20 Cars Similar to the Kia Telluride

The 2022 Kia Telluride leads the pack of three-row mid-size crossovers with attractive looks, a luxurious interior, and excellent value. The Telluride is Kia’s largest vehicle, looks exceptional, and with the Top Safety Pick safety rating, can comfortably transport the family and cargo to your destination. 

The Kia Telluride has a host of active safety features. Every model features a powerful infotainment system surrounded by a luxurious interior with options for Napa leather and ventilated rear seats. However, one of the best features may be the unrivaled value offered by its incredible pricing.

The Kia Telluride has excellent pricing for all trim levels. The highest trim level, SX, fully loaded, is priced at an affordable $46,910, while the lowest LX trim is $34,685. The SX trim has plenty of options, including an excellent Harmon-Kardon stereo system, ventilated rear seats, heads-up display, all-wheel drive, front and rear sunroofs, and other luxurious features.

With up to 8.0 of ground clearance, the 291 horsepower engine with 292 pound-feet of torque is excellent when driving off-road or towing up to 5,000-pound trailers. The Telluride has adequate power for towing, can reach 0-60 in 7.0 seconds, and achieves 24mpg on the highway.

There are some alternatives to the Kia Telluride, and my top favorite vehicles are the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, and Ford Explorer.

Vehicles Similar to the Kia Telluride

1. Jeep Grand Cherokee

The venerable Jeep Grand Cherokee competes well with the Kia Telluride except for a higher pricing point. The attractive exterior complements a luxurious interior that belies the rugged four-wheel drive capability. The top trim level is the Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe PHE hybrid with 375 HP and a driving range of 470 miles.

The 4xe reaches 0-60 in 6 seconds and has a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

• Pricing: $40,120 – $76,095
• Mileage (Gas): 22 MPG
• Passengers: 7
• Towing Capacity: 6.000 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Hybrid

2. Ford Explorer

The dependable Ford Explorer is another top pick to compete with the Kia Telluride. The venerable Ford Explorer is family-friendly and a comfortable riding SUV that never disappoints when ferrying the family. Available in the standard four-cylinder 300 HP engine, the Ford Explorer achieves 0-60 in 5.2 seconds.

• Pricing: $35,040 – $55,290
• Mileage: 24 MPG
• Passengers: 6
• Towing Ca acity: 5.600 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas 

3. Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango has tremendous power and appeals to those needing substantial towing capacity and is an attractive alternative to the Kia Telluride. The Durango lacks refinement but offers many powerful engine choices. The standard 295 HP V-6 engine reaches 0-60 in 7.2 seconds, and the supercharged 710 HP Hellcat engine hits 0-60 in a blistering 3.2 seconds.

• Pricing: $ 38,590 – $55,590
• Mileage: 22 MPG
• Passengers: 7
• Towing Capacity: 7,500 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas

4. Ford Edge

The Ford Edge will compete with the Kia Telluride, although the Explorer does not have a high-end finish like the Telluride. As a result, the Edge does not quite match the quality found with the Telluride but does compete in performance and has competitive pricing.

The base Edge has a 250 HP four-cylinder, and the top-level trim engine is a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 producing 335 HP and 0-60 in 6 seconds.

• Pricing: $ 37,440 – $55,000
• Mileage (base 250 HP engine): 25 MPG
• Passengers: 7
• Towing Capacity (depending on engine): 1500 – 3500 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas

5. Toyota 4Runner

With a rugged and dependable build quality and ample cargo space, the Toyota 4Runner competes well with the Kia Telluride. Although the 4Runner has less than a luxurious interior finish, it remains a competitor with its strong torque for off-road traveling and excellent overall build quality.

All 4-runners have the same powertrain, a 270-hp 4.0-liter V-6 that reaches 0-60 in 7.7 seconds.

• Pricing: $ 38,320 – $53,635
• Mileage: 19 MPG
• Passengers: 5
• Towing Capacity: 5000 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas

6. Hyundai Tuscon

The attractive appearance of the mid-size Tucson SUV and the luxurious cabin position it as a solid competitor to the Kia Telluride. Tucson has one of the more daring designs in the Hybrid segment and provides excellent value with a refined ride and handling.

The base Tucson has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and the option for Hybrid or plug-hybrid engines. The entry-level 187 HP four-cylinder engine reaches 0-60 MPH in 7.1 seconds.

