The 2025 Kia Telluride stands as a premier choice in the mid-size three-row SUV segment, offering a sophisticated blend of near-luxury interior quality, a powerful V6 engine, and a spacious cabin that comfortably accommodates up to eight passengers. For buyers in 2026, it remains a high-value alternative to European luxury brands and a more polished competitor to domestic mainstays, balancing rugged styling with advanced safety technology.
The Evolution of the 2025 Kia Telluride
Since its debut, the Kia Telluride has consistently dominated the three-row crossover market. Entering the 2025 model year, the vehicle received targeted refinements rather than a total overhaul. This approach preserved the boxy, muscular aesthetic that has become its signature while improving specific trim aesthetics and safety equipment.
For those evaluating this model in 2026, the 2025 version represents the pinnacle of the current generation's engineering. It addresses minor critiques from earlier years—such as the transition from satin chrome to gloss black or dark metallic trim on higher-tier models like the X-Line and X-Pro—giving the vehicle a more modern, cohesive look.
Why the 2025 Model Matters in 2026
In 2026, the 2025 Kia Telluride is a highly sought-after vehicle on both new-old-stock lots and the certified pre-owned (CPO) market. Its primary appeal lies in its "jack-of-all-trades" nature. It provides enough towing capacity for weekend adventurers, enough safety features for families, and enough interior refinement for those who want a premium experience without the premium price tag.
Performance and Powertrain Specifications
Every 2025 Kia Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter Lambda II V6 engine. While many competitors have transitioned to smaller, turbocharged four-cylinder engines, Kia’s decision to stick with a naturally aspirated V6 provides a linear power delivery and a sense of reliability that long-term owners often prefer.
Engine and Transmission
- Horsepower: 291 hp @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque: 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic with Sportmatic shifting
The 8-speed automatic transmission is tuned for smoothness rather than aggressive shifts. This choice aligns with the Telluride's mission as a family hauler. It manages the V6's power efficiently, though it does hunt for gears occasionally under heavy load on steep inclines.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vs. Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Standard on lower trims is a front-wheel-drive configuration, which maximizes fuel efficiency. However, the available Active On-Demand All-Wheel Drive system is a popular upgrade. This system uses an electro-hydraulic coupling to actively distribute torque between the front and rear axles. It includes a "Lock" mode that can split power 50/50, which is essential for navigating through deep snow or muddy trails.
Interior Comfort and the Third-Row Experience
The "third row" is the defining feature of the Telluride. Unlike many SUVs where the third row is an afterthought reserved for small children, the 2025 Telluride offers 31.4 inches of legroom in the rear-most seats. While still tighter than the first two rows, it is manageable for adults on shorter trips and generous for teenagers.
Seating Configurations
- 8-Passenger Layout: Features a second-row bench seat. This is standard on the LX and EX trims.
- 7-Passenger Layout: Replaces the second-row bench with two captain's chairs. This provides easier access to the third row via a center aisle and is standard on the S, SX, and higher trims.
One of the standout features is the one-touch sliding and folding second-row seats. With the press of a single button, the second-row seat moves forward and tilts, allowing passengers to climb into the third row without struggling with heavy manual levers.
Interior Materials and Ergonomics
The 2025 model introduced updated color palettes, including a refined Terracotta interior option for the X-Line and X-Pro trims. In the SX Prestige trim, the cabin is swathed in Nappa leather, a premium headliner, and heated/ventilated seats for both the first and second rows. The dashboard layout is dominated by a dual 12.3-inch panoramic display system that integrates the gauge cluster and the infotainment screen into a single, seamless curved unit.
Trim Level Breakdown and Pricing
Choosing the right trim is critical for maximizing value. In 2026, as buyers look at the 2025 model year, understanding the jump between the "S" and "EX" trims is particularly important, as this is where many premium features become standard.
| Trim Level | Notable Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| LX | 12.3-inch display, SynTex seats, LED headlights | Budget-conscious families |
| S | 20-inch alloys, Captain’s chairs, Sunroof | Style on a budget |
| EX | Leather seats, Power tailgate, Ventilated front seats | The "Value Sweet Spot" |
| SX | Dual sunroofs, Harman Kardon audio, 360-degree camera | Tech enthusiasts |
| X-Line | 0.4-inch lift, High-utility roof rails, AWD standard | Light off-roading |
| X-Pro | 18-inch wheels with All-Terrain tires, 5,500 lb towing | Outdoor adventurers |
| SX Prestige | Nappa leather, Head-up display, Heated 2nd row | Luxury seekers |
The X-Line and X-Pro Variants
The 2025 lineup continued to emphasize the rugged X-Line and X-Pro trims. These are not merely appearance packages. The X-Pro, specifically, increases the towing capacity from 5,000 lbs to 5,500 lbs through enhanced engine cooling and specialized software tuning for the tow mode. It also features 18-inch wheels wrapped in Continental all-terrain tires, which provide better cushion and grip on unpaved surfaces compared to the standard 20-inch wheels found on the SX.
