Kia Telluride Family Review 2026

About This Vehicle

The Kia Telluride has topped nearly every major family SUV ranking since its debut — and the 2026 model gives nobody a reason to reconsider that verdict. Its cabin is genuinely beautiful, with soft-touch materials, thoughtful storage, and a layout that feels like it was designed by parents for parents.

With 14 cup holders and USB ports in every row, the Telluride treats every passenger as a first-class citizen. The EX trim sits in the sweet spot of the lineup, delivering heated and ventilated front seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and the full Kia DriveWise safety suite — all without crossing into luxury territory pricing.

⭐ Quick Comfort Scorecard

Family Comfort Breakdown

Seat Comfort

9.5

Cabin Noise

9.2

Third Row Comfort

8.9

Ride Smoothness

9.3

Road Trip Fatigue

9.1

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

Best-in-class 14 cup holders — truly
Beautifully crafted, durable interior
NHTSA 5-Star overall safety rating
Smooth, well-damped ride quality
Generous standard features at the EX trim
Available heated 2nd-row seats

⚠️ Cons

No hybrid or PHEV option available
Infotainment has a learning curve
Third row best for kids, not adults
AWD costs extra vs standard FWD

🧒 Family Test Results

🛒

Stroller Fit Test

✓ Pass — Double stroller fits easily with 3rd row folded

🚗

Car Seat Fit Test

✓ Pass — 3 across in 2nd row confirmed with slim seats

🗺

Road Trip Comfort

✓ Pass — 8+ hours manageable for all rows

🦵

Teen Legroom Test

✓ Pass — 41.4" 2nd row — teens arrived relaxed

🎒

School Bag Storage

✓ Pass — Door pockets, under-seat bins, cubby spots aplenty

🌡

Temperature Control

✓ Pass — Tri-zone climate standard on EX

⚖️ Competitor Comparisons

Telluride vs Palisade — Korean Rivals → Telluride vs Honda Pilot — Cargo Battle → Telluride vs Subaru Ascent — AWD Value →

✦ Best For

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Large families 🗺Long road trips 💰Value-conscious buyers 🎒School run daily drivers 🛣Highway commuters

📍 Price & Inventory

Find the Kia Telluride at a dealer near you — compare prices, check availability, and get your best offer.

Check AutoTrader → Search CarGurus → TrueCar Price → Cars.com →

Full Specs & Rankings →