Kia Telluride research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The Telluride is a roomy, upscale-feeling family SUV with three usable rows, lots of standard safety tech and a smooth 291-hp V6 that tows up to 5,000 lb (5,500 lb on X-Pro). 2023-2025 models add refreshed styling, big dual screens and rugged X-Line and X-Pro trims. Several recalls (hitch wiring, power seats, driveshaft) should be confirmed complete by VIN.
Model years covered: 2020–2025. The first-generation Telluride ran 2020-2025. Kia skipped the 2026 model year; the redesigned 2027 Telluride (2.5L turbo and 2.5L turbo hybrid) is a separate generation not covered here. A listing labeled 2026 should be verified by VIN.
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Spacious three row cabin
- Upscale interior for the price
- Smooth V6 and 8 speed
- Strong standard safety features
- Up to 5000 lb towing
- Available AWD
- Strong resale value
Things to know before you buy
- Several VIN specific recalls to confirm
- Fuel economy is average for V6
- Used prices stay high
- Windshield chip reports on early models
- 2023 refresh is key dividing line
- No 2026 model year
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
Generations
Generation 1 (2020–2025)
The first-generation Telluride (2020-2025) uses a 291-hp, 262 lb-ft 3.8L V6 with an 8-speed automatic and FWD or AWD, towing up to 5,000 lb. 2022 added standard 10.25-inch navigation and Highway Driving Assist; the 2023 refresh brought new styling, dual 12.3-inch screens and X-Line/X-Pro trims; 2025 made second-row side airbags standard.
Buyer takeaway: A 2022 is a sweet spot for value with much of the newer tech; 2023-2025 add the refreshed cabin and X-Pro capability. On any year, verify the hitch, power-seat and driveshaft recalls by VIN and inspect towing wear.
Kia Telluride by model year
2025 Kia Telluride
The 2025 Telluride is the last of the first generation: second-row side airbags and Highway Driving Assist 1.5 become standard, and X-Line/X-Pro cabins were upgraded. It keeps the 291-hp V6 and 8-speed automatic (about 20/26 mpg FWD, 18/23 AWD). Kia skipped the 2026 model year; the redesigned 2027 Telluride uses turbo and hybrid four-cylinders.
- Engines: 3.8 liter V6 291 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV
What changed:
- Second row side airbags standard
- Highway driving assist 1 5 standard
- X line and x pro cabin upgrades
- Final year of the V6 first generation
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Spare tire recall status; Seat back frame recall status; Door belt molding recall status; Exact trim seating and drivetrain by VIN; AWD system and matching tires if equipped; Towing history and hitch wiring; Windshield chips and cracks; Power seat operation and wiring; 8 speed automatic shift quality; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Third row and second row seat mechanisms; Oil change records.
2024 Kia Telluride
The 2024 Telluride carries over the refreshed design, 291-hp 3.8L V6, 8-speed automatic and FWD or AWD (about 20/26 and 18/24 mpg), in LX through SX-Prestige plus X-Line and X-Pro trims. Some 2024s were recalled for engine valve springs that could break, so confirm that and the seat and driveshaft recalls by VIN.
- Engines: 3.8 liter V6 291 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV
What changed:
- Largely carryover after 2023 refresh
- Valve spring recall on some 2024s
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Engine valve spring recall status; Power seat motor recall status; Driveshaft engagement recall status; Door belt molding recall status; Exact trim seating and drivetrain by VIN; AWD system and matching tires if equipped; Towing history and hitch wiring; Windshield chips and cracks; Power seat operation and wiring; 8 speed automatic shift quality; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Third row and second row seat mechanisms; Oil change records.
2023 Kia Telluride
The 2023 refresh brought new lights and bumpers, a dual 12.3-inch display with over-the-air updates, and rugged X-Line and X-Pro trims (X-Pro adds all-terrain tires and a 5,500-lb tow rating). Power is still the 291-hp 3.8L V6 with an 8-speed automatic; AWD ratings dip slightly to about 18/24 mpg.
- Engines: 3.8 liter V6 291 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV
What changed:
- Refreshed front and rear styling
- New x line and x pro trims
- Dual widescreen displays and over the air updates
- X pro all terrain tires and higher tow rating
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Power seat motor recall status; Driveshaft engagement recall status; Door belt molding recall status; All terrain tire wear if x pro; Exact trim seating and drivetrain by VIN; AWD system and matching tires if equipped; Towing history and hitch wiring; Windshield chips and cracks; Power seat operation and wiring; 8 speed automatic shift quality; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Third row and second row seat mechanisms; Oil change records.
2022 Kia Telluride
For 2022 the Telluride wore Kia's new logo and a revised grille, and every trim gained a 10.25-inch navigation touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate and Highway Driving Assist. The 291-hp V6, 8-speed automatic and FWD/AWD carry over. It is the last year before the 2023 refresh, so it offers much of the newer tech for less.
