2022 KIA Telluride Buying Guide: Best Models and Upgrades

Telluride is the largest SUV by Kia. This model debuted recently and now the Korean company is focusing on other projects. We can see that Hyundai, partner or rival, is always a step ahead. For example, this automotive giant from South Korea already entered the premium class with Genesis brand. Also, it is a matter of time when will the Santa Cruz truck enter the production. All these novelties can put the brake on the development of existing models to pay more attention to new arrivals. Since it still looks fresh, the 2022 KIA Telluride is coming without serious changes on its body or under the hood.

Speaking of Hyundai, some would believe that its Korean compatriot is going to follow the footsteps to the truck and luxury class. Well, the pickup is in plans for Kia, not for the first time. On the other hand, Kia is not planning the luxury brand, like most other companies are doing (Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura, Ford/Lincoln, Hyundai/Genesis). Instead, designers and engineers could get a task to make an even bigger SUV. Telluride is 197 inches long, but it is still considered as the mid-size vehicle.

Performance, Gas Mileage, Hybrid Drivetrain

The all-new SUV got a fresh source of power. It is a 3.8-liter V6 drivetrain, capable of producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Most of the rivals are using a 3.5 and 3.6 displacements as the main choices. Kia engineers are pairing a V6 unit with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to front wheels. The 2022 KIA Telluride is going to return 20/26 mpg with such a setup. If you pick an all-wheel drive, the system is consuming slightly more fuel. You will still be able to cover about 400 miles between two visits to the gas station.

The 2022 KIA Telluride Hybrid might fix one of the main downside of the new SUV. Right after the debut, experts and fans were complaining about lack of additional options under the hood. Kia didn’t want to go with a kind of a turbo-four unit, or some performance-oriented configuration. We believe the plan is to add a hybrid engine by the 2022 season. Such a vehicle would draw the attention to the entire Telluride lineup and Kia’s models. Still, we don’t know what kind of the electric support is possible. For some while, fans can hear rumors about hybrid Sorento and Sedona MPV.

Favorite Features of the 2022 KIA Telluride: Nightfall Edition, Digital Cluster

Four trim levels are going to be carried over for the 2022 KIA Telluride. The base SUV is coming with the LX badge. The package features both the largest smartphone integration services. The center of the infotainment system is an 8-inch screen. Blind-spot monitoring is the highlight of the safety suite, which is one of the most impressive for the non-luxury entry-level version.

The Telluride S adds a power sunroof and 20-inch wheels. Again, these are features we expect to see at higher trim levels. While the base LX is a five-seater, the S model adds two more spots. Front row buckets are heated. By selecting the EX, you will add ventilation and leather upholstery, larger multimedia screen, and intelligent tailgate. The SX comes with all the advanced equipment Kia can use.

Still, one of the most notable upgrades is the Nightfall Edition. The theme for this SUV is blacked out and delivers an eyebrow-raising effect. Not all models are eligible for this package that will cost you $1,300. For the 2022 KIA Telluride, it could feature a digital cluster. Fresh colors for gauges will refresh the appearance a bit.

2022 KIA Telluride TRUCK Rumors?!

It is not a secret that Kia is keen to a debut in the truck segment. Well, they had a prototype nearly 20 years ago when the Mojave pickup was in development. But, the company gave up from the project. Now, the topic is hot again. We know something is happening, but the official announcement is missing. According to some sources, the pickup could be based on the Mohave body-on-frame SUV, not available in the US market. The ladder frame is definitely a preferred architecture. On the other hand, the 2022 KIA Telluride truck would be based on a unibody platform. Honda Ridgeline is the only sporty pickup in the market and its sales can’t be compared to BoF models. So, the Telluride truck is not likely to happen, or at least not based on the same platform as the SUV.

Prices

The MSRP of the 2022 KIA Telluride will start at the same level as before. That means the pricing starts under $32,000 before additional fees and without upgrades. The SX adds more than $10,000 in features. The mid-range offer includes the $2,000 investment into S, or spending $38,000 for the EX. Experts share the opinion the Telluride is one of the best buys when you compare the list of equipment to main rivals.