Kia’s Telluride is a top-class midsize SUV offering an upscale, feature-rich interior. Its interior accommodates eight occupants and packs many standard safety and driver assistance features. Kia equipped all Tellurides with a naturally aspirated V6 engine that combines precise steering, adaptable suspensions, and excellent brake feedback to deliver fantastic road manners. You also get 8.4 inches of ground clearance and a 5,500-pound towing capacity. The Telluride is fantastic but may not be ideal for every driver. Luckily, there are lots of SUVs similar to Kia Telluride for buyers seeking alternatives. Let’s explore the best available options.
Top Ten SUVs Like Kia Telluride
There are many fantastic midsize SUVs available today. If you’re looking for reliability and interior comfort in this segment, you have to opt for SUVs like Kia Telluride. We have highlighted ten options offering value for their price tags. Check them out below:
1. Toyota Highlander
The Highlander is one of the cheapest SUVs to maintain and repair. It is also a reliable midsize SUV offering three rows of seats. All trims run on the same turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which delivers 265 horsepower and works with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can choose between an FWD and AWD configuration. With this setup, you can enjoy a comfortable ride with great handling.
The Highlander also ranks high in terms of reliability and is ideal for long road trips. With an EPA-estimated gas mileage of 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway, it is one of the most efficient in its segment. It accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 130 mph. It may not be ideal for off-road adventures, but you can tow a payload of up to 4,500 pounds with any Highlander trims.
Inside, there is ample head and legroom for eight occupants, with tangible luggage space behind the rear seats. The dashboard features an 8.0-inch infotainment display in the base trims. The top trims feature two 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and digital gauges. Built-in navigation, wireless charging pads, and Amazon Alexa are standard features for all trims. A new Toyota Highlander ranges between $40,720 and $51,175, depending on your preferred trim. The available hybrid trim costs even more and offers more engine power.
2. Mazda CX-90
Mazda recently replaced the CX-9 with an upscaled version, the CX-90. In addition to a new name tag, the three-row SUV enjoys lots of significant additions. The new CX-90 enjoys a spacious cabin. With three seat rows, it can accommodate up to seven people. Also, all seats have good head and legroom. However, trunk space is lacking unless you fold the last row of seats. The dash features a 10.0-inch infotainment display offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Moreover, a 12.3-inch screen is also available.
Most SUVs like the Telluride have precise steering and tuned chassis to improve road manners, and the CX-90 is not lacking in this regard. Driving enthusiasts prefer the S trims with steering-mounted paddle shifters, making driving more exciting and engaging. A hybrid powertrain comprising a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine and a 48-volt hybrid system sits under the hood of every CX-90. This combo is good for 340 horsepower in S trims and 280 horsepower in the entry-level non-S trims. A plug-in hybrid that is good for 323 horsepower is also available. Its battery pack adds about 33 miles of electric-only driving range.
An eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard, powering an all-wheel-drive system, also standard. This standard hybrid setup requires only 6.3 seconds to burst from zero to 60 mph and has a top speed of 130 mph. It has a maximum payload capacity of 5,000 pounds, Furthermore, the EPA estimates that it is good for 24 MPG in the city and 28 on the highway. You can get a new Mazda CX-90 for between $39,300 and $57,905, depending on your preferred trim and options.
3. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer shares many properties with Kia Telluride. Both cars are great for large families and ideal for long road trips. In terms of entertainment, the Explorer has a lot of features to keep occupants engaged. Its cabin is spacious, offering three rows of seats for seven adults. You also get comfortable material accents on the seats, dashboard, and doors. In addition, an intuitive 8.0-inch display handles the infotainment screen with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. Moreover, you can opt for a 10.1-inch vertically-oriented display in high-end trims.
A turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine powers the base models. However, power-loving buyers prefer the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that delivers up to 400 horsepower. The i4 generates up to 300 horsepower and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in six seconds. Both trims use the same ten-speed automatic transmission to power the rear wheels. An optional AWD setup is also available. With this, you get a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
In addition to good looks, the Explorer attracts buyers with its practicality. The cargo space behind the rear seats is decent and can be expanded at the expense of the rear bench. Furthermore, the EPA estimates the turbo-four setup to earn 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. In exchange for 100 horsepower, the V6 sheds 4 MPG combined from the base gas mileage. Depending on the trim you prefer, a new Ford Explorer will set you back between $41,350 and $60,950.