Safety Technology and Driver Assistance
Kia’s "Drive Wise" suite of driver-assist technologies is among the most comprehensive in the industry. For the 2025 model, Kia made second-row side-impact airbags standard across all trims, addressing evolving safety standards.
Standard Safety Features:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: Includes detection for pedestrians, cyclists, and junction turning.
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning: Actively monitors the blind spots and can apply the brakes if a lane change is attempted while another vehicle is present.
- Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2): Available on higher trims, this system combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and a semi-automated lane-change feature.
- Rear Occupant Alert: Uses ultrasonic sensors to detect movement in the back seats after the car is locked, a vital feature for child safety.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) historically rates the Telluride highly, and the 2025 model maintains these standards with reinforced structural pillars and advanced crumple zones.
Practical Utility: Cargo and Towing
For a three-row SUV, the 2025 Telluride offers competitive cargo volumes. Behind the third row, there is 21 cubic feet of space—enough for several grocery bags or a compact stroller. When the third row is folded flat, the capacity expands to 46 cubic feet, and with both the second and third rows down, it reaches a massive 87 cubic feet.
Towing Capability
Most Telluride models are rated to tow 5,000 lbs. However, if you opt for the X-Pro package, that increases to 5,500 lbs. Kia also offers a factory-installed tow hitch and a self-leveling rear suspension (available on EX AWD with Tow Package and higher), which automatically adjusts the rear ride height when a heavy trailer is attached, ensuring the vehicle remains level and stable.
Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership
As we look at the 2025 Kia Telluride from the perspective of 2026, the vehicle’s warranty remains its strongest selling point. Kia continues to offer:
- 10-year / 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.
- 5-year / 60,000-mile limited basic warranty.
- 5-year / 60,000-mile roadside assistance.
For second owners (non-CPO), the powertrain warranty typically reverts to a 5-year/60,000-mile term. Therefore, for those buying in 2026, seeking a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) 2025 model is highly recommended to retain the full 100,000-mile powertrain protection.
Real-World Fuel Economy
The EPA estimates for the 2025 Telluride are:
- FWD: 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined.
- AWD: 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 20 mpg combined.
In real-world 2026 driving conditions, these numbers hold steady. While not as efficient as hybrid competitors like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the Telluride’s V6 provides a smoother and more traditional driving experience that many find worth the trade-off in fuel costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2025 Kia Telluride have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, for the 2025 model year, Kia standardized wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the entire trim lineup. In previous years, only models with the smaller screen had wireless connectivity, while the larger 12.3-inch screens required a physical cable. This was a significant quality-of-life update that remains relevant for users in 2026.
How many car seats can fit in the 2025 Telluride?
The Telluride is exceptionally family-friendly. In the 8-passenger configuration, you can typically install up to four car seats (two in the second row and two in the third row, depending on seat size). The 7-passenger configuration with captain's chairs allows for two seats in the second row and two in the third. There are three sets of LATCH connectors in the 8-passenger model.
Is the 2025 Kia Telluride good for off-roading?
While it is not a dedicated rock crawler like a Jeep Wrangler, the X-Line and X-Pro trims are very capable on forest service roads, snowy mountain passes, and light trails. The 8.4 inches of ground clearance (on X-Line/X-Pro) and the improved approach and departure angles make it one of the more capable "soft-roaders" in the three-row SUV class.
What are the main differences between the 2024 and 2025 models?
The changes were primarily cosmetic and safety-oriented. The 2025 model replaced some exterior chrome with darker finishes on the X-Line/X-Pro trims and added standard second-row side airbags. Most of the mechanical components and the interior layout remained identical to the 2024 model.
Does the Telluride require premium gasoline?
No. The 3.8L V6 engine in the 2025 Telluride is designed to run on regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline. Using premium fuel does not provide a significant increase in performance or fuel economy for this specific engine architecture.
Final Recommendation for 2026 Buyers
The 2025 Kia Telluride remains a "Goldilocks" vehicle in the three-row SUV market. It provides more luxury than the Honda Pilot, more personality than the Toyota Highlander, and a better warranty than the Ford Explorer.
Buy the 2025 Kia Telluride if: You need a reliable, stylish, and immensely practical family vehicle that can handle long road trips in comfort. The EX trim remains the best value for most families, but the SX Prestige is the right choice for those transitioning from luxury brands who don't want to sacrifice features.
Skip the 2025 Kia Telluride if: Fuel economy is your absolute priority. In that case, a hybrid alternative or an electric three-row SUV like the Kia EV9 may be a better fit for your needs in 2026.
For those ready to move forward, the next step is to verify the service history if buying used, or to check for remaining 2025 inventory which often carries aggressive financing incentives as the newer models take over the showroom floor.
