The 2022 Kia Telluride earned its reputation the honest way, by being a genuinely good family SUV at a fair price. If you are shopping used and eyeing a three-row hauler, the kia telluride 2022 is one of the smarter picks in its class. It seats up to eight, drives comfortably, and came loaded with features that competitors charged more for. Here is a clear breakdown of what the 2022 model offers and who it suits best.
What powers the 2022 Telluride
Every 2022 Telluride uses one engine, and it is a good one. The 3.8-liter V6 produces 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with available active on-demand all-wheel drive for drivers who want extra grip in Ohio winters.
That setup gives the Telluride a 5,000-pound towing capacity, enough for a small camper, a boat, or a loaded trailer. An optional self-leveling rear suspension automatically adjusts ride height based on how much you are carrying, which helps keep the SUV stable when it is full of people and gear.
You also get four drive modes, Smart, Eco, Sport, and Comfort, each tuning the powertrain, drivetrain, and steering to match how you want to drive. It is not a sports SUV, but it handles daily driving, highway merging, and family trips with ease.
Room for the whole family
This is where the Telluride shines. As the largest vehicle Kia has ever built, it offers real space in all three rows, not the cramped third row you find in some rivals.
It seats up to eight, with one-touch folding second-row seats that make climbing into the back easy. Prefer more comfort over maximum seating? Available second-row reclining captain’s chairs drop it to seven and add a lot of comfort for longer drives. Even third-row passengers get room to stretch, and reclining third-row seats were available for extra comfort.
Small touches add up here. Ceiling-mounted HVAC vents spread airflow more evenly through the cabin, and second-row riders can control their own climate settings. Integrated grab handles on the center console are a nice detail for getting in and out. Higher trims offered double-stitched, quilted Nappa leather, along with brushed-metal and matte-wood accents that give the cabin an upscale feel well beyond the price.
Technology and safety in the 2022 model
The 2022 Telluride kept its tech practical rather than flashy, which is part of why owners like it.
Standard equipment includes five USB ports and available multi-Bluetooth that lets two phones connect at once. An available 10.25-inch touchscreen with a rearview monitor handles navigation and parking guidance. For 2022 specifically, Kia made a few worthwhile updates: LX and S trims gained a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, and semi-autonomous highway-driving assist, and all models added Navigation Based Smart Cruise Control-Curve, which adjusts speed for upcoming bends.
On safety, the Telluride came well equipped with driver-assistance features like forward automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, road-sign recognition, automatic high beams, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. Buyers could add extras like a surround-view camera, front parking sensors, a blind-spot camera, and rear collision warning. These systems work quietly in the background rather than nagging you with constant alerts.
What changed for 2022
If you are comparing model years on the used lot, the 2022 update is easy to spot. Kia added its new logo to the front and rear, and gave the SUV a blacked-out front grille design for a slightly bolder look.
Inside, the bigger news was the added standard tech on lower trims and the curve-adjusting smart cruise control across the lineup. None of it reinvented the Telluride, because it did not need to. These were smart refinements to an already strong vehicle, which is exactly what you want to see in a used SUV: steady improvement, not a rushed redesign.
Is the 2022 Telluride right for you?
The Telluride makes the most sense if you genuinely need three rows and want comfort for adults, not just kids, in the back. Big families, carpools, and anyone who takes long road trips will appreciate the space and the smooth ride.
If you are not sure you need something this large, it is worth comparing it to the smaller option below it. The Kia Sorento also offers a third row in a more compact, easier-to-park package, and it may be the better fit if your third row only gets occasional use. The Telluride’s larger dimensions and roomier third row are best for families who use all the seats regularly.
For towing, the 5,000-pound rating covers most family needs like a small trailer or boat. And with available all-wheel drive, the 2022 Telluride handles Northeast Ohio weather without trouble.
The bottom line on the 2022 Telluride
The 2022 Kia Telluride is a well-rounded used SUV that delivers space, comfort, and features that punch above its price. A strong V6, room for up to eight, genuine third-row comfort, and a full slate of safety tech make it a dependable family choice. If you want the space, it is one of the best three-row values on the used market. If you are on the fence about size, compare it against the Sorento before deciding. Either way, a test drive is the best way to know which one fits your family, and the team at Ken Ganley Kia Mentor can set that up for you.
