Best Kia Telluride Model Years (Ranked)

The Kia Telluride arrived for the 2020 model year and almost instantly became one of the most acclaimed three-row SUVs on the market, winning major awards and developing a waiting list that pushed used prices above sticker for years. Because the Telluride is a young nameplate, ranking it means evaluating model years and trim levels rather than multiple generations.

The good news for buyers is that the Telluride has been remarkably consistent and reliable from launch, built on a sturdy 3.8L V6 with no major engine recalls of the kind that affected older Kia four-cylinders. This ranking walks through every Telluride model year and key trim, the specs, the few things to watch, and where the value sits today.

Direct Answer

The best overall Kia Telluride is the 2023-2024 refreshed model in EX or SX trim, which keeps the proven 3.8L V6 and adds updated styling, a larger dual-screen interior, expanded driver aids, and an available rugged X-Pro package, all with the Telluride's signature comfort and space.

For shoppers chasing value, the best value is the 2021-2022 LX or S trim, which delivers the same dependable powertrain and roomy three-row cabin with key features at a more reasonable used price than the loaded top trims. Every Telluride model year has been strong, so condition and maintenance records matter more than chasing a specific year.

1. 2023-2024 Refresh — SX / SX-Prestige 🏆 BEST OVERALL

The mid-cycle refresh brought the Telluride to its peak. The dependable 3.8L V6 (291 hp) and eight-speed automatic carry over unchanged, preserving the model's reliability record. The refresh added a sharper front and rear, vertical lighting signatures, and a wide curved dual-screen dashboard.

The top SX-Prestige trim layers in quilted leather, a head-up display, and a 12-speaker premium audio system, while the new X-Pro package adds all-terrain tires and a higher tow rating for light off-road use. With its blend of comfort, technology, space, and proven dependability, this is the Telluride to buy if your budget allows a recent example.

2. 2021-2022 LX / S 💎 BEST VALUE

The early-production LX and S trims are the value sweet spot. They use the same robust 3.8L V6 and eight-speed automatic as every other Telluride, so you give up nothing mechanically. The S trim adds desirable touches like a power driver's seat, second-row captain's chairs availability, and a sunroof, while the LX covers the essentials with three rows of comfortable seating and a full suite of standard driver aids.

The best value is a clean 2021-2022 S, which delivers the Telluride's hallmark space and refinement at a used price that finally dipped closer to reason after years of premiums. Reliability has been excellent.

3. 2022 SX with Nightfall Edition

The 2022 SX trim, especially with the Nightfall Edition appearance package, blends the Telluride's top features with blacked-out exterior accents that have aged well in terms of style. Mechanically identical with the 3.8L V6, it adds the SX's larger wheels, premium interior materials, and full driver-assistance suite.

These remain desirable on the used market and hold value well. For a buyer who wants a loaded, sharp-looking Telluride a step below the newest refresh, a 2022 SX Nightfall is a strong choice that pairs comfort with presence.

4. 2020 SX — First Model Year, Top Trim

The launch-year SX is significant because it set the standard that earned the Telluride its acclaim. The 3.8L V6 and eight-speed automatic debuted here with no major teething problems, and the SX trim arrived loaded with leather, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and the Highway Driving Assist system.

As a first-model-year vehicle it has the longest track record, and that record has been strong. Prices have softened the most on these earliest cars, making a well-maintained 2020 SX a lot of three-row SUV for the money. Verify routine maintenance was kept up.

5. 2021 EX — The Volume Sweet Spot

The EX trim has long been the Telluride's most popular configuration, and the 2021 EX is a particularly smart buy. It bundles synthetic leather seating, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and blind-spot monitoring with the same 3.8L V6 as every other trim. It sits just below the SX in features but well below it in price, making it the practical family choice.

The 2021 model year benefited from a full year of production refinement. For most buyers, a clean 2021 EX hits the ideal balance of equipment, comfort, and cost.

6. 2023 X-Line / X-Pro

The 2023 refresh introduced the rugged X-Line and X-Pro trims, aimed at buyers who want a more capable look and modest off-road ability. The X-Pro adds all-terrain tires, a roof rack, and an increased towing capacity to the standard 3.8L V6 drivetrain. These trims keep the Telluride's three-row comfort while adding outdoorsy appeal.

They are newer and command a premium, but for families who camp or tow light trailers, the added capability and distinctive styling justify the cost. Reliability matches the rest of the lineup.

7. 2020 EX — First-Year Value Pick

The launch-year EX offers most of what made the Telluride a hit at a more accessible price than the SX. With the proven 3.8L V6, synthetic leather, and a strong standard safety suite, the 2020 EX has the longest ownership history of any Telluride and has proven dependable. Because it is the oldest model year, depreciation has been kindest here.

