Best Kia Telluride Model Years (Ranked) in 2027

The Kia Telluride arrived for the 2020 model year and instantly became one of the most acclaimed three-row SUVs on the market, winning North American Utility Vehicle of the Year and earning near-luxury praise at a mainstream price. Every Telluride uses the same proven 3.8L V6, so this ranking sorts the model years by feature content, refinement, reliability, recall history, and used value — using real specs and representative pricing. Because demand has stayed high since launch, used Tellurides hold their value unusually well, which makes picking the right year and trim matter more than usual. There is no genuinely bad Telluride, but there is a smartest one for your budget, and this guide pinpoints it.

How We Ranked These Telluride Model Years

Because every Telluride shares the same 291-hp 3.8L V6 and 8-speed automatic, raw performance does not separate the years — so we ranked on what does. Feature content and trim carried the most weight, since the jump from a base LX to a loaded SX-Prestige changes the experience dramatically. Refinement and styling updates mattered, with the 2023 facelift bringing a tougher look and modern dual screens. Reliability and recall history factored in heavily, especially for first-year 2020 cars. Finally, used value rounded out the score, reflecting the Telluride's strong resale. Specs and recall notes were checked against Edmunds, Car and Driver, and NHTSA.

1. 2023-2024 (Facelift) 🏆 BEST OVERALL

2023-2024 (Facelift)

The refreshed 2023–2024 Telluride is the best version, with a tougher new face, updated taillights, and a modernized cabin featuring dual 12.3-inch curved screens. The proven 3.8L V6 makes 291 hp and 262 lb-ft through an 8-speed automatic with available all-wheel drive. The new X-Line and X-Pro trims add off-road touches, a raised ride height, and a higher tow rating. It seats seven or eight with available second-row captain's chairs and a panoramic roof. Used value: $36,000 to $50,000. It is the most refined, best-equipped, and most rugged Telluride yet, and the facelift keeps it looking current next to newer rivals — the clear top pick.

2. 2020-2021 (Early 1st Gen) 💎 BEST VALUE

2020-2021 (Early 1st Gen)

The original Telluride stunned the market with near-luxury materials, a quiet cabin, and three genuinely usable rows, built on the same hardware as today's cars. The 3.8L V6 (291 hp), 8-speed automatic, and available AWD are identical to the newest models. It seats seven or eight and offers available Nappa leather, a head-up display, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon system in SX trim. Used value: $28,000 to $38,000. You get virtually the same SUV as a 2024 for thousands less — verify the early recalls were addressed and you have an outstanding family hauler.

3. 2022 (1st Gen, Pre-Facelift)

2022 (1st Gen, Pre-Facelift)

The 2022 Telluride is the most refined pre-facelift year, adding new trims (including the rugged-look Nightfall package), more standard safety, and minor tech updates. The 3.8L V6 (291 hp), 8-speed automatic, and available AWD carry over, seating seven or eight. Used value: $33,000 to $44,000. It splits the difference between the value-priced early cars and the pricier facelift, with most of the refinement and fewer first-year worries — a strong pick if you want a nearly current Telluride without paying full facelift money.

4. 2025 (Latest)

2025 (Latest)

The 2025 Telluride continues the facelifted formula with the 3.8L V6 (291 hp), 8-speed automatic, available AWD, the X-Pro off-road trim, and the latest infotainment and safety, seating seven or eight. Used value (lightly used): $42,000 to $54,000. It matches the top pick mechanically and visually and still carries factory warranty, but it ranks here because used examples sell at or near MSRP given persistent demand. Excellent if you want the freshest Telluride and can find one without a dealer markup.

5. 2023 SX-Prestige X-Pro (Top Off-Road)

2023 SX-Prestige X-Pro (Top Off-Road)

The 2023 SX-Prestige X-Pro earns a callout as the most capable, loaded Telluride. It pairs the 291-hp V6 and standard AWD with all-terrain tires, a raised ride height, a 5,500-lb tow rating, and the full luxury suite — quilted Nappa leather, dual sunroofs, ventilated second-row seats, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon system. It seats seven. Used value: $42,000 to $50,000. It is the closest thing to a luxury off-road three-row at this price, and worth the premium for buyers who want maximum capability and equipment in one trim.

6. 2021 SX (Loaded Pre-Facelift Value)

2021 SX (Loaded Pre-Facelift Value)

The 2021 SX trim is a smart loaded-but-affordable target. It brings the 291-hp V6, available AWD, Nappa leather, a head-up display, a 10-speaker premium audio system, and the full driver-assist suite, seating seven or eight. Used value: $32,000 to $40,000. You get near-flagship equipment at early-car pricing, with the exact same drivetrain as any newer Telluride — confirm the early recalls were completed and you have a near-luxury SUV for mainstream money.

7. 2022 Nightfall Edition

2022 Nightfall Edition

The 2022 Nightfall Edition added blacked-out trim, dark wheels, and unique styling to the well-equipped Telluride, keeping the 3.8L V6 (291 hp), 8-speed automatic, and available AWD, seating seven or eight. Used value: $34,000 to $44,000. It is a cosmetic package over a standard 2022, so the appeal is style rather than capability. Worth seeking if you love the murdered-out look; otherwise a standard 2022 saves money for identical mechanicals.

