If You’re “Too Cool” for a Minivan… Meet Telluride
Let’s be honest—minivans are awesome for families but, you want an SUV with style, presence, and all the tech. Enter the 2025 Kia Telluride, the crossover that’s got enough swagger to satisfy your driving ego and more features than you thought you needed. Jalopnik-types will love it: practical, a little cheeky, a lot comfortable, and zero minivan shame.
That First Impression
Telluride walks the walk. It’s boxy but modern, with just the right amount of rugged energy—think gloss-black trim, an upright grille, and lighting that grabs attention day or night. X-Line and X-Pro models get even bolder with off-road touches and bigger wheels (up to 20 inches)[4]. It comes in a bunch of cool colors—Panthera Metal, Deep Blue, Wolf Gray—that look high-end for the price.
Cabin Vibes: Where Family Meets Fun
Kia absolutely nailed the inside. Three rows of seating—either for 7 or 8 passengers, depending if you go for captain’s chairs—means everyone gets their space. Stadium seating keeps arguments to a minimum (everyone can see out). Real adults, not just kids, fit perfectly in the third row, and every seat feels plush thanks to synthetic or Nappa leather, climate control, and more cupholders than you’ll ever need.
Tech & Creature Comforts
- 12.3-inch touchscreen: Super bright, pretty much runs everything; intuitive even for technophobes.
- Digital gauge cluster: Looks swanky and keeps info front and center.
- Wi-Fi hotspot & USB-C ports everywhere: No squabbles over phone charging on road trips.
- Driver Talk: Project your voice to the third row—no more parental yelling!
- Quiet Mode: Play White Stripes up front, let the kids nap in back, easy.
Upscale trims pile on goodies: panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon audio, ventilated seats, head-up display, and even a digital rearview mirror.
Power & Performance: Effortless, Never Flashy
Every Telluride rocks Kia’s 3.8-liter V6 (291 hp, 262 lb-ft), which is more than enough for family duty—even with a packed load for camp or soccer. It drives through a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic; choose front-drive for everyday life or AWD (standard on adventurous trims) for foul weather and light trails[5][7]. The ride? Quiet, cushy, and just sporty enough. Bonus: X-Pro trim tows up to 5,500 lbs, perfect for small boats or trailers.
Fuel Economy Details
- FWD: 20 city / 26 highway mpg
- AWD: Slightly less, but still decent for its size.
You won’t beat hybrids at the pump, but you’ll out-comfort most of them.
Safety: It’s Got Your Back
Standard is a lengthy suite of driver aids Kia calls “Drive Wise.” You get:
- Forward Collision Warning & Auto Braking
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Adaptive Cruise with Highway Driving Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic & Park Assist
- Safe Exit Assist (so kids can’t open the doors into traffic)
Top trims even toss in surround-view cameras, digital keys, and more smart tricks to preserve your sanity (and bump up resale value).
Cargo, Capacity, and Versatility
There’s generous cargo space:
| Behind 3rd row | Behind 2nd row | Max cargo |
|---|---|---|
| 21 cu ft[4] | 46 cu ft[4] | 87 cu ft[4] |
Need to haul IKEA loot or camping gear? Fold-flat seats make it a breeze. Even the base models have easy-push buttons to stow rows, and there’s a healthy spread of storage nooks all over.
Why autosguidelines Readers Should Care
- 2025 Kia Telluride It’s not a minivan, but it’s just as practical
- No turbo or hybrid headaches—just a burly, reliable V6
- Looks more expensive than it is (starts around $38K; loaded is $55K+)
- Kia’s 5-year/60,000-mile warranty means peace of mind[6] The Bottom Line
The 2025 Kia Telluride is the SUV for drivers who need three rows and want to avoid anything uncool, slow, or short on style. There are flashier and fancier SUVs out there, but none combine value, comfort, tech, and honest personality quite like this Kia. So if you want your family ride to have some edge, here’s your answer.
Final word: The only thing this Telluride can’t do? Park itself in your driveway. That part’s on you.