For a buyer who wants a genuinely well-equipped three-row SUV at the lowest Telluride entry point, a clean, well-documented 2020 EX is a compelling option.

8. 2024 LX — Newest Base Trim

The 2024 LX represents the newest, most affordable way into the refreshed Telluride. It keeps the 3.8L V6 and the latest dual-screen interior and driver-assistance technology while skipping the luxury extras of higher trims. For buyers who prioritize the newest safety tech and warranty coverage over leather and premium audio, the 2024 LX is a sensible pick.

It will be the priciest of the value-oriented options given its age, but it offers the longest remaining factory warranty and the most current feature set in base form.

9. 2021 SX — Loaded Pre-Refresh Flagship

The 2021 SX is the loaded flagship of the pre-refresh Telluride. It pairs the 3.8L V6 with the full luxury package: real leather, a head-up display, premium audio, and the complete Highway Driving Assist suite. It looks and feels upscale and has held its value strongly.

For a buyer who wants the most equipment from the original design before the 2023 update, a clean 2021 SX delivers near-luxury three-row comfort. Confirm the maintenance schedule was followed, particularly oil changes and transmission service.

10. 2022 LX — Lowest-Cost Recent Option

The 2022 LX is the lowest-cost way into a near-current Telluride. It offers the same 3.8L V6 and eight-speed automatic, three rows of seating, and a complete standard safety package, without the premium extras. As a relatively recent model year it has plenty of warranty remaining and low accumulated mileage on most examples.

For budget-focused families who want a dependable, spacious SUV and do not need leather or premium tech, a clean 2022 LX is the smart entry point into the lineup.

What to Watch For When Buying

Because the Telluride is a young, consistent nameplate, buying it is more about condition than dodging bad years. The 3.8L V6 has no major engine recall of the type that affected older Kia four-cylinders, which is a real advantage, but you should still verify routine maintenance, especially oil changes and the eight-speed automatic's service history.

Check for any open recalls via the VIN on Kia's site and the NHTSA database, as the Telluride has had minor service campaigns like any modern vehicle. Inspect the third row and second-row seats for wear from family use, confirm all driver-assistance features function, and on higher-mileage examples check the suspension and brakes.

Given the Telluride's popularity, also confirm pricing is fair, since used premiums lingered for years.

How to Choose

Pick your Telluride by budget and feature needs. For the best overall experience with the latest design, target a 2023-2024 SX or SX-Prestige. For maximum value, a 2021-2022 S or LX delivers the same dependable V6 and roomy cabin for less.

Families who want the most equipment from the original design should look at a 2021 SX, while those wanting the lowest entry price can buy a well-kept 2020 EX with confidence in its long, strong track record. Buyers who camp or tow can step up to a 2023 X-Pro. In every case, prioritize a clean history report and documented maintenance over chasing a particular year.

FAQ

Are all Kia Telluride model years reliable? Yes. Every Telluride from 2020 onward uses the same proven 3.8L V6 and eight-speed automatic, and the model has earned consistently strong reliability ratings with no major engine failures.

Which Telluride trim is the best value? The 2021-2022 S and LX trims offer the best value, providing the same dependable powertrain and three-row space as pricier trims at a more reasonable used price.

Does the Telluride have the Theta engine recall? No. The Telluride uses a 3.8L V6, not the 2.0L/2.4L Theta II four-cylinders subject to that recall, so it sidesteps that concern entirely.

Is the 2020 first-year Telluride a safe buy? Yes. The 2020 launch year had no major teething problems, has the longest ownership track record, and now offers the lowest used prices in the lineup, making it a strong value.

Bottom Line

The Kia Telluride is one of the safest used three-row SUV bets available, with a consistent, reliable 3.8L V6 across every model year and no major engine recall worries. The 2023-2024 refreshed SX is the best overall pick, while the 2021-2022 S and LX trims offer the best value.

Because the nameplate has been strong from launch, your decision should center on trim, condition, and a clean maintenance record rather than avoiding a problem year. Buy a well-kept example and the Telluride delivers comfort, space, and dependability that rivals far pricier SUVs.

Sources

• Kia USA official Telluride model history, trims, and specifications, kia.com
• NHTSA recall and complaint database for Kia Telluride, nhtsa.gov
• EPA Fuel Economy ratings for Kia Telluride by model year, fueleconomy.gov
• U.S. News & World Report Kia Telluride rankings and reliability, cars.usnews.com
• Edmunds Kia Telluride model-year reviews and used-car appraisals, edmunds.com
• Kelley Blue Book Kia Telluride used values by model year and trim, kbb.com
• Consumer Reports Kia Telluride reliability ratings, consumerreports.org
• Wikipedia Kia Telluride specifications and trim history, en.wikipedia.org