2022 is the last year of the original Kia Telluride before a mid-cycle refresh. So, no big changes other than a slightly redesigned grille and the new Kia logo (which is arguably too large on both the grille and the tailgate, but that could just be me).
In this case, no news is good news because the Kia Telluride is a big hit---a convincing Range Rover substitute for a fraction of the price.
Under the hood is a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6. Eight speed automatic transmission, on-demand all-wheel drive. EPA fuel economy estimate 19 city/24 highway.
The SX V6 AWD is the top-of-the-line Telluride and the base price is $44,590. That delivers standard equipment including a complete suite of active safety features, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a Harman Kardon surround sound audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless phone charger, front and rear automatic climate control, leather seat trim with heated and ventilated front seats, two power sunroofs, 20-inch black-finished alloy wheels, LED headlamps and fog lamps, surround view and blind spot monitor, and second-row captain's chairs.
Our tester did have some extra cost options---The SX Prestige Package adds a head-up display, a 110-volt inverter, Nappa leather seat trim, premium cloth headliner and sun visors, heated and ventilated second-row seats, and rain-sensing wipers for $2,300. A tow hitch and self-leveling rear suspension is $795 and carpeted floor mats are $210. And that's it. With $1,224 inland freight and handling, the as-tested price of the 2022 Kia Telluride SX V6 AWD is $49,120.
And almost nobody can believe that price. Guesses generally are around $80k. If you say "lower", they'll go 75, 70 65 and then sound genuinely amazed when they say "Sixty?" The idea that this machine comes in loaded with delivery for under $50,000 is a mind-blower. I'm looking forward to seeing the changes Kia brings in next year's update (it's a refresh, not a redesign), but there is absolutely no shame in grabbing this year's model.
