How reliable is the 2020 Kia Telluride?

The 2020 Telluride has proven exceptionally reliable after five years of ownership data. The 3.8L V6 engine is shared with multiple Hyundai/Kia vehicles and has a solid track record. The 8-speed automatic transmission is smooth and durable. Consumer Reports rates reliability as above average, and owner satisfaction scores are among the highest in the segment. Common repairs are limited to minor electrical items and normal wear components.

What problems should I look for in a 2020 Telluride?

Issues to check: 1) Some early 2020 models had oil consumption concerns - verify oil level and check for burning smell, 2) Infotainment screen freezing (software updates fix most), 3) Windshield stress cracks from temperature changes, 4) Third-row seat latch mechanisms occasionally stick. These are minor issues overall. No major mechanical or safety recalls affect this model year. The Telluride has fewer problems than most competitors in its first model year.

Which 2020 Telluride trim should I buy?

SX offers the best overall value with Nappa leather, heads-up display, premium Harman Kardon audio, and full safety suite. EX is acceptable for budget buyers who want leather and heated seats without maximum luxury. Avoid LX trim - it lacks too many features and has significantly worse resale value. SX Prestige is worth considering for families who value rear-seat entertainment and heated second-row seats. The price premium on SX over EX is usually worth it.

How does the 2020 Telluride compare to Palisade?

The Telluride and Hyundai Palisade share the same platform, engine, and transmission. Differences are styling and feature packaging. Telluride has more rugged, boxy styling that ages better and commands higher resale. Palisade has slightly more luxurious interior touches. Telluride typically costs $1,000-$2,000 more on the used market due to styling preference and brand perception. Either is excellent; Telluride has edge in resale value.

Is the Telluride good for towing?

The 2020 Telluride can tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped - competitive for the class. The 3.8L V6 produces 291 hp and handles trailer loads confidently. Self-leveling rear suspension (SX and above) helps with weight distribution. Integrated trailer sway control is standard. For occasional towing of boats, small campers, or utility trailers, the Telluride is more than capable. For heavy, frequent towing, consider a truck-based SUV instead.

What should I pay for a used 2020 Telluride?

Fair prices by trim (AWD, 50,000-70,000 miles): LX $27,000-$29,000, S $29,000-$31,500, EX $32,000-$35,000, SX $35,500-$38,500, SX Prestige $38,000-$41,000. FWD models: subtract $1,500-$2,000. Higher mileage (90K+): subtract 12-15%. Lower mileage (under 40K): add 8-12%. These prices reflect clean titles with documented service history. Tellurides hold value exceptionally well - dont expect huge discounts.

2020 Kia Telluride Buyer's Guide: Best 3-Row Value

Why the 2020 Telluride Changed Everything

The 2020 Kia Telluride didn't just win awards - it fundamentally reset expectations for what a mid-size 3-row SUV should offer. Sweeping World Car of the Year, MotorTrend SUV of the Year, and numerous other accolades, the Telluride delivered premium features, impressive space, and genuine style at prices undercutting established competitors by thousands.

Five years later, the Telluride remains one of the best values in the used 3-row market. Depreciation has been modest due to sustained demand, but examples with reasonable miles now fall into accessible price ranges. The reliability record is strong, and the design still looks fresh.

Market Pricing Note

Tellurides continue to command strong prices due to ongoing demand and limited supply on the used market. Dont expect deep discounts - fair market value is the realistic target. Focus on finding well-maintained examples rather than hunting for bargains that dont exist.

Trim Level Breakdown

2020 Telluride Trim Comparison with Current Used Prices
Trim	MSRP New	Avg. Used Price	Key Features	Recommendation
LX	$31,990	$28,400	8-passenger, basic safety	Skip - poor resale
S	$33,990	$30,200	Leather, larger screen, more safety	Budget option
EX	$37,190	$33,600	Sunroof, heated seats, Harman Kardon	Good value
SX	$41,490	$37,200	Nappa leather, heads-up display, premium audio	Best Value
SX Prestige	$43,490	$39,800	Rear entertainment, heated 2nd row, all features	Family choice

LX: Base Model Limitations

The LX includes Kia's safety suite, 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and basic comfort features. What it lacks: leather seats, larger screen, premium audio, and the features that make Telluride special. LX models have significantly worse resale value and are harder to sell. Unless the price difference is dramatic, skip this trim.

S: Entry Point Worth Considering

S trim adds leather seats, 10.25-inch touchscreen, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features transform the ownership experience. For budget buyers, S represents the minimum trim worth purchasing. The leather interior and larger screen justify the premium over LX.

EX: Popular Mid-Range Choice

EX includes power sunroof, heated front seats, Harman Kardon premium audio, and additional driver aids. The sound system is genuinely excellent, and the sunroof brightens the spacious interior. EX hits a good value point for buyers who want premium features without maximum pricing.

