2022 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Kia Telluride is an impressive three-row SUV. It boasts a quiet and upscale cabin, impressive tech, extensive standard features, adult-friendly third-row seating, and a satisfying driving experience. It has a few minor weaknesses, but overall this Kia is a great pick for a three-row crossover SUV.

This midsize three-row SUV seats up to eight and is the largest in Kia’s lineup. Our experts have praised the Telluride for its smooth ride quality, luxury-like interior, and a third row that can comfortably accommodate adults. It also comes equipped with plenty of standard features and has the latest in safety technology.

For 2022, you’ll see some minor differences in the badging on the Telluride. Kia redesigned its logo and the Telluride emblem on the rear features a different font and wider spacing. All models now come standard with a 10.25-inch screen display that includes navigation, plus automatic climate control.

There are plenty of capable midsize SUVs out there, and for those who want to do their due diligence, it can be worth taking the time to check out the 2022 Kia Telluride‘s competition.

The Hyundai Palisade is probably the closest match since it is mechanically similar to the Telluride. You might also consider the Honda Pilot and Volkswagen Atlas, but ultimately the 2022 Telluride is our favorite

ENGINE AND IMPLEMENTATION

The 2022 Kia Telluride is a satisfying SUV to drive. Its V6 engine is responsive, though outright acceleration is ultimately average for a three-row SUV. In Edmunds’ testing, our Telluride test vehicle sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which is similar to the acceleration of the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade.

The brakes are strong and can bring the Telluride to a halt in a hurry. They’re also easy to control for consistent and smooth stops.The steering is light at parking-lot speeds and weights up naturally in turns.

The Telluride is stable when going around turns and doesn’t exhibit excessive body roll. We also like that the engine’s fuel-saving stop-start feature works smoothly and quietly.

ENERGY AND REAL-WORLD MPG

The all-wheel-drive Telluride’s EPA-estimated fuel economy is slightly below average at 21 combined (19 city/24 highway). On the plus side, our test Telluride achieved about 23 mpg on our 115-mile mixed driving evaluation route, indicating that the EPA’s numbers are realistic.

You can run the V6 on regular gas, unlike some rival SUVs that require premium gas to return their rated power and fuel economy numbers.

INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH

The 2022 Kia Telluride offers a very roomy and upscale-feeling cabin with easy access to all three rows. Passenger space is excellent in both the second and third rows. The space feels more open thanks in part to the abundance of large windows.

Only the front-passenger knee room is a little tight. The Telluride is quite comfortable. The seats are supportive and nicely contoured, with almost pillow-like headrests. Outside noise barely makes its way inside, making for a luxury-car-quiet cabin even at freeway speeds.

Engine noise is present, but it’s never unpleasant or intrusive. For a three-row SUV, the 2022 Kia Telluride is generally smooth-riding, although it can get a little rough over uneven pavement.

IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS

Every Telluride boasts a robust infotainment system that features a 12.3-inch touchscreen with popular content that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto capability, in-dash navigation, and onboard Wi-Fi.

Also available is a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, a 110-volt power inverter, and wireless smartphone charging. A feature called Driver Talk amplifies the driver’s voice through speakers in the back two rows to better communicate with passengers back there.

PROTECTION AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE ASPECTS

Kia is packaging a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology on all Telluride models. Several upgraded assists are also available, including automatic high beams, a 360-degree camera system, and what Kia calls a Blind-Spot View Monitor.

This tech projects a camera image of the vehicle’s blind spot into the gauge cluster display. For more information about 2022 Kia Telluride‘s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.