Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Kia Telluride SEL/SX to see if it lives up to the hype. This SUV has been turning heads, and we’re here to give you the lowdown on everything from its features and performance to its value proposition. Buckle up, because we're about to get into the nitty-gritty details!

Overview of the 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Kia Telluride remains a top contender in the three-row SUV segment, offering a compelling blend of style, space, and features at a competitive price. It's not just a people-mover; it's a statement. The Telluride stands out with its bold exterior design, a spacious and well-appointed interior, and a comprehensive suite of standard and available technology features. Whether you're hauling kids to school, embarking on a road trip, or simply running errands around town, the Telluride is designed to handle it all with ease and comfort. The 2022 model doesn't bring radical changes, but rather refines what was already an exceptional package, solidifying its position as a leader in its class. From a practical perspective, the Telluride offers ample cargo space and comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, making it an ideal choice for larger families. But it’s not just about practicality; the Telluride also offers a touch of luxury, with available features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a premium audio system. This combination of practicality and luxury is a key reason why the Telluride has garnered so much praise and continues to be a popular choice among SUV buyers. Safety is another area where the Telluride excels. It comes standard with a wide range of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, providing drivers with added peace of mind on the road. Higher trims offer even more advanced safety technologies, such as blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, further enhancing the vehicle's safety credentials. In summary, the 2022 Kia Telluride is a well-rounded SUV that offers a compelling combination of style, space, features, and value. It's a vehicle that's equally at home on the school run as it is on a long road trip, making it a versatile and practical choice for a wide range of buyers.

Trim Levels: SEL vs. SX

Okay, let's break down the SEL and SX trims. The SEL trim is often considered the sweet spot for many buyers, offering a great balance of features and affordability. It builds upon the base LX trim by adding popular amenities such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a larger infotainment display. These upgrades significantly enhance the comfort and convenience of the vehicle, making the SEL a more appealing choice for those who value a few extra luxuries. On the other hand, the SX trim represents the top-of-the-line Telluride, loaded with virtually every available feature. From a panoramic sunroof and premium audio system to advanced safety technologies and luxurious interior appointments, the SX trim offers a truly premium experience. It's the trim to choose if you want all the bells and whistles and are willing to pay a bit more for them. One of the key differences between the SEL and SX trims lies in their exterior styling. The SX trim typically features unique styling elements, such as a more aggressive front grille, larger alloy wheels, and distinctive lighting signatures, giving it a more upscale and eye-catching appearance. Inside, the SX trim often boasts upgraded materials and finishes, such as premium leather upholstery, wood trim, and a suede headliner, further enhancing the luxurious feel of the cabin. In terms of technology, the SX trim typically comes standard with features that are optional on the SEL, such as a larger touchscreen display, a surround-view camera system, and a head-up display. These technologies not only add to the convenience and enjoyment of the driving experience but also enhance safety by providing the driver with more information about their surroundings. Ultimately, the choice between the SEL and SX trims depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a well-equipped SUV with a few extra luxuries, the SEL trim is an excellent choice. However, if you want the ultimate in features, technology, and luxury, the SX trim is the way to go. Consider your budget, your priorities, and how you plan to use the vehicle to determine which trim is the best fit for you.