SX: Our Recommendation

SX adds Nappa leather, heads-up display, rain-sensing wipers, second-row captain's chairs with heating, and premium LED lighting. The Nappa leather is noticeably nicer than EX's standard leather. The heads-up display adds genuine utility. SX delivers the full Telluride experience and holds value best among non-Prestige trims.

SX Prestige: Maximum Features

SX Prestige adds rear-seat entertainment with dual screens, heated and ventilated second-row seats, and additional luxury touches. For families with young children, the rear entertainment system has real value. Otherwise, standard SX delivers most of the experience at lower cost.

Price Distribution Analysis

2020 Telluride Price Distribution by Mileage

Based on current nationwide market listings

Engine and Drivetrain

3.8L Lambda II V6

Kia's 3.8-liter V6 produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque - competitive for the segment and sufficient for the Telluride's size. The engine is smooth, quiet at cruise, and responds well when needed. This engine family has been used across Hyundai and Kia vehicles for years with strong reliability results.

8-Speed Automatic

The 8-speed automatic shifts smoothly and holds gears appropriately when towing or climbing grades. No widespread transmission issues affect this model. The programming favors fuel economy in normal driving and becomes more aggressive in Sport mode.

AWD System

Kia's AWD system includes a center locking differential and multiple drive modes (Smart, Eco, Sport, Comfort, plus Snow/Mud/Sand off-road modes). The system is more capable than most crossover AWD setups while remaining transparent in daily driving. Self-leveling rear suspension (SX and above) helps with heavy loads.

AWD Strongly Recommended

While FWD Tellurides exist, AWD models hold value significantly better and are easier to resell. The $1,800 FWD discount on purchase rarely compensates for the resale and capability difference. Target AWD unless you're in a warm climate with no plans to resell.

Common Issues and Concerns

Oil Consumption (Early Production)

Some early 2020 Tellurides experienced higher-than-expected oil consumption. This primarily affected vehicles built in the first few months of production. Check oil levels during inspection and look for evidence of frequent top-offs in service records. Later 2020 production is largely unaffected.

Infotainment Glitches

The UVO infotainment system occasionally freezes or requires restart. Software updates have addressed most issues, but verify the system is updated and test all functions during your inspection. These are inconveniences rather than serious problems.

Windshield Concerns

The large, steeply-raked windshield is susceptible to stress cracks from temperature changes. This is more common in extreme climates. Inspect the windshield carefully, especially near edges and around sensors. Replacement is expensive due to integrated cameras and sensors.

Interior and Space

The Telluride's interior punches well above its price class. Materials quality, especially in SX trim, rivals vehicles costing $10,000-$15,000 more. The cabin is quiet, well-assembled, and attractive. Even five years later, the design holds up without feeling dated.

Third-row space is genuinely usable for adults on short trips and comfortable for children on longer journeys. Access is easy, and the third row folds flat for substantial cargo capacity. Captain's chairs in the second row (SX and above) add flexibility but reduce maximum occupancy to 7.

Buying Recommendations

Best Value Configuration

Target: 2020 Telluride SX AWD, 50,000-70,000 miles, single owner with documented maintenance. Price: $35,000-$38,000. This configuration delivers the full Telluride experience with the features most buyers want at fair market value.

Budget Option

Target: 2020 Telluride EX AWD, 70,000-90,000 miles, clean history. Price: $30,000-$33,000. EX provides leather, premium audio, and essential features while remaining more accessible.

Family Choice

Target: 2020 Telluride SX Prestige AWD, under 60,000 miles. Price: $38,000-$42,000. The rear entertainment and heated second-row seats justify the premium for families with young children.

BUY

Excellent Buy - Target SX AWD

Pros

Award-winning design and execution still holds up
Strong reliability record with minimal issues
Premium interior quality rivals more expensive vehicles
Excellent third-row space and cargo flexibility
Strong resale value protects your investment
Capable AWD system with useful drive modes

Cons

Prices remain strong - dont expect bargains
Early production oil consumption concerns
Fuel economy is mediocre for the class
Infotainment can be glitchy without updates

Recommendation

The 2020 Telluride remains one of the best 3-row SUV values on the used market. Focus on SX or SX Prestige trim with AWD and 50K-70K miles. Verify service history including oil change intervals. Budget $35,000-$40,000 for a well-equipped example. The strong resale value means you wont lose much when its time to sell.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find Your Perfect Telluride

AutoHunter monitors Telluride listings nationwide with custom alerts for trim, mileage, and price. Get notified when SX models hit your target price. Track market trends and find deals before others.

Start Your Free Trial

Model Guide

2019 Toyota RAV4 Buyer's Guide: The Redesign Sweet Spot

First Car Guide

Best Used SUVs for Families Under $15K