4. Hyundai Palisade
Along with interior setup, the Palisade shares some mechanical properties with the Telluride. Both cabins offer the same near-luxury features, especially in the top models. The Hyundai offers lots of standard and optional niceties like quilted leather upholstery, fancier trim, second-row captain’s chairs, and a 12.0-inch infotainment display. This system offers standard Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, built-in navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity.
In the latest models, Hyundai’s Blue Link app service is standard. It allows drivers to lock, unlock, and start the car using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant mobile apps.
All Palisades rely on the same 3.8-liter V6 gasoline engine that is good for 291 horsepower. It pairs with a sleek eight-speed automatic transmission that comes with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. This feature allows drivers to switch gears manually. Although an AWD setup is available, the standard system is set to run on front wheels. According to the EPA, the standard Palisade is good for 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. Adding the more exciting AWD setup drops 2 MPG from highway gas mileage.
Whichever way you go, the car will need only 6.4 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph. It also enjoys the excellent braking and precise steering common with SUVs similar to Kia Telluride. Still on performance, its maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. The latest Hyundai Palisade models range between $38,045 and $55,245, depending on the trim and optional features. Hyundai also offers a standard suite of driver assistance features in Palisades.
5. Subaru Ascent
Many drivers love the Ascent because they all come with AWD. Also, it is among affordable SUVs with the best interior. Its seven-seater interior comes with four Captain’s chairs and a third-row bench. Moreover, you can opt for a bench on the second row, bringing the capacity up to eight people. Regardless, there is ample leg and headroom for everyone, as well as a decent cargo space under the tailgate. An 11.6-inch infotainment display sits on the dashboard, slightly tilting to the driver’s side. You get all standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
All Subaru Ascents have the same setup under the hood. It is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that is good for 260 horsepower. This engine relies on a CVT automatic transmission to power all four wheels. It can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds and smashes a top speed of 112 mph. The car has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Furthermore, the EPA estimates that the latest Ascent setup is good for 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway.
While the transmission system is automatic when in manual mode, you can use the paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel to select gears. You also get adaptive suspensions with light and accurate steering to improve driving dynamics. Additionally, the car has scored high in many reliability tests. The starting price of a new 2024 Subaru Ascent is $35,740. Depending on the trim and optional features, it can cost up to $49,790.
6. Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is another top player among midsize SUVs, like the Kia Telluride. The latest models have many significant additions. These include 20-inch wheels, a 9.0-inch infotainment display, a hands-free power liftgate, wireless charging, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. You also get an exciting 12.3-inch display for a digital gauge cluster, a Bose audio system, and a panoramic sunroof.
Under the hood, all Outlanders have a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that generates 181 horsepower. It pairs with a CVT automatic and is mounted on an FWD system as standard. Moreover, you can opt for an AWD system. According to the EPA, this gas-only setup is good for 24 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. Its towing capacity is the least on this list as it can only haul 2,000 pounds worth of payload.
A more powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain is available. This combines a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to deliver 248 horsepower. It also relies on a 20.0-kWh battery pack to amass 38 miles of electric-only driving range per charge. Also, this setup has more torque and can haul more payload than the gas-only trims. Additionally, it has a gas mileage of 26 MPG combined when running on gasoline. A new gas-only Mitsubishi Outlander will set you back between $30,075 and $42,735, depending on the trim you choose. Meanwhile, the Plug-in hybrid costs about $51,995.
7. Dodge Durango
If you’re looking for SUVs like Kia Telluride that can handle off-road terrains, then this is your stop. The Durango has different powerful engine options and is known for its performance. The base engine is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that generates up to 295 horsepower. Moreover, you can get a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that produces up to 360 horsepower to amass a maximum towing cap of 8,700 pounds. The V6 goes from zero to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, while the V8 does so in just 6.2.
