver in city traffic and parking lots. The available AWD system provides an extra layer of security in slippery conditions. Multiple drive modes (Smart, Eco, Sport, Comfort, and Snow for AWD models) allow drivers to tailor the vehicle’s responsiveness to their preferences or current driving conditions.

Still a Champion in a Crowded Field

Six years into its model cycle, a point where many vehicles start to feel dated, the 2025 Kia Telluride remains remarkably competitive and highly desirable. Its blend of striking design, a genuinely spacious and upscale interior, a robust list of standard and available features, and a composed driving experience continues to resonate strongly with families.

While it may not offer the cutting-edge hybrid powertrains or the absolute latest infotainment gimmicks of some brand-new rivals, the Telluride excels in the fundamentals that matter most to three-row SUV buyers: comfort, space, practicality, safety, and a sense of getting more than you paid for. The minor updates for 2025 serve to keep it fresh without disturbing the magic. For those seeking a well-rounded, stylish, and highly capable family SUV that consistently delivers on its promises, the 2025 Kia Telluride should remain at the very top of their shopping list. It’s a refined champion that continues to set a high bar in a fiercely competitive segment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Q: What are the main updates for the 2025 Kia Telluride?
   A: For 2025, the Kia Telluride sees minor styling refinements, including amber daytime running lights becoming more standard across trims. It largely carries forward the successful formula from previous years, focusing on its established strengths in design, space, and value.
2. Q: What engine powers the 2025 Kia Telluride, and is All-Wheel Drive available?
   A: All 2025 Kia Telluride models are powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available across all trim levels.
3. Q: How spacious is the interior and cargo area of the 2025 Telluride?
   A: The 2025 Telluride is renowned for its spacious interior, comfortably seating up to eight passengers with an adult-friendly third row. It offers 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a generous 87 cubic feet with both second and third rows down.
4. Q: Which 2025 Kia Telluride trim is recommended for the best value?
   A: While value depends on individual needs, the EX trim is often highlighted as a strong contender, balancing a comprehensive list of features like leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a power liftgate at a competitive price point. The SX trim also offers excellent value for those seeking more luxury and tech features.
5. Q: Does the 2025 Kia Telluride come with advanced safety features?
   A: Yes, the 2025 Kia Telluride comes standard with Kia’s Drive Wise suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. This typically includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control, and more, making it a strong choice for safety-conscious families.