The 2022 Kia Telluride SX V6 AWD SUV
You Are What You Drive — A Bottom Line Review
The Bottom Line: What is a Telluride? A Telluride is a midsize crossover 3 row SUV built by Kia. Originally introduced as a concept in 2016, the vehicle debuted in the spring of 2019 as a 2020 model. It is named after the town of Telluride, Colorado. The Telluride is the largest vehicle Kia has ever produced in the United States, and is built at the West Point, GA vehicle final assembly plant.
Kia Corporation was founded in May 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. From humble beginnings making bicycles and motorcycles, Kia has grown as part of the dynamic global Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, to become the world’s fifth largest vehicle manufacturer.
This week Kia sent me a 2022 Telluride SX V6 AWD SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this model is $44,590. The options on the test SUV are: the SX Prestige package for $2,300, the tow package for $795 and the carpeted floor mats for $210. The MSRP manufactures suggested retail price, including the $1,225 destination charge, is: $49,120. After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the total purchase price came to: $55,260. A great price for an award winning SUV.
The Kia Telluride continues to be ranked as a top 10 pick in every one of the 10 best ratings. Consumer Reports rates the new 2022 Kia Telluride as the Number One Best Buy in the 3 row SUV class, with an overall score of 97, out of 100. This the highest score of any vehicle of the 2000+ ratings in their annual buying guide report. And it’s easy to see why Telluride scored so high, again.
The Kia Telluride is available in four trims levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, all of which come standard with a 3.8L liter naturally aspirated DOHC dual over head cam GDI gas direct injection V/6 engine with 4 valves per cylinder. The engine generates
291 HP horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and this is a perfect V6 for this midsize SUV.
Power is then sent to an 8 speed automatic transmission and routed to an active on demand AWD all wheel drive traction control system with drive mode select. Drive mode select provides drivers with up to 6 drive modes to choose from: Comfort/Normal, Sport, Eco, Smart, Custom and Snow Mode, for Kia models with AWD, that will fine tune steering, throttle, braking and handling response to upgrade performance and safety.
For 2022 also Kia adds a 10.25” inch touch screen, dual zone automatic climate control, and highway driving assist to the Telluride’s standard features list, and gains a standard wireless device charging pad. In addition to the EX’s features, the SX Edition adds LED headlights and LED fog lights, a dual pane power sunroof, automatic high beam headlights, and 20” inch alloy wheels. The SX’s side mirrors now tilt down when the Telluride is placed in reverse, helping the driver see any objects at the rear wheels.
To put the Telluride SX in the near luxury category the SX Prestige package adds: a head up display, a 110 volt inverter plug, Nappa leather 2 tone seat trim, premium cloth headliner and sun visors, heated and ventilated front and 2nd row seats, rain sensing front windshield wipers, and a self leveling rear suspension system with the towing package.
Interior upgrades include: a center stack screen with navigation and mapcare, a Harman Kardon surround sound audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM radio, automatic climate control, a leather wrapped steering wheel, rear door side window curtains, smart key entry, push button start, remote start, power seats with memory, and a rear occupant alert with ultrasonic sensors.
The ride, handling, comfort level and amenities on the SX model puts the Telluride really in a class by itself. No other car company sells an SUV with this level of refinement, at this price level, for $49 Grand. Your buying the best of the best in the midsize 3 row SUV class with a Telluride SX AWD SUV. Consumer
Reports, Car & Driver, Motor Trend, etc. all rate the Telluride as one the top 10 best buys for the buck, for all models.
So, when you’re ready to buy a new midsize 3 row SUV, the 2022 Kia Telluride should be on your ride and drive list, as it’s one of the best 3 row SUV’s for sale today. Call, click or visit your local Kia dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the 2022 Telluride. And remember that the base price for a new Telluride starts at only $33,090. Kia - Movement that Inspires.
Be smart, say safe, and just breathe. Remember, “You Are What You Drive ©” And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today ©”.
This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense © editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. “Tony the Car Guy” is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net