• Pricing: $26,195 – $43,775
• Mileage (Gas): 29 MPG 
• Passengers: 5
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas Hybrid

7. Subaru Ascent

Competing for the Kia Telluride market share is the Subaru Ascent. Positioning itself competitively in the SUV market with many Driver Assists and a standard four-wheel drive, the Ascent flatters somewhat in performance, especially on the road while passing.

The base turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 250 HP and attains 0-60 in 6.9 seconds.

• Pricing: $ 33,470 – $46,570
• Mileage (base 250 HP engine): 25 MPG
• Passengers: 8
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas

8. Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade is a solid competitor to the Kia Telluride with its well-equipped and luxurious interior. The Palisade SUV gets many things right with features, including a comfortable and inviting cabin, Driver Assists, and an excellent Infotainment Center.

In addition, thanks to the standard 3.8-liter V-6 producing 291 HP, the Palisade has excellent road manners and reaches 0-60 in 6.9 seconds. 

• Pricing: $ 34,595 – $48,285
• Mileage: 24 MPG
• Passengers: 7-8
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/E ctric: Gas 

9. Honda Passport

The Honda Passport competes with the Kia Telluride due to its large cargo volume and passenger space. The Honda Passport is a satisfying and practical SUV with plenty of power and many included Driver Assist features. Renowned for its dependability and solid build, the Passport has a lot going for its popularity, with a powerful standard engine being one of them.

The 3.5-liter V-6 produces 280 HP and hits 0-60 in 6.1 seconds.

• Pricing: $ 39,095 – $46,665
• Mileage: 24 MPG
• Passengers: 5
• Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas

10. Nissan Armada

Not as popular as some of its rivals, the Nissan Armada still has plenty to offer to compete with the Kia Telluride. With a large cargo volume, an upscale luxury interior, and a powerful engine, the Armada has many features to compete with most other SUVs.

In addition, there are abundant safety features and a top-notch Infotainment Center in each Armada. This large vehicle’s powerful engine is a 400 HP 5.6-liter V-8 that delivers robust performance with a surprisingly comfortable ride and attains 0-60 in 5.8 seconds.

• Pricing: $50,745 – $67,145
• Mileage (Gas): 19 MPG 
• Passengers: 7-8
• Towing Capacity: 8,500 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas

11. Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse is a solid competitor to the Kia Telluride due to its large cargo volume, powerful engine, and upscale interior. The third-row Traverse can negotiate snowy roads or safely ferry the family to the local supermarket with driver-assistance features.

A quiet cabin provides the occupants a ride in luxurious appointments with an athletic driving experience. The 310 horsepower V-6 has a 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds with a towing rating of 5,000 pounds and an excellent 27 mpg.

• Pricing: $34,895 – $53,245
• Mileage: 27 MPG 
• Passengers: 7-8
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas

12. Volkswagen Atlas

As the name suggests, the Volkswagen Atlas is a voluminous mid-size SUV for those large families requiring a lot of space. With functional third-row seating and 55.5 cubic feet of cargo area with the third-row folded down, the Atlas is a viable alternative to the Kia Telluride with its XL size and standard driver-assist features.

In addition, the Atlas has ample power with the optional 276 horsepower V-6 engine. The V-6 with all-wheel drive options returned 22 mpg and reached 0-60 in 7.1 seconds.

• Pricing: $35,530 – $52,700
• Mileage: 22 MPG 
• Passengers: 7
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas

13. Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder is a competitive alternative to the Kia Telluride with a vast interior and huge cargo volume. Although the Pathfinder has off-road capability, it shines as a family-friendly transport for up to 8 passengers. The tow rating of 6,000 pounds is one of the best in class, and the optional 295 horsepower V-6 engine has more than adequate power for heavy towing.

The Premium trim level adds a Bose audio system, panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera system, and 20-inch wheels. The V-6, an all-wheel-drive model, reaches 0-60 in 6.6 seconds and is rated at 26 mpg.

• Pricing: $36,000 – $49,000
• Mileage: 26 MPG 
• Passengers: 7
• Towing Capacity: 6,000 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas

14. Mazda CX-9

Another competitor to the Kia Telluride in the increasingly crowded mid-size SUV market is the Mazda CX-9. Although the CX-9 does not have the cargo or passenger space of the Telluride, it still has a third-row seat with ample room for the family.

The Mazda CX-9 does have an attractive exterior, nicely appointed interior, and an athletic and fun-to-drive nature.

