The 2022 Kia Telluride is an attractive and refined 3-row midsize that’s as big on value as it is on cabin and cargo room. While styling is subjective, we think the broad-shouldered design of the Telluride gives it a rugged appeal. Inside, the design of the cabin and layout of the controls could fool you into thinking this is a luxury-branded SUV.
For the 2022 model year, the Telluride is available in four main trims: LX, S, EX, and SX. Standard on all is a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional across the range, costing $2,000 extra on the three lower trims and $1,900 on the SX.
Starting at $33,390, the base Telluride LX is hardly what we’d call a no-frills mode of transportation. In terms of cabin tech, every Telluride is equipped with a big 10.25-inch infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, satellite radio, and six USB ports.
Safety is also nicely covered. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing wipers, and more. In the middle of the range, stepping up to the S and EX trims costs $35,890 and $38,390, respectively. The LX and EX models have 8-passenger seating, while the S with its second-row captain’s chairs carries seven passengers in all.
But what does a midsize SUV shopper get when deciding to go all-in on the Telluride in SX trim? Quite a lot, to be frank. Starting at $43,290, the SX is opulent and comfortable, not to mention a reminder of why this Kia deservedly earned a top spot in our Best 3-Row Midsize SUVs rankings.
Here are some of the key features that come with the 2022 Kia Telluride SX:
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Leather seating
- Hands-free liftgate
- LED headlights/taillights/fog lights
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Dual-pane sunroof
- 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio
- Surround-view camera
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Front parking sensors
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Wireless smartphone charging
- 64-color interior ambient lighting
- Dual second-row captain’s chairs
- Heated second-row seating
- Second-row sunshades
- 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings
- Power-folding side mirrors
SX Prestige Package
As loaded as the Kia Telluride SX might be, it’s not quite the most opulent variant. Ordering the SX Prestige Package costs $2,300 and adds upgraded leather upholstery and headliner, plus heated and ventilated second-row seats, a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and a 110-volt power outlet. This option package is only available on a Telluride SX when ordered with optional all-wheel drive.
Safety Features
As we pointed out, the 2022 Telluride comes with a long lineup of active safety features even in base LX trim. At the top of the range, the SX is absolutely bristling with technology to help keep you and your fellow occupants safe. A robust roster of safety equipment — some of it standard across the entire Telluride lineup — includes a safe exit alert, which warns of any approaching vehicles when exiting the Telluride, along with Kia’s Blind-Spot View Monitor display that operates in conjunction with the turn signal, surround-view parking camera, a head-up display, and rear-seat alert. This last item helps prevent a Telluride owner from forgetting a child or pet in the back.
3-Row Seating
Granted, the Telluride is hardly the only midsize SUVs with three rows of seating. If you need to maximize your passenger-toting potential, keep in mind the SX trim only comes with second-row captain’s chairs. This drops capacity to seven, down from eight with the second-row bench found in lower trim levels. What sets the Telluride apart from many rivals is that its third-row seating is roomy enough for adults. Outward visibility is good thanks to the generously-sized windows, and there are USB ports available in all three rows.
Outstanding Warranty
Hardly reserved for only the fanciest version of the Telluride, it’s worth pointing out this Kia SUV comes with an incredibly strong warranty. This includes a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, along with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
More 2022 Kia Telluride
Build and price your own 2023 Kia Telluride to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more. Or see Kia Telluride models for sale near you.