Exterior Design and Styling

The 2022 Kia Telluride boasts a bold and boxy exterior design that exudes confidence and capability. It's not your typical rounded and aerodynamic SUV; the Telluride embraces a more upright and rugged aesthetic that sets it apart from the competition. The front end is dominated by Kia's signature tiger-nose grille, flanked by distinctive headlights that give the Telluride a strong and recognizable face. The overall design is clean and modern, with sharp lines and well-defined surfaces that create a sense of sophistication. One of the key design elements of the Telluride is its attention to detail. From the sculpted hood to the chrome accents around the windows and door handles, every element is carefully crafted to create a cohesive and premium look. The available alloy wheels come in a variety of designs and sizes, allowing buyers to customize the look of their Telluride to their liking. The rear of the Telluride is equally as striking as the front, with a bold and upright tailgate and distinctive taillights that wrap around the corners of the vehicle. A chrome strip connects the taillights, adding a touch of elegance and emphasizing the vehicle's width. The overall effect is one of strength and stability, conveying the message that the Telluride is ready for anything. Compared to some of its competitors, the Telluride has a more traditional SUV profile, with a higher roofline and a more upright windshield. This not only contributes to its rugged appearance but also provides ample headroom for passengers in all three rows. The Telluride's exterior design is not just about aesthetics; it's also about functionality. The large windows and high seating position provide excellent visibility, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces and navigate through traffic. The available power liftgate makes it easy to access the cargo area, even when your hands are full. In summary, the 2022 Kia Telluride's exterior design is a winning combination of style and substance. It's a vehicle that looks good both on the road and in the driveway, and it's sure to turn heads wherever you go.

Interior Comfort and Features

Stepping inside the 2022 Kia Telluride, you'll immediately notice the spacious and well-appointed interior. Kia has paid close attention to detail, using high-quality materials and thoughtful design to create a comfortable and inviting environment for both driver and passengers. The dashboard is clean and modern, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long trips, and there's plenty of legroom and headroom in all three rows. One of the standout features of the Telluride's interior is its versatility. The second-row seats can be configured as either a bench seat or individual captain's chairs, depending on your needs. The third-row seats are also surprisingly spacious, making the Telluride a true eight-passenger vehicle. Even with all three rows in use, there's still a decent amount of cargo space behind the third row, enough for groceries or a few suitcases. For those who need even more cargo space, the second and third-row seats can be folded down to create a large and flat loading area. In terms of technology, the Telluride comes standard with a range of features, including a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of advanced safety technologies. Higher trims offer even more features, such as a premium audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display. The Telluride's interior is not just about comfort and convenience; it's also about style. The available leather upholstery comes in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing buyers to customize the look of their interior to their liking. Wood trim and metallic accents add a touch of elegance, while ambient lighting creates a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. One of the things that sets the Telluride apart from its competitors is its attention to detail. From the quality of the materials to the fit and finish of the components, everything feels well-made and durable. The Telluride's interior is a place where you'll actually enjoy spending time, whether you're on a long road trip or just running errands around town. In conclusion, the 2022 Kia Telluride offers a truly exceptional interior that's both comfortable and stylish. It's a vehicle that's designed to meet the needs of a wide range of buyers, from families to road trippers to those who simply want a comfortable and spacious SUV.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 2022 Kia Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers a respectable 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for everyday driving, whether you're accelerating onto the highway or climbing a steep hill. The Telluride's engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and efficiently, providing a refined and enjoyable driving experience. The Telluride comes standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available as an option. The all-wheel-drive system provides added traction and stability in slippery conditions, making the Telluride a capable all-weather vehicle. While the Telluride is not designed to be a high-performance SUV, it offers a comfortable and confident ride. The suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth and controlled ride. The steering is precise and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. One of the things that sets the Telluride apart from some of its competitors is its quiet cabin. Kia has done an excellent job of reducing road noise and wind noise, creating a relaxing and peaceful driving environment. This is especially important on long trips, where excessive noise can be fatiguing. In terms of fuel economy, the Telluride is competitive with other SUVs in its class. The front-wheel-drive model is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive model is rated at 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. These figures are respectable for a vehicle of this size and weight. While the Telluride may not be the sportiest SUV on the market, it offers a well-rounded driving experience that's both comfortable and capable. It's a vehicle that's equally at home on the highway as it is on city streets, making it a versatile and practical choice for a wide range of buyers. Overall, the 2022 Kia Telluride's performance and handling are well-suited to its intended purpose. It's a comfortable and capable SUV that's perfect for families, road trippers, and anyone who wants a reliable and practical vehicle.

