A real world take on the 2025 Kia Telluride from an auto expert who has lived with SUVs for a decade uncovering what feels right what feels off and what buyers should know
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News summary created by AI · Reviewed by Daily Axle
I’ve been around SUVs for a decade and the 2025 Telluride feels familiar the moment you look at it. Not in a bad way. Just that kind of feeling when you meet an old friend who got a haircut and you need a second to decide if it suits them or not
The first time I saw the earlier Telluride years back in a US dealership the salesman told me straight face this SUV gives people a personality. I laughed but he wasn’t wrong. This new one though it tries to keep that attitude but some spark feels a bit softer
The face is sharper the lights slimmer the body still stands wide. But that punchy presence from the old model little faded. You look at it and go hmm nice instead of oh damn
Honestly I expected more drama from Kia this year. Maybe I got spoiled by the first gen
File Photo: 2025 Kia Telluride showcasing its bold and premium side profile.
Performance that feels strong but not exciting
Kia says the V6 is more refined now. Fair enough it does feel smoother. But when you press the pedal maybe I expected a bit more kick. Old Telluride had a raw shove this one kinda holds back
They also say mileage improved. Big claim. Last time they said the same for the Sportage and in real use it barely touched their numbers. So I stay cautious this time
Tech features work well until they act moody
The ADAS is better but sometimes a bit too alert. A friend’s 2023 Telluride braked on an empty road once scared the life out of him. This new tune is better but I still don’t fully trust these features until I know how quick updates roll out
Inside the cabin the comfort is classic Kia
Sit inside and it’s the usual Kia calm vibe. Clean layout big screens soft seats. Feels good enough for long highway days. But these touch sliders again. I don’t know why they keep pushing them
Once during a Carnival test drive I tried lowering AC but ended up increasing fan speed twice. Same energy here. While driving small things annoy you more you know File Photo: 2025 Kia Telluride interior with a wide digital display and premium materials.
Ride comfort is the highlight honestly
It glides over bad patches. For such a big SUV that’s impressive. The second row with captain seats feels premium in a clean simple way. Third row is ok for quick trips nothing fancy but not torture either
Final take should you care about this SUV
If you want a reliable strong silent type family SUV the 2025 Telluride fits well. Safe pick. No drama. No shock. It just gets the job done
If you want a SUV with a louder personality maybe something that makes people turn their head this one may not be that hero anymore.
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Does the 2025 Telluride lack its predecessor's spark?
