My GarageIs the Kia Telluride a good used car?
The Telluride is one of the best used-market 3-row values available. Verify software updates on early 2020 examples; otherwise a very strong long-term ownership.
Buyer's Guide · Kia Telluride · 3-row SUV
Used Kia Telluride Buyer's Guide
3 min read
Also worth reading: Kia Reliability Guide, Best Used Kia Models and Kia Sportage Buying Guide.
The Telluride is the best-in-class 3-row family SUV in the mainstream segment. The 3.8L Lambda V6 is proven, and the platform is refined and premium-feeling.
Quick Verdict
- Overall verdict
- 4.5/5 · Excellent
- Reliability
- 4.4/5 · Very good
- Best years
- 2021+ (post-early-build refinements)
- Years to research
- 2020 (first-year)
- Maintenance cost
- 4.3/5 · Very good
- Parts availability
- 4.2/5 · Very good
- Ownership cost
- 4.3/5 · Very good
Bottom line: Yes.
Overall
★★★★★4.5/5
The Telluride is one of the best used-market 3-row values available. Verify software updates on early 2020 examples; otherwise a very strong long-term ownership.
Reliability
★★★★★4.4/5
Maintenance
★★★★★4.3/5
Parts availability
★★★★★4.2/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★4.3/5
Top Picks
Best Years to Buy
Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.
2021+ (post-early-build refinements)
Refined; software updates applied.
Side by side
Kia Telluride ratings at a glance
| Category | Rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.5/5 | Excellent |
| Reliability | 4.4/5 | Very good |
| Maintenance | 4.3/5 | Very good |
| Parts availability | 4.2/5 | Very good |
| Ownership cost | 4.3/5 | Very good |
Do your homework
Years to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
2020 (first-year)
Early infotainment and minor build-quality complaints; most addressed via software.
Known issues
Common Problems
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- ✓Infotainment quirks on early 2020 examples
- ✓Panoramic sunroof drain clogs
- ✓Water pump around 100k on Lambda V6
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Ownership
Maintenance Expectations
Comparable ownership costs to Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander; parts are widely available.
The long factory warranty is a used-market advantage when transferable.
Before you buy
Inspection Checklist
What to verify on any candidate car.
Engine
3.8L Lambda: smooth idle; verify water-pump service on 90k+ examples.
Transmission
8AT smooth throughout.
Warranty
Verify transferable powertrain warranty.
Sunroof drains
Test with water.
Rust
Rear subframe on Northeast examples.
Living with it
Ownership Experience
- • Premium-feeling interior for the price.
- • Real-world 22–24 mpg highway.
- • One of the strongest used 3-row values on the market.
The Verdict
Should You Buy a Used Kia Telluride?
Yes. Prefer 2021+ for the safest pick.
People Also Ask
How many miles will a Telluride last?
Premium-feeling interior for the price.
Is the Telluride expensive to maintain?
Comparable ownership costs to Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander; parts are widely available.
Which Telluride year should I buy?
2021+ (post-early-build refinements) is the range we'd shop first. Refined; software updates applied.
What are the most common Kia Telluride problems?
The issues that come up most often are infotainment quirks on early 2020 examples, panoramic sunroof drain clogs and water pump around 100k on Lambda V6. Each one is checkable during a pre-purchase inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable is the Kia Telluride?
Our scoring puts the Kia Telluride at 4.4/5 for reliability. The Telluride is one of the best used-market 3-row values available. Verify software updates on early 2020 examples; otherwise a very strong long-term ownership.
Which Telluride years should I avoid?
2020 (first-year) deserve the most scrutiny — see the Years to Research section for the specific issues to check.
What are the best years for the Kia Telluride?
2021+ (post-early-build refinements) are the strongest years to target — Refined; software updates applied.
How long does a Kia Telluride last?
A well-maintained Telluride from the recommended years should comfortably reach 200,000 miles, with the strongest powertrains clearing 300,000+.
Is the Telluride expensive to maintain?
Comparable ownership costs to Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander; parts are widely available.
What should I inspect before buying a used Telluride?
Focus on: Engine, Transmission, Warranty, Sunroof drains. Details for each are in the Inspection Checklist section.
What are the most common Telluride problems?
Infotainment quirks on early 2020 examples; Panoramic sunroof drain clogs; Water pump around 100k on Lambda V6
Is 150,000 miles too much for a Telluride?
Not on its own. A 150k-mile Telluride with documented service history is often a better buy than an 80k-mile example with no records — the Telluride's core mechanicals routinely run well past 200k.
Should I buy a used Kia Telluride?
Yes. Prefer 2021+ for the safest pick.
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