Discover why the 2025 Kia Telluride has been named one of Car and Driver’s 10 Best Trucks and SUVs! Explore its features, performance, safety ratings, and more.
The 2025 Kia Telluride has once again proven its mettle by securing a spot on Car and Driver’s 10 Best Trucks and SUVs list for the sixth consecutive year. This remarkable achievement underscores the Telluride’s consistent performance, exceptional features, and its growing reputation as a top choice among families and adventure-seekers alike. As we delve into what makes the Telluride a standout vehicle, we’ll explore its design, performance, safety features, and how it continues to captivate both critics and consumers.
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A Legacy of Excellence
Since its debut in 2020, the Kia Telluride has garnered numerous accolades for its blend of style, comfort, and functionality. The 2025 model continues this legacy with several enhancements that cater to the evolving needs of modern drivers.
- Consistent Recognition: Being named to Car and Driver’s prestigious list for six years in a row is no small feat. This recognition highlights the Telluride’s ability to meet high standards in various categories, including performance, comfort, technology, and safety.
- Expert Endorsements: “Despite an onslaught of newer competition in the three-row segment, the Telluride secures its sixth 10Best award with its combination of practicality, comfort, refinement, and value,” said Tony Quiroga, Editor-in-Chief of Car and Driver. This endorsement reflects the vehicle’s enduring appeal in a competitive market.
Design and Comfort
The 2025 Kia Telluride boasts a bold exterior design that combines ruggedness with sophistication. Its commanding presence on the road is complemented by a spacious and luxurious interior that prioritizes passenger comfort.
- Spacious Interior: The Telluride comfortably seats up to eight passengers with ample legroom across all three rows. The thoughtful layout includes high-quality materials and finishes that create an inviting atmosphere for both drivers and passengers.
- Advanced Technology: The 2025 model features a standard 12.3-inch dual-screen integrated display, offering intuitive access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. Additionally, compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures seamless connectivity for modern users.
- Enhanced Features: New for 2025 is the introduction of the EX X-Pro model, which offers improved towing capacity of up to 5,500 lbs—a significant increase from previous models. This upgrade caters to families who require versatile vehicles capable of handling various activities.
Performance That Impresses
Under the hood, every 2025 Kia Telluride is powered by a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth acceleration and responsive handling.
- Driving Dynamics: The Telluride’s ride quality is praised for being plush yet controlled, making it suitable for both city driving and long road trips. Its available all-wheel-drive system enhances traction on slippery surfaces, ensuring confidence in diverse driving conditions.
- Fuel Efficiency: The front-wheel-drive version achieves an EPA-rated 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway, while all-wheel-drive variants offer slightly lower figures. These ratings are competitive within the three-row SUV segment.
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Safety Features
Kia has prioritized safety in the Telluride by equipping it with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features include:
- Forward Collision Warning: This system detects potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians ahead and provides alerts to help prevent accidents.
- Lane Keeping Assist: Lane departure warnings coupled with steering assistance help keep drivers safely within their lanes.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: This feature alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots when changing lanes or merging.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintaining a set speed while automatically adjusting to traffic conditions enhances convenience during long drives.
These safety technologies contribute to the Telluride’s strong reputation as a family-friendly SUV that prioritizes occupant protection.
The 2025 Kia Telluride’s inclusion in Car and Driver’s 10 Best Trucks and SUVs list for six consecutive years is a testament to its exceptional qualities as a three-row SUV. With its impressive performance, spacious interior, advanced technology features, and robust safety systems, it continues to be a top choice for families seeking reliability without sacrificing style or comfort.
As Kia prepares for the official launch of the 2025 Telluride, consumers can look forward to experiencing firsthand why this vehicle remains at the forefront of the SUV market. With ongoing innovations and enhancements tailored to meet diverse needs, the Telluride is poised to maintain its status as a leader in its class.