Technology and Safety Features

When it comes to technology and safety, the 2022 Kia Telluride doesn't disappoint. It's packed with a wide range of features designed to keep you connected, entertained, and safe on the road. Standard technology features include a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. Higher trims offer even more features, such as a premium audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display. One of the standout technology features of the Telluride is its user-friendly infotainment system. The touchscreen display is easy to read and navigate, and the system responds quickly to inputs. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the vehicle's infotainment system, giving you access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation. In terms of safety, the Telluride comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These systems use cameras and sensors to monitor your surroundings and provide alerts or assistance to help prevent accidents. Higher trims offer even more advanced safety technologies, such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. These technologies provide added peace of mind and can help you avoid collisions in a variety of situations. The Telluride has also earned top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), further solidifying its reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle. In addition to its advanced safety technologies, the Telluride also offers a range of convenience features, such as a power liftgate, keyless entry, and remote start. These features make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle, load and unload cargo, and start the engine on cold days. Overall, the 2022 Kia Telluride is a technologically advanced and safety-conscious SUV that's designed to meet the needs of modern drivers. It's a vehicle that's packed with features that enhance the driving experience and provide added peace of mind on the road.

Price and Value

One of the biggest draws of the 2022 Kia Telluride is its exceptional value proposition. It offers a compelling combination of features, space, and performance at a price that's hard to beat. Compared to its competitors, the Telluride typically costs less, while offering more standard equipment and a longer warranty. The Telluride's value proposition is especially evident when you compare it to other SUVs in its class, such as the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer. While these vehicles are all excellent choices, they often cost more than the Telluride, especially when you start adding options. The Telluride's value is not just about its low price; it's also about what you get for your money. It comes standard with a long list of features that are optional on other SUVs, such as leather upholstery, heated seats, and a large touchscreen display. It also offers a spacious and comfortable interior that's perfect for families. In addition to its low price and generous features list, the Telluride also offers a long warranty. Kia's industry-leading warranty covers the powertrain for 10 years or 100,000 miles, providing added peace of mind for buyers. This warranty is significantly longer than those offered by most other automakers, and it's a testament to Kia's confidence in the quality and reliability of its vehicles. Of course, the Telluride is not the perfect vehicle for everyone. Some buyers may prefer the more sporty driving experience of a Mazda CX-9 or the more rugged off-road capability of a Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, for most buyers, the Telluride offers an excellent balance of features, space, performance, and value. Its low price, generous features list, and long warranty make it a compelling choice in the three-row SUV segment. In conclusion, the 2022 Kia Telluride is an excellent value for the money. It offers a compelling combination of features, space, performance, and warranty coverage at a price that's hard to beat.

Final Verdict: Is the 2022 Kia Telluride Worth It?

So, is the 2022 Kia Telluride worth it? Absolutely! It's a fantastic SUV that offers a winning combination of style, space, features, and value. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly vehicle, a comfortable road-tripper, or simply a stylish and capable SUV, the Telluride is sure to impress. It's a vehicle that's equally at home on the school run as it is on a long road trip, and it's packed with features that make it a joy to drive and own. From its bold exterior design to its spacious and well-appointed interior, the Telluride is a vehicle that's designed to meet the needs of a wide range of buyers. Its powerful engine provides ample performance, while its comfortable ride and quiet cabin make it a pleasure to drive. And with its long list of standard features and affordable price, the Telluride offers exceptional value for the money. Of course, the Telluride is not the perfect vehicle for everyone. Some buyers may prefer a more luxurious SUV, while others may want a more sporty driving experience. However, for most buyers, the Telluride offers an excellent balance of features, performance, and value. It's a vehicle that's sure to impress, and it's well worth considering if you're in the market for a three-row SUV. If you're on the fence about whether or not to buy a 2022 Kia Telluride, I encourage you to take one for a test drive. See for yourself what all the fuss is about. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by what you find. The Telluride is a vehicle that's truly in a class of its own, and it's a must-see for anyone who's looking for a great SUV. So go ahead, check it out. You won't be disappointed!