2020 Kia Telluride Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Many drivers are in the market for a midsize SUV, and while shopping for a new vehicle can be an exciting experience, the large number of choices in this category can make it a very daunting process. In an effort to help you shorten your list, we suggest that you start with the 2020 Kia Telluride. It may be a brand new model, but it is off to a very impressive start. The Telluride has already been ranked #1 in U.S. News and World Report's ranking of midsize SUVs. This is an admirable accomplishment for a first generation model, but when you consider it's performance, generous interior space, extensive list of safety features, not to mention all of the cutting edge technology throughout the vehicle, it is easy to understand why.

This guide will give you a detailed description of why you should purchase the 2020 Kia Telluride, and it will also give you a few reasons why you may want to consider looking elsewhere.

What's New for 2020?

The 2020 Telluride is the first of its kind, so everything about it is brand new! For many years, the Sorento was Kia's only SUV option with 3rd row seating, and while it has been very popular, many drivers were looking for something with more cargo and passenger space. The Telluride is Kia's response to these requests. Not only have they created a midsize SUV with an expansive interior, they have also packed it full of powerful performance, exciting technology, and ultimate safety.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Kia Telluride – The Pros

1. A Long List of Standard Safety Features

All trim levels of the 2020 Telluride come equipped with several modern safety features that are sure to boost driver confidence. They include a blind spot monitor with a rear cross traffic alert system, a parking distance warning system, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking. There is even a Safe Exit Assist, which sends a warning if it is not safe to open your door. Telluride owners can feel confident that Kia has gone above and beyond to prevent collisions.

2. The Telluride Can Monitor Driver Attention

Another very impressive standard safety feature that deserves its own spotlight is the Driver Attention Warning system. It alerts the driver if it feels that their attention to the road has been compromised. Whether a driver is falling asleep, or they are continuously distracted because they are looking at their smartphone, this system will do its best to keep the driver alert.

3. All-Around Safe Vehicle

With all of those safety features, it's no surprise that the 2020 Kia Telluride was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In terms of crash tests, it earned good ratings on all versions of the test, including a superior rating in the area of front crash prevention.

4. Expansive and Flexible Interior Space

While many mid-size SUVs seat up to 7 passengers or less, the 2020 Kia Telluride seats up to 8. In addition to this, there is also 87 cubic feet of cargo space. With the touch of a button, the second row slides forward for easy access to the third row, and there are also buttons in the rear cargo area that fold the second row seats if more room is needed for storage. With this interior, it will not be difficult to accommodate passengers or cargo easily and comfortably.

5. Peace of Mind With the Rear Occupant Alert System

This feature is extremely appealing for those who have infants or small children. The Rear Occupant Alert system will send visual and audible alerts if an unattended passenger is left in the vehicle after the driver gets out. In addition to these immediate alerts, drivers can link their vehicle to Kia's UVO link, which will also send notification to the registered account holder's cell phone when the audible alert is triggered. This type of safety feature is invaluable, and it comes standard in all trim levels.

6. Exciting Technology

Kia has equipped the 2020 Telluride with its UVO infotainment system, which includes the best of modern technology. Standard features include access to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, an 8-inch touch screen, six USB ports, and a six-speaker sound system. Some of the technology options offered as upgrades are wireless phone charging, a larger 10.25-inch touch screen, a navigation system, and a 10 speaker Harman Kardon stereo.

If drivers want to limit audio to the first row, they can turn on the Quiet Mode feature, and through Driver Talk, they can communicate with those in the second and third rows through an interior intercom system. Both of these features come standard beginning with the EX trim level.

7. Powerful Performance

The 3.8-liter V-6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission produce horsepower of 291 and 262 lb-ft of torque. This provides more than enough power for maneuvering on the highway as well as city streets, and the four drive modes go a long way toward enhancing the driving experience. Drivers can choose between Eco, Sport, Comfort, and Smart modes, and if you opt to purchase a Telluride with all-wheel-drive, there are also Snow and Lock settings.

The 2020 Telluride handles quite well throughout different types of road conditions, offers a very quiet ride inside of the cabin, and despite its large size, produces a smooth ride and is easy to maneuver.

8. Eye-Catching Exterior Style

The 2020 Kia Telluride may be considered a family friendly vehicle, but it's exterior appearance will make drivers feel that they are driving a stylish and modern vehicle. Particularly attention grabbing is the well proportioned grill that adds a nice touch to the front of the vehicle. With its combination of sleek curves and defined angles, the styling is quite bold when compared with other vehicles in its class, but it manages to remain classy and refined.

9. Superior Connectivity Through UVO link

The 2020 Kia Telluride comes equipped with UVO Link, which drivers can sync with their smartphones. Once the app is downloaded, it offers the ability to start the vehicle remotely, and lock and unlock the doors. There is also a Find My Car feature, as well as access to you owner's manual and warranty information.

10. The Industry-Leading Kia Warranty Program

When you purchase the 2020 Kia Telluride, you will be protected by a 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, and a 5 year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty. Kia stands behind the quality of their vehicles, and you can be assured that should anything need to be corrected, you will be fully covered. This warranty program also includes a 5 year/60,000 mile roadside assistance plan.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Kia Telluride – The Cons

1. No Upgraded Engine Option

The 3.8-liter V-6 engine comes in all trim levels, and there is no opportunity to upgrade to a better option. This may be a deal breaker for drivers who are not satisfied with this offering, and are looking for more powerful performance.

2. No Rear Seat Video System

For a vehicle that is overflowing with wonderful technology features, the fact that the 2020 Kia Telluride does not offer rear passengers the ability to watch videos is quite surprising. It is a glaring and noticeable oversight in an otherwise impressive vehicle. This will likely be corrected in future models, but for now, its an unfortunate omission.

3. Disappointing Mileage

The 2020 Kia Telluride gets 23 miles per gallon combined with front wheel drive, and while this is not considered terrible mileage, there is definitely room for improvement.

How It Stacks Up To the Competition

The 2020 Kia Telluride's main competitors include the 2020 Ford Explorer, the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While the Telluride and Traverse provide seating for up to 8 passengers, the Explorer has seating for up to 7, and the Grand Cherokee only seats 5.

It is important to point out that while the 2020 Kia Telluride was awarded as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, the 2020 Ford Explorer did not earn any awards because of poor crash test results.

The Explorer, Traverse and Grand Cherokee all offer slightly greater horsepower, more towing capacity, and more than one engine option, but they are all significantly more expensive than the Telluride. If power and performance are your main priorities, you may be more inclined to choose one of these competitors. In terms of style, comfort, safety features and overall reliability, however, the Telluride is a strong choice.

Conclusion

With the introduction of the new 2020 Telluride, Kia has definitely put their best foot forward. As a first generation model, it is comfortably holding its own amongst the competition, and it is a clear standout in the crowded midsize SUV field. After learning about all that the Telluride has to offer, it is sure to be a strong contender when choosing your next vehicle.