2022 Kia Telluride: Market-Specific Specifications and Buying Guide
This Kia Telluride profile covers documented US configurations sold or supplied during 2022. It distinguishes a formal 2022 model year from later revisions and deliberately avoids treating another region's fuel economy, range, safety equipment or trim levels as equivalent. The details below are scoped to the listed variants, not every vehicle bearing the badge worldwide.
Model-year identity and what changed
The 2022 Telluride is a particular version of Kia’s three-row US-market SUV, rather than a generic statement about the Telluride nameplate worldwide. Its year-specific update matters to used buyers: Kia expanded navigation-screen and convenience content to lower trims and made small front-end changes. A listing for a 2022 LX can therefore differ in meaningful ways from otherwise similar earlier examples.
Verified regional powertrains and equipment
Kia specifies a 3.8-liter GDI V6 producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. The eight-speed automatic is offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. Kia’s 2022 US EPA estimates distinguish 23 mpg combined for FWD from 21 mpg combined for AWD; these are not transferable to cars sold under other test regimes. Equipment such as high-end upholstery or a surround camera is grade dependent.
Documented US configurations
- LX, S, EX, SX; 3.8 L gasoline direct-injection V6; 291 hp; 262 lb-ft; transmission: 8-speed automatic; drivetrain: FWD or AWD; measurement: US EPA fuel economy, 2022 FWD versus AWD; verified configuration data: engine l: 3.8; output hp: 291; torque lbft: 262; EPA combined mpg FWD: 23; EPA combined mpg AWD: 21
Who should consider it?
In everyday use the Telluride prioritizes people and luggage rather than sporting performance. The second row, third row and door openings deserve careful examination when choosing between an eight-seat family setup and configurations with captain’s chairs. Families who tow should verify the exact vehicle’s approved capacity and installed towing hardware rather than using a brochure maximum as permission.
Used-buyer checks and trade-offs
Used buyers should inspect wheel and tire wear, cabin controls, powered seating where fitted and the history of service campaigns. Electronic driver aids are supplementary and have operating limitations; manufacturer descriptions should not be treated as an independent safety test. There is no evidence here to claim that every 2022 Telluride shares the same features, repair costs or long-term failure rate.
Alternatives and final context
The Honda Pilot offers a different V6 and seating interpretation, while Hyundai Palisade is a particularly relevant platform-era alternative. The Telluride will appeal most when its cabin layout and US-market equipment make ownership easier than a bulkier full-size SUV.
Sources and Further Reading
- Kia America Newsroom — Kia Announces 2022 Telluride (2021-06-16; US context)
Regional equipment and certification data must be checked against the exact VIN and market before purchasing. This editorial is not a firsthand road test, reliability survey or recall-eligibility report.