The Best Road Trip Vehicle: Kia Telluride

Overview

When it comes to planning the perfect road trip, choosing the right vehicle is essential. You need something spacious, comfortable, efficient, and reliable—qualities that the Kia Telluride delivers in spades. As one of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market, the Telluride has earned a reputation for being an excellent all-around vehicle, especially for families or groups setting off on long-distance adventures. Available at Mission Viejo Kia, part of Patterson Autos, the Telluride is packed with features that make it a top choice for road trips. Here are the top 10 reasons why the Kia Telluride should be your go-to vehicle for hitting the open road.

1. Spacious and Versatile Seating

The Kia Telluride seating configuration is designed with road trips in mind. With three rows of seats, the Telluride can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers. Even with a full load, there’s plenty of legroom and headroom for everyone to relax on long drives. For those who prefer more personal space, second-row captain’s chairs are available, reducing the seating capacity to seven but providing extra comfort and easier access to the third row.

Whether you're taking family, friends, or simply need extra space for gear, the Telluride’s versatile seating layout makes it easy to adapt the interior to your needs.

2. Impressive Cargo Space

In addition to seating, cargo space is crucial for road trips. The Kia Telluride offers generous storage capacity, with 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. If you need more room for luggage, sports equipment, or camping gear, folding down the third-row seats expands the space to 46 cubic feet. With both the second and third rows folded flat, the Telluride boasts a whopping 87 cubic feet of storage, making it easy to pack everything you need for a long journey.

This flexibility ensures that you never have to worry about running out of room, even if you're packing for a week-long road trip.

3. Fuel-Efficient for a Large SUV

Long road trips can add up in fuel costs, but the Telluride MPG is surprisingly efficient for its size. The Kia Telluride delivers an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway with front-wheel drive. Even with all-wheel drive, the Telluride remains competitive, offering 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.

These figures make the Telluride one of the most fuel-efficient options in its class, allowing you to cover more miles between fill-ups and spend less time (and money) at the pump.

4. Advanced Technology for Convenience and Entertainment

When you're on a long road trip, staying entertained and connected is key. The Kia Telluride technology suite ensures that both drivers and passengers enjoy the journey. The SUV comes with a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, making it easy to integrate your smartphone for navigation, music, and hands-free calls.

In addition, the Telluride offers up to six USB ports to keep everyone's devices charged, as well as an available Harman Kardon® sound system for high-quality audio, ensuring that your road trip soundtrack sounds crystal clear.

5. Comfortable Ride and Handling

No matter how long the drive is, comfort is a priority when it comes to road trips, and the Kia Telluride excels in this department. With its well-cushioned seats, available heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats, and a quiet cabin, the Telluride keeps everyone comfortable and relaxed, even during extended drives.

The Telluride's suspension is designed to smooth out rough roads, and its precise steering makes it easy to maneuver through city streets or along winding country roads. Overall, the Telluride offers a balanced ride that’s enjoyable for both the driver and passengers.

6. Powerful Performance for Any Terrain

Whether you're cruising down the highway or tackling mountain roads, the Telluride performance is up to the task. Under the hood, the Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, giving it plenty of power to handle steep inclines, passing on the highway, and towing.

Speaking of towing, the Telluride can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it easy to bring along a small trailer, camper, or boat for even more road trip adventures.

7. Top-Notch Safety Features

Safety is paramount on long road trips, and the Kia Telluride is packed with advanced safety features to keep you and your passengers protected. Kia’s Drive Wise safety suite includes:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist

• Blind Spot View Monitor

• Lane Keeping Assist

• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist

• Highway Driving Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology for a semi-autonomous driving experience.

These features not only help prevent accidents but also reduce driver fatigue, making long stretches of highway driving less stressful.

8. Roomy and Refined Interior

While some SUVs prioritize utility over luxury, the Kia Telluride offers both. The interior is designed with premium materials and attention to detail, providing a refined atmosphere that makes every road trip feel special. Soft-touch surfaces, available Nappa leather seating, and wood grain trim options elevate the cabin’s look and feel, making it a pleasure to spend hours inside.

With the available dual sunroofs, passengers can enjoy natural light and fresh air, adding to the sense of openness and comfort during long drives.

9. Easy-to-Use Navigation and Driver Assistance Systems

Getting lost on a road trip is a thing of the past, thanks to the Telluride’s built-in navigation system. This system provides real-time traffic updates, turn-by-turn directions, and alternate routes to ensure you reach your destination smoothly. The Driver Talk feature also allows the driver to communicate easily with rear passengers through the audio system, so you don’t need to shout to be heard.

Additionally, features like Smart Cruise Control and 360-degree camera views make driving and parking easier, particularly when navigating through unfamiliar towns or cities.

10. Kia Reliability and Warranty Coverage

One of the most important considerations for any road trip vehicle is reliability, and the Kia Telluride delivers with Kia’s reputation for dependable, long-lasting vehicles. Plus, Kia backs its vehicles with one of the best warranties in the industry: a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty. This coverage provides peace of mind on the road, knowing that your vehicle is protected for the long haul.

Conclusion

The Kia Telluride is the ultimate road trip vehicle, offering a perfect blend of space, comfort, performance, and technology to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for everyone. With its spacious interior, advanced safety features, excellent fuel efficiency, and powerful performance, the Telluride makes every road trip feel like an adventure. If you're planning your next road trip, be sure to visit Mission Viejo Kia, part of Patterson Autos, to explore the Kia Telluride and see for yourself why it's the ideal choice for families and adventurers alike.