Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2025 Kia Telluride
With an overall Carivo score of 8.2/10, the 2025 Kia Telluride earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.7/10, while Technology at 7.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Kia Telluride's reliability at 8.5/10 — among the strongest in our suv database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. Safety is a strength too — 8.7/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.7/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.6/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $38,202–$49,223, 24 MPG, seating 8, the Kia Telluride sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 8.5/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this suv delivers more than most of the class. At 1 year old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Bottom line: Think of the 2025 Kia Telluride as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2025 Kia Telluride ranks #29 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 99% of the segment. Its 8.2/10 overall score is 0.8 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $38,202 starting price is about 6% above the segment's median of $36,079.
$0 — 3 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Telluride Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2022 Kia Telluride scores 8.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2025's 8.2 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
✗ Where it falls short
Few standout weaknesses — review individual sub-scores for nuance
Some competing models offer a higher overall score at a similar price
NHTSA Recalls — 2025 Kia Telluride (3 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Structure / Exterior trim 28/07/2025 · 25V494000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Telluride vehicles. The door belt molding trim can delaminate and detach from the vehicle.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride and 2026 Sorento vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As…
Seats / Front assembly / Recliner 23/02/2026 · 26V105000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride vehicles, equipped with power front seat(s). Due to a manufacturing error, the driver and passenger seat back frame assemblies may fail to properly restrain occupants in a crash.
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2025 Kia Telluride that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2025 Kia Telluride
Is the 2025 Kia Telluride reliable?
We rate the 2025 Kia Telluride's reliability 8.5/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2025 Kia Telluride have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2025 Kia Telluride worth buying?
It scores 8.2/10 overall, ranking #29 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 99% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2025 Kia Telluride cost?
The 2025 Kia Telluride starts at $38,202 and ranges up to $49,223 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Telluride years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 6 Telluride model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (8.3/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2025 Kia Telluride have?
The documented issues for the 2025 Kia Telluride are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Structure, Tires, Seats (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Kia Telluride
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More Kia Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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