The Kia Telluride is a mid-size SUV that’s perfect for families, road trips, or just cruising around town. Let’s take a quick look at what makes it stand out:
- Engine: 3.8L V6 with 291 horsepower – plenty of power for city streets or highway drives.
- Transmission: Smooth 8-speed automatic.
- Seating: Fits 7–8 people comfortably – no more squished back seats!
- SUV Category: Mid-size, three-row SUV.
- Drive Options: Choose from front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) depending on your needs.
What makes the Telluride truly special is how family-friendly it is. The interior is spacious, the third row is easy to reach, and there’s plenty of cargo space for luggage, groceries, or sports gear. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a long road trip, or just shuttling the kids around, the Telluride makes every ride comfortable, safe, and enjoyable.
2025 Kia Telluride MPG Ratings
The 2025 Kia Telluride offers solid fuel efficiency for a mid-size SUV. Fuel economy varies depending on the trim and drivetrain. Here’s the breakdown:
FWD vs AWD (City, Highway, Combined)
| Drivetrain | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| FWD (LX, EX, SX) | 20 | 26 | 22 |
| AWD (LX, EX, SX) | 18 | 23 | 20 |
SX Prestige Trim (AWD Only)
| Trim / Drivetrain | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| SX Prestige (AWD) | 18 | 23 | 20 |
Key Takeaways:
- FWD trims offer the best fuel efficiency: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined.
- AWD trims, including SX Prestige, have slightly lower MPG: 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined.
- Fuel economy is consistent across trims within the same drivetrain.
🚗 Mileage Calculator – Estimate MPG & Fuel Cost
Factors Affecting Kia Telluride MPG
Your Kia Telluride’s fuel efficiency isn’t just about the engine—it depends on how you drive and care for your SUV. Here are the main factors that can affect your MPG:
- Driving Habits: Speeding, frequent hard braking, and idling can all reduce fuel efficiency. Smooth acceleration and consistent speeds help save gas.
- Load and Passenger Weight: Carrying extra passengers or heavy cargo increases the engine’s workload, which can lower MPG.
- Tire Pressure and Maintenance: Properly inflated tires and regular maintenance keep your Telluride running efficiently. Low tire pressure or overdue oil changes can hurt gas mileage.
- Weather Conditions: Cold weather, snow, or heavy rain can reduce fuel efficiency. Air conditioning usage in hot weather can also slightly impact MPG.
Tips to Improve Fuel Efficiency
Want to get the most out of every gallon? Here are some easy ways to boost your Kia Telluride’s MPG:
- Smooth Acceleration and Braking: Avoid sudden starts and stops. Gentle acceleration and braking help your SUV run more efficiently.
- Regular Maintenance and Tire Check: Keep up with oil changes, air filter replacements, and tire pressure checks to maintain optimal performance.
- Use Cruise Control on Highways: Maintaining a steady speed on long drives prevents unnecessary fuel consumption.
- Remove Excess Weight: Extra cargo or unnecessary items in the vehicle can reduce MPG. Keep your Telluride light when possible.
Real User Experiences
Here’s what actual owners are saying about the fuel economy of their 2025 Kia Telluride:
“I have a 2025 AWD Telluride with 1,700 miles on it. My wife keeps it in comfort mode, and we’re averaging around 18 MPG. Just curious if that’s typical.”
“With 15,000 miles on my 2025 Telluride, I get about 18-20 MPG. It’s consistent, but not as high as I expected.”
Note: These experiences reflect real-world driving conditions and may vary based on individual driving habits and maintenance practices.
While some owners report fuel economy close to the EPA estimates, others experience slightly lower figures, especially in city driving. It’s essential to consider factors like driving mode, road conditions, and vehicle load, as they can significantly impact fuel efficiency.
Kia Telluride vs Competitors
| Model | Drivetrain | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Telluride | FWD | 20 | 26 | 22 |
| AWD | 18 | 23 | 20 | |
| Toyota Grand Highlander | FWD | 21 | 28 | 24 |
| AWD | 21 | 28 | 24 | |
| Honda Pilot | FWD | 19 | 27 | 22 |
| AWD | 18 | 23 | 20 | |
| Hyundai Palisade | FWD | 19 | 26 | 22 |
| AWD | 18 | 23 | 21 | |
| Mazda CX-90 | AWD | 24 | 28 | 26 |
| Volkswagen Atlas | FWD | 20 | 26 | 22 |
| AWD | 19 | 26 | 21 |
Key Takeaways:
- Toyota Grand Highlander leads in fuel efficiency, especially in city driving.
- Mazda CX-90 offers competitive highway mileage and a combined rating of 26 MPG.
- Kia Telluride provides a balanced fuel economy, suitable for its size and capabilities.
Note: All figures are EPA estimates and may vary based on driving conditions and vehicle load.
Telluride Gear
Must-have accessories for Kia Telluride (2020–2026). Click any card to buy — affiliate links included.
Floor Mats Cargo Mat with Backrest Mats — All Weather TPE
Fits 2020–2025 Kia Telluride 7/8 Passenger • Includes Floor Mats + 2-in-1 Cargo Mat
Buy on Amazon
Rongtaod Floor & Trunk Mat — Trunk Mat with Backrest Mat
Compatible with 2020–2025 Kia Telluride (7 & 8 seats). Includes trunk mat + backrest protection.
Buy on Amazon
Mixsuper Car Seat Organizer — Console & Backseat Storage
Organizer & storage box for toys, snacks, and essentials. Fits Kia Telluride 2020–2026.
Buy on Amazon
SINGARO Car Cup Holder Coaster — Silicone Inserts (4 Pack)
Universal non-slip cup holder inserts. Easy to clean, budget-friendly.
More Telluride accessories coming soon — floor liners, cargo organizers, seat covers and more.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the 2025 Kia Telluride holds its own among mid-size SUVs. Here’s a quick recap:
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): 20 MPG city / 26 MPG highway / 22 MPG combined
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): 18 MPG city / 23 MPG highway / 20 MPG combined
These numbers make the Telluride a well-balanced SUV—powerful enough for family adventures, yet reasonably efficient for its size.
Who Should Consider the Telluride?
- Families: With seating for up to 8 and lots of cargo space, it’s perfect for school runs, weekend getaways, or long road trips.
- Road Trip Enthusiasts: The highway MPG is great for covering miles comfortably without constant fuel stops.
- Drivers in All Conditions: AWD models provide confidence in rain, snow, or rough terrain.
References
Read about Ford Maverick MPG – Real World Mileage & EPA Ratings Explained (2025 Update)