8. 2020 LX/S (Budget Entry)

2020 LX/S (Budget Entry)

The base 2020 LX and S trims are the cheapest way into Telluride ownership, with the same 291-hp V6, 8-speed automatic, and available AWD, seating seven or eight. Used value: $26,000 to $33,000. You lose the luxury leather and premium audio, but keep the core refinement, ride quality, and three usable rows that earned the Telluride its awards. The trade-off is that these are first-year cars with a few early recalls — verify completion. A genuine bargain entry into one of the most acclaimed three-row SUVs of its era.

9. 2024 X-Line (Mild Off-Road)

2024 X-Line (Mild Off-Road)

The 2024 X-Line sits below the X-Pro, adding a slightly raised ride height, unique bumpers, and rugged styling while keeping street tires, the 291-hp V6, standard AWD, and the full tech suite, seating seven or eight. Used value: $38,000 to $47,000. It looks the part without the all-terrain-tire road noise of the X-Pro, so it stays quiet on the highway — a good middle ground for buyers who want the rugged appearance and a modest capability bump with comfortable daily-driver manners.

10. 2020 (First-Year, Inspect Carefully)

2020 (First-Year, Inspect Carefully)

The debut 2020 Telluride is historically significant and still excellent, with the 3.8L V6 (291 hp), 8-speed automatic, and available AWD, seating seven or eight. Used value: $26,000 to $36,000. It earns the last spot only because, as a first-year model, it had a handful of early recalls (verify any open campaigns on NHTSA's database by VIN). With all recalls confirmed complete and a clean pre-purchase inspection, a 2020 is a strong value — the underlying SUV is the same award-winner that launched the nameplate, so due diligence is the only catch.

How to Choose

Every Telluride shares the same 291-hp V6, so choose by year, trim, and price rather than performance. If you want the newest design and off-road trims, target the 2023–2024 facelift. For the best value, the 2020–2021 cars deliver the same near-luxury experience for thousands less. Decide whether you want a loaded SX/Prestige trim or a budget LX, and whether the rugged X-Line/X-Pro styling appeals to you. On any 2020 car, confirm all recalls were completed and inspect carefully before buying, since first-year quirks are the only real risk.

FAQ

What is the most reliable Kia Telluride model year? The 2023 and 2024 model years are generally considered the most reliable, benefiting from several years of production refinement and fewer open recalls than the 2020 launch year. Owners report consistent performance from the 3.8L V6 and few major issues, though no model year is completely free of minor complaints. Check the specific car's history and any open NHTSA campaigns by VIN before buying.

Are used Kia Tellurides still expensive? Yes. Used Tellurides hold value unusually well, with asking prices typically ranging from roughly $28,000 for early models to around $50,000 for recent low-mileage examples. Sustained demand and limited supply mean you should expect to pay near or above average market prices for a three-row SUV, so shop multiple listings and use Edmunds or KBB values to benchmark a fair price.

Which Telluride trim is best for off-road use? The X-Pro trim, introduced with the 2023 facelift, is the most capable for light off-roading, adding all-terrain tires and a modestly raised ride height over the standard car. It is not a hardcore off-roader, but it handles gravel, snow, and mild trails better than other trims. The related X-Line offers the rugged look and raised stance on street tires for buyers who prioritize quiet highway manners.

Does the Kia Telluride have any common problems? Early 2020 models were subject to a few recall campaigns that were addressed under warranty; later years have fewer reported issues, and the 3.8L V6 has generally proven durable. Some owners note minor infotainment glitches across model years. The single most important step is to run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm any campaigns were completed before purchase.

How long do Kia Tellurides typically last? With regular maintenance, a Telluride's V6 powertrain and body are widely expected to last well past 150,000 miles, and many owners report trouble-free driving beyond 100,000 miles. As with any high-mileage SUV, budget for wear items such as tires, brakes, suspension components, and eventual transmission service, and prioritize examples with documented service history.

Is the 2025 Kia Telluride worth waiting for, or should I buy a 2023–2024? The 2025 carries forward the same powertrain and facelifted design as the 2023–2024 cars, with only minor updates. If you need a vehicle now, a clean 2023 or 2024 delivers essentially the same experience for less money, since 2025s often sell at or near MSRP. Waiting may yield small tech or trim tweaks but no major mechanical changes.

Bottom Line

The Kia Telluride redefined the value three-row SUV, and the 2023–2024 facelift is the Best Overall pick — 291-hp V6, rugged new styling, the X-Pro trim, and top tech for roughly $36,000 to $50,000. Value shoppers should target the 2020–2021 early cars, our Best Value, with the identical drivetrain and near-luxury cabin for about $28,000 to $38,000. Since every Telluride shares the same V6, choose by trim and price, verify recalls on 2020 models, and expect strong resale when you sell. Do that, and a used Telluride remains one of the smartest family-SUV buys you can make.

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Sources

• Edmunds — Kia Telluride reviews and used pricing
• Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — Kia Telluride values
• Car and Driver — Kia Telluride reviews
• NHTSA — Kia Telluride recalls and complaints
• Consumer Reports — Kia Telluride reliability
• MotorTrend — Kia Telluride buyer's guide
• Kia Media — Telluride specifications and trims

*Kia Telluride review — Kia Telluride reviews, ratings, and a guide to the best Kia Telluride model years to buy used.*

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