- Engines: 3.8 liter V6 291 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV
What changed:
- New kia logo and revised grille
- Larger navigation touchscreen standard
- Highway driving assist standard
- Dual zone automatic climate standard
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Tow hitch harness recall status; Power seat motor recall status; Driveshaft engagement recall status; Exact trim seating and drivetrain by VIN; AWD system and matching tires if equipped; Towing history and hitch wiring; Windshield chips and cracks; Power seat operation and wiring; 8 speed automatic shift quality; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Third row and second row seat mechanisms; Oil change records.
2021 Kia Telluride
The 2021 Telluride keeps the 291-hp 3.8L V6, 8-speed automatic and FWD or AWD (about 20/26 and 19/24 mpg). Kia added a blacked-out Nightfall Edition for EX and SX, key-fob remote start and a 7-pin trailer connector in place of the 4-pin. Check the tow-hitch harness and power-seat recalls by VIN.
- Engines: 3.8 liter V6 291 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV
What changed:
- Nightfall edition for upper trims
- Remote start added to key fob
- Trailer harness upgraded to 7 pin
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Tow hitch harness recall status; Power seat motor recall status; Driveshaft engagement recall status; Exact trim seating and drivetrain by VIN; AWD system and matching tires if equipped; Towing history and hitch wiring; Windshield chips and cracks; Power seat operation and wiring; 8 speed automatic shift quality; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Third row and second row seat mechanisms; Oil change records.
2020 Kia Telluride
The 2020 Telluride launched Kia's eight-passenger (or seven with captain's chairs) three-row SUV. Every one uses a 291-hp, 262 lb-ft 3.8L V6 with an 8-speed automatic, FWD or AWD, rated about 20/26 mpg FWD and 19/24 mpg AWD, and tows up to 5,000 lb. Trims are LX, S, EX and SX. First-year cars carry several recalls to verify by VIN.
- Engines: 3.8 liter V6 291 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door three row midsize SUV
What changed:
- All new three row SUV
- Seating for seven or eight
- Standard forward collision and lane keeping aids
- Up to 5000 lb towing
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Tow hitch harness recall status; Power seat motor recall status; Driveshaft engagement recall status; Rear seat belt child seat recall status; Trailer brake light recall status; Exact trim seating and drivetrain by VIN; AWD system and matching tires if equipped; Towing history and hitch wiring; Windshield chips and cracks; Power seat operation and wiring; 8 speed automatic shift quality; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Third row and second row seat mechanisms; Oil change records.
Known issues and what to check
- Tow Hitch Harness Fire-Risk Recall (22V626) (2020–2022)
Certain 2020-2022 Tellurides with a factory or dealer tow hitch harness were recalled because debris and moisture on the harness module's circuit board could short and start a fire, even when parked. Owners were advised to park outside until repaired.
What to do: Confirm the hitch-harness repair is complete, especially if the SUV has towed. - Front Power Seat Motor Fire-Risk Recalls (24V407, 26V430) (2020–2024)
Certain 2020-2024 Tellurides were recalled because a stuck power-seat slide knob could keep the front seat motor running until it overheated and caused a fire. A follow-up recall (26V430) also addresses vehicles where the earlier repair may have been done improperly, so confirm both by VIN.
What to do: Check the VIN for both power-seat campaigns before purchase. - Front Driveshaft Engagement Rollaway Recall (24V214) (2020–2024)
Certain 2020-2024 Tellurides were recalled because the intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can cause loss of drive and allow the vehicle to roll away in Park unless the parking brake is set.
What to do: Confirm the driveshaft recall repair is complete. - 2024 Engine Valve Spring Recall (24V077) (2024)
Certain 2024 Tellurides were recalled because engine valve springs could break while driving, causing loss of drive power. Dealers inspect and repair or replace the engine as needed.
What to do: Confirm the valve-spring inspection or repair on any 2024. - Windshield Cracking Reports (Early Models) (2020–2021)
Owners of early Tellurides frequently reported windshields that chipped or cracked easily. This is an owner complaint pattern, not a recall; replacement windshields with camera recalibration for the driver aids can be costly.
What to do: Inspect the windshield and ask whether it has been replaced and the camera recalibrated. - AWD, Towing Use and Tire Wear (2020–2025)
Tellurides are often used for towing and family road trips. AWD models need four matched tires, and towing adds wear to the transmission, brakes and hitch wiring. X-Pro models use all-terrain tires that wear and sound different from street tires.
What to do: Ask about towing history and check that all four tires match.
Recalls
Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, equipment and VIN. Check the VIN for open recalls and completed remedies, including the tow-hitch harness, power-seat motor and front driveshaft campaigns.
Similar vehicles to consider
- Hyundai Palisade
- Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Grand Highlander
- Honda Pilot
- Mazda CX-90
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Volkswagen Atlas
- Ford Explorer
- Subaru Ascent
- Kia Sorento
Questions this guide answers
- What engine does the Telluride have?
- Is this Telluride AWD?
- How much can a Telluride tow?
- What changed in the 2023 Telluride refresh?
- What is the difference between X-Line and X-Pro?
- Is there a 2026 Telluride?
- Which recalls should I check on a Telluride?
- How does the Telluride compare to the Hyundai Palisade?
- What should I inspect on a used Telluride?
- Does this Telluride seat seven or eight?