The Durango has sporty yet smooth suspensions and precise steering to enhance the driving experience. The V6 model is estimated to achieve 19 MPG in city driving and 26 on the highway, while the V8 model achieves 14 MPG in the city and 22 on the highway. The interior, with seating for seven, provides ample head, leg, and cargo space. Additionally, you can increase hauling capacity by folding the third row of seats.
The paddle shifters are behind the steering wheel, a dream come true for sports car lovers. Also, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen sits on the dash, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. You also get an optional rear-seat entertainment system featuring dual screens with HDMI and RCA ports to connect with your smart devices. The latest Dodge Durango ranges between $43,265 and $59,865 for a new unit.
8. Nissan PathFinder
The Pathfinder lineup has served the family SUV market segment for many years. It features among SUVs similar to Kia Telluride for its performance and interior. You get the same eight-seater setup with many standard safety and driver assistance technologies. An 8.0-inch infotainment display is standard, but you can opt for a 9.0-inch version. Both offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with a built-in navigation system. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is optional, along with an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless smartphone charging pads, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a head-up display.
The latest Pathfinder runs on a 3.5-liter V6 engine, pushing 284 horsepower in the base models. The same engine generates up to 295 horsepower in the Rock Creek trim. This trim features lots of upgrades and additional features to make it off-road worthy. You get the same nine-speed automatic transmission in all Pathfinders powering the front wheels. While a front-wheel drive setup is standard, you can opt for an all-wheel drive.
Furthermore, the base Nissan Pathfinder has a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. It requires only 6.7 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph and has a top speed of 120 mph. According to the EPA, its V6 engine is good for 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. A new Nissan PathFinder will set you back between $38,040 and $51,010. Additionally, Pathfinders usually retain their value, so it is okay to find a used one.
9. Honda Pilot
The latest Pilot retains the lineup’s notoriety for interior spacing and road manners. These qualities rank it among the best SUVs, similar to Kia Telluride. Along with its ample cargo space in the trunk, you get a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Off-road adventurers will enjoy the exciting additions to the Trailsport trim. A 9.0-inch infotainment display is standard, with an optional 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. Also, all trims feature three rows of seats inside.
The same 3.5-liter V6 engine sits under the hood of every Honda Pilot. This engine has served the series for many years, delivering 285 horsepower at the latest. It pairs with a ten-speed automatic transmission. The FWD setup is standard, but you can opt for an AWD. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes 7.2 seconds in the FWD and 6.9 seconds for the AWD. Both have the same top speed of 112 mph. Furthermore, the EPA estimates that the V6 is good for 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.
The off-road-worthy Trailsport adds a special suspension with a 1.0-inch lift, steel skid plates, all-terrain tires, a hill-descent control system, and a specially tuned all-wheel drive system with a Trail driving mode. Depending on your preferred trim, you can get a new Honda Pilot for between $41,295 and $55,675.
10. Volkswagen Atlas
Volkswagen equips the latest Atlas models with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine can produce up to 269 horsepower and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While most trims run on their front wheels, you can get all-wheel drive. The AWD option improves driving experience and traction abilities. The Atlas offers three rows of seats inside, with ample leg and headroom for seven occupants. Its dashboard controls are easy to navigate, including the 12.0-inch infotainment display.
The latest Atlas adds an improved throttle response along with precise steering, excellent brakes, and tuned suspensions. These models also enjoy many physical modifications to make them look a bit rugged. As a result, you get improved aerodynamics and stability. It requires only 7.3 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph and clocks a top speed of 131 mph. You also get a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
According to the EPA, the Atlas powertrain is good for 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. As is common with most German brands, VW also packs the Atlas with many tech features. You get a standard forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Whereas adaptive cruise control is optional. The latest Volkswagen Atlas starts at about $39,420 and can go up to $54,315, depending on the trim and options.
Let’s Wrap it Up…
The Telluride is a top pick in the three-row SUV segment. Many drivers favor SUVs like Kia Telluride because they are affordable, deliver impressive performances, and offer top-class standard features. The SUVs in our list are alternatives to Kia Telluride. Whether you’re looking for more interior room, engine aggression, or standard features, we’ve got the best for you. We hope you found one that satisfies your needs in terms of design, performance, and features.
