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Why the Kia Telluride Remains a Top-Rated Midsize SUV

Why the Kia Telluride Remains a Top-Rated Midsize SUV

When the original Kia Telluride launched for the 2020 model year, it was an immediate smash hit with buyers—and for good reason. Its bold styling, roomy three-row layout, and affordable luxury helped it stand out in a crowded SUV market. The Telluride has continued to rack up praise over the years, and the 2025 model proves it’s still a top contender—earning the coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for its advanced safety features and crash protection.

Years later, the Telluride continues to be a go-to for families and adventure-seekers alike, and with a (plus a confirmed hybrid variant on the way), the excitement around this SUV hasn’t slowed down.

Browse our current Kia Telluride inventory in New Bern, NC and see what’s available near you.

Built for Everyday Adventure in a Midsize Three-Row SUV

The Telluride doesn’t just check boxes—it raises the bar. With seating for up to eight, available Nappa leather upholstery, and advanced safety features like Highway Driving Assist and blind-view monitor, it gives families peace of mind without feeling like a minivan.

Need all three rows? You’ve got space for the whole crew—plus gear. Don’t need them every day? Fold the third row down and enjoy a wide, flat cargo area that’s perfect for your dog’s crate, camping gear, or work equipment. It’s flexibility that fits your life.

Standard touches like rear seat climate controls, USB ports in all three rows, and available second-row captain’s chairs make it easy to keep kids (and adults) happy on longer drives.

Luxury Looks, Everyday Price

The 2025 Kia Telluride delivers the bold styling, upscale touches, and serious presence you expect from high-end SUVs—without the high-end sticker shock. Premium feel, smart value, and everyday confidence come standard.

Pick Your Path with the Kia Telluride

Adventure-ready? Absolutely.
With up to 5,500 lbs of towing capacity and available all-wheel drive, the Telluride isn’t afraid to get dirty. Snowy mornings, beach weekends, mountain hikes—the Telluride makes room for it all with confidence and comfort.

Models like the Telluride X-Pro are purpose-built for off-pavement getaways, offering higher ground clearance and all-terrain tires without compromising its smooth, composed ride on daily commutes.

Tech That Makes Life Easier

Kia packed the Telluride with intuitive tech—no learning curve required. Features like the available 12.3-inch dual panoramic display, full-color head-up display, and Digital Key let you drive smarter, not harder.

Add in wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and multiple camera views for parking assistance, and you’ve got a vehicle that’s as functional as it is fun to drive.

Ride Comfort That Sets It Apart

The Telluride offers one of the smoothest, quietest rides in its class, and the cabin is nothing short of impressive. From available Nappa leather seats to ceiling-mounted second-row air vents that keep everyone comfortable, every inch is designed with passengers in mind.

The wide 12.3" infotainment screen is perfectly positioned for both driver and front passenger, and the dual panoramic displays tie everything together with a sleek, modern edge. It’s refined, tech-savvy, and honestly hard to beat.

"The Telluride's smooth, whisper-quiet ride and tech-forward cabin make every drive feel first class."

Telluride Trims & Hidden Gems: Features Drivers Really Love

Each 2025 Kia Telluride trim comes with standout features—but some perks go unnoticed until you’re behind the wheel. Here’s what Telluride owners and sales pros say they love most:

Trim LevelCool FeatureStarting MSRP*
LXAuto rear seat quiet mode—perfect for sleeping kids or solo drives$37,585
SRemote start with climate presets via Kia Access app$39,485
EXSmart power tailgate opens automatically when you stand behind it$43,185
SXAmbient lighting color themes (yes, you can change them!)$47,085
SX X-LineUpgraded AWD tuning for snow and light off-roading$49,485
SX X-ProBuilt-in tow mode with transmission and suspension adjustments$51,485

*Pricing based on Kia.com as of April 2025. Subject to change by dealer or region.

Long-Term Confidence Built In

As if you need another reason to love the Kia Telluride — Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is one of the best in the industry. It’s real peace of mind that sticks with you long after you drive off the lot, offering unbeatable value compared to most midsize SUV competitors.

Proud to Serve Military Families

Kia of New Bern proudly supports the military community stationed at MCAS Cherry Point, Camp Lejeune, New River Air Station, and beyond. As a token of appreciation, we offer exclusive discounts and financing for active duty and retired service members.

Why Military Families Love the Telluride

The 2025 Kia Telluride is bold, confident, and built to handle whatever life throws your way. From PCS moves to weekend getaways, its spacious interior, strong V6 engine, and advanced safety features make it a perfect fit for military life.

Exclusive Military Savings

Ask us about military incentives and how we can help you get the most out of your next vehicle purchase. We're here to serve those who serve — with personalized support every step of the way.

Why the Kia Telluride Remains a Top-Rated Midsize SUV

People keep coming back to the Telluride because it doesn’t make them choose between comfort, capability, and value. It’s equally suited for daily errands and cross-country trips, and it continues to evolve without losing what made it a standout in the first place.

Find Your Kia Telluride for Sale Near New Bern and Jacksonville, NC

Ready to drive a midsize SUV that does it all? Explore our selection of new and used Kia Telluride models at Kia of New Bern. With rugged capability, premium comfort, and unbeatable value, there's a Telluride here waiting for you. Visit us today and experience why drivers from New Bern, Jacksonville, and beyond trust us for their next adventure.

Looking Ahead – Hybrid Power and a Bold New Look

It’s official: a Kia Telluride Hybrid is coming. Kia has confirmed that the next-generation Telluride will arrive for the 2026 model year, bringing with it a fresh design and a hybrid powertrain.

2.5L Hybrid System
The first-ever Telluride Hybrid will be built on the second-generation model (codename: Kia LQ2), currently being tested in both the U.S. and South Korea. It’s expected to feature a new 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine delivering around 258 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a 72-hp electric motor and 1.65 kWh battery pack. The combined system will offer strong torque, improved efficiency, and enhanced towing capability.

Additional highlights include estimated fuel economy near 30 mpg, and forward-looking tech like a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function that lets the Telluride power external devices, plus a 'Stay Mode' to preserve battery life for specific driving needs.

“We are expanding our hybrid line-up to meet the transitional demand from gasoline and diesel vehicle customers.”

— Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia (2025 CEO Investor Day, April 9, 2025)
Source: TopElectricSUV.com

Between the new powertrain and updated styling, the 2026 Kia Telluride Hybrid is shaping up to be a major step forward in both performance and efficiency.

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