If you’re looking for a three-row SUV that still feels fresh and premium in 2022, the Telluride is very hard to ignore. In this 2022 Kia Telluride Overview, we’ll break down what’s new for this model year, how the trims and pricing stack up, and why families (and reviewers) keep putting it at the top of their shortlist.
For 2022, Kia doesn’t reinvent the formula—but it smartly adds tech and safety where it matters most, especially on the entry trims.
What’s New for the 2022 Kia Telluride?
Kia’s big SUV was already a hit, with year-over-year sales jumping around 68% heading into the 2022 model year. Rather than change a winning recipe, Kia focuses on subtle design tweaks and meaningful feature upgrades.
Fresh badging and a cleaner front end
On the outside, the 2022 Telluride gets:
- The new Kia corporate badge
- A slightly redesigned radiator grille, giving the front fascia a more upscale, modern look
It’s not a radical makeover, but it’s enough for shoppers to immediately spot the updated model on the lot.
Bigger screen and more tech on lower trims
The most important updates happen inside. For 2022:
- A 10.25-inch navigation touchscreen becomes standard across the lineup, including the LX and S trims
- Fully automatic temperature control is now included on LX and S, giving even base buyers a more premium climate setup
- Highway Driving Assist (HDA) is added to LX and S, making advanced semi-assist tech accessible from the entry level
- Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control–Curve is now offered on all trims, helping the Telluride adjust speed proactively for curves when using the built-in navigation.
In simple terms: the “cheap” Telluride doesn’t really feel cheap anymore.
Trims and 2022 Pricing
Kia continues with a familiar trim structure: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige (SX-P), each available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), except SX-P which is AWD-only. According to Kia’s official media release, the starting MSRPs (excluding destination) for 2022 are:
- LX FWD – $33,090
- LX AWD – $35,090
- S FWD – $35,590
- S AWD – $37,590
- EX FWD – $38,090
- EX AWD – $40,090
- SX FWD – $42,990
- SX AWD – $44,890
- SX-P (AWD) – $46,890
Local dealer pricing can be slightly higher or lower depending on incentives, fees and equipment, but this gives a solid baseline.
Trim personality in a nutshell
- LX – Value leader with three-row seating, 10.25″ touchscreen, Kia Connect, and a full suite of safety tech. A strong choice if you want maximum space at the lowest price.
- S – Sportier look with larger wheels, more comfort features, and often the sweet spot for many buyers who want style without going deep into the 40s on price.
- EX – Adds leather seating, more premium convenience features, and a more “near-luxury” interior vibe—many reviewers recommend EX as the best balance of value and luxury.
- SX – Fully loaded with tech like Harman Kardon audio, dual sunroofs, advanced camera systems, and upscale lighting.
- SX-P – Tops the range with additional luxury and off-road-leaning features (on U.S. models, this often includes AWD-focused equipment and premium interior touches).
Powertrain, