Kia Telluride review for Colorado buyers

The Telluride for Colorado buyers

The family three-row alternative to an EV

A lot of Colorado families shopping a Tesla Model Y or Rivian R1S end up asking whether a gas three-row makes more sense. The Telluride is one of the most common answers. It seats seven or eight, fills up in a few minutes anywhere on I-70, and doesn't care whether the condo in Steamboat has a charger.

The tradeoff is running cost and how it uses fuel. The 2020-2025 V6 is rated at 20 to 23 mpg combined depending on drivetrain, while EVs cost far less per mile when charged at home. The 2027 Telluride Hybrid narrows that gap with EPA ratings of 31 to 35 mpg combined.

Inside, a 2025 Telluride offers 21 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 behind the first. That's room for a family's ski bags with the third row up, which the smaller EVs can't match.

Snow, AWD and the Traction Law

Get AWD if you can. On AWD models Kia offers a Snow mode and an AWD Lock that splits power evenly front to rear for slow, slippery going like an unplowed driveway. Kia also sold the Telluride with FWD, so check the badge and the window sticker before you fall for one.

First-generation ground clearance is 8.0 to 8.4 inches on 2025 models, which handles typical Front Range snow and rutted mountain roads. The 2027 drops to 7.4 inches except on the X-Pro, which has 9.1.

Tires still decide how it does in a storm. When CDOT activates the Traction Law, you need at least 3/16 inch of tread and an all-weather, M+S or mountain/snowflake rating, or chains or an approved traction device. Our Colorado winter buying guide explains what to look for.

Altitude, passes and the V6

The 3.8-liter V6 makes 291 horsepower at sea level, but it's naturally aspirated, so it breathes thinner air in the mountains. A common rule of thumb is that a non-turbo engine loses about 3 percent of its power per 1,000 feet of elevation. Take that with a grain of salt, but you'll notice it climbing to the Eisenhower Tunnel with seven people and a cargo box.

The 2027's 2.5-liter turbo four makes less peak horsepower (274) but more torque (311 lb-ft) from low rpm, and turbo engines compensate for thin air by pushing more air into the cylinders. For buyers in Summit County or Park County, that's a real reason to look at the new generation.

On the way down, use the lower gears and let engine braking help on long grades like the west side of Vail Pass. Riding the brakes on a heavy SUV is how they overheat. That's one area where EVs, with their regenerative braking, have a clear edge.

Towing a camper over the passes

Kia rates the first-generation Telluride at 5,000 pounds, and the 2023-2025 AWD X-Pro at 5,500 thanks to an upgraded cooling system. The 2027 gas models are rated at 5,000 pounds and the hybrid at 4,500. That covers a lot of small and midsize travel trailers, but stay well under the maximum in the mountains, where long climbs work the engine and transmission hard and the V6 is already down on power.

Unlike an EV, the Telluride's towing range isn't the limiting factor. You can pull a camper from Denver to Gunnison and fill up along the way without hunting for a pull-through charger. That's the practical reason many families pick it over an R1S.

Check the 2020-2022 recall for the Kia 4-pin tow hitch wiring if the car has a factory or dealer hitch. Our guide to towing a camper in the mountains covers weight, braking and pass strategy.

Buying a used Telluride: recalls and condition

The recall you can't skip is the front power seat motor fire risk on 2020-2024 cars. Kia recalled them in 2024 (24V-407) and again in 2026 (26V-430), and the second recall includes cars where the first repair wasn't done correctly. Run the VIN on NHTSA's site and get a Kia dealer to confirm both are closed.

Also check the 2020-2024 driveshaft engagement recall (24V-214), the 2024 valve spring recall (24V-077), which can cause engine damage, and the 2025 seat back frame recall (26V-105). A clean history with all recalls completed is worth paying a little more for.

Any car that has lived on the Front Range may have seen hail. Look along the roof rails and hood using our hail damage guide. If you'd like us to do the searching and inspection, start at our car-finding service, or trade in your current car as part of the deal.