The luxury interior and sporty drive more than compensate for a cramped third-row seat, and for those desiring a sporty feel to an SUV, the CX-9 delivers. The 250-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets 28 mpg and has a 0-60 in 7.1 seconds with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

• Pricing: $36,855 – $48,785
• Mileage: 28 MPG 
• Passengers: 6
• Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas

15. Honda Odyssey

This vehicle may seem odd to be an alternative to the Kia Telluride since it is a minivan. However, if you take a closer look and search for a family hauler, the Odyssey is a hard-to-beat choice. With responsive driving and unique second-row seating with the configurable Magic Seating, kids will be happier while entertained by the optional rear-seat entertainment system.

In addition, the Odyssey displays remarkable nimbleness and makes you forget about driving a three-row minivan. Powered by a 280-horsepower V-6, the Odyssey reaches 0-60 to 6.5 seconds, gets 28 mpg, and has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

• Pricing: $38,635 – $50,765
• Mileage: 28 MPG 
• Passengers: 8
• Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas

16. Chevrolet Blazer

A stylish exterior, adequate cargo and passenger space, and a comfortable ride make the Blazer a competitor to the Kia Telluride. The spacious interior has an updated Infotainment Center and has a good build quality but not quite the same level of luxury as the Kia Telluride.

The standard power train is a 228 HP turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and the more powerful 308 HP 3.6-liter V-6 achieves 0-60 in 6.3 seconds with a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds.

• Pricing (Est.): $35,000 – $ 43,000
• Mileage: 27 MPG
• Passengers: 5
• Towing Capacity: 4,500 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas

17. Lexus UX

The Lexus UX is a luxury entry that can compete with the Kia Telluride. Although more of a subcompact crossover, the Lexus UX makes up for less cargo space with absolute luxury and spirited performance. The handsome UX interior features many options, including a heads-up display, wireless charging, an attractive gauge cluster, a heated steering wheel, and attractive pricing.

In addition, the smaller carrying capacity is more than compensated by the dynamic handling and fun driving. The 169 horsepower four-cylinder engine takes 8.5 seconds to reach 60 mph and has a mileage rating of 35 mpg with a towing capacity of 1,650 pounds.

• Pricing (Est.): $34,075 – $ 40,975
• Mileage: 35 MPG
• Passengers: 5
• Towing Capacity: 1,650 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas

18. Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition compares well with the Kia Telluride with its large interior and cavernous cargo area, high-tech features, and impressive towing capability. The Expedition has a smooth ride on the highway yet has rugged off-road abilities and is up to hauling the family or tackling rough mountain roads in comfort and safety.

Powered by a robust twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 producing 380 HP, the Expedition attains 0-60 in 5.9 seconds and has a hefty 9,300-pound towing capacity.

• Pricing: $53,775 – $79,460
• Mileage (Gas): 21 MPG 
• Passengers: 8
• Towing Capacity: 9,300 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas

19. Buick Enclave

The Buick Enclave SUV is a stylish, value-packed alternative to the Kia Telluride. The Enclave appears to be an upscale third-row SUV with plenty of room for the family or cargo with an attractive exterior. The top-level trim Avenir features many luxury amenities, including massaging front seats, quilted leather upholstery, new dash wood inlays, and unique exterior trim.

The Enclave also has many high-tech options, like a head-up display, emergency braking assist, and blind-spot monitoring. 

The standard 310 horsepower V-6 propels the vehicle to 60 in 6.5 seconds with a 25 mpg EPA rating and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

• Pricing: $43,895 – $56,245
• Mileage (Gas): 25 MPG 
• Passengers: 7
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Gas

20. Kia Sorento

Not quite as large as the bigger Telluride, the mid-size Kia Sorento SUV is nevertheless an excellent alternative to the Kia Telluride. Although the Sorento does have a third-row seat, it is not as spacious and comfortable as the Tellurides third-row seat.

Instead, the Sorento has a nicely appointed cabin, is very spacious for a small family, and is available either as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid.

The trade-off for size is excellent handling characteristics and a satisfying ride. The Sorento’s more powerful engine configuration with the plug-in hybrid version, not available on the Telluride, combines a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a 66.9 kW electric motor to generate a total of 261 horsepower.

The plug-in hybrid is rated at 72 MPGe and has a 0-60 time in 7.6 seconds with a 3-500-pound tow rating.

• Pricing: $30,845 – $49,345
• Mileage (Plug-in Hybrid): 72 MPGe 
• Passengers: 6
• Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs
• Gas/Hybrid/Electric: Plug-in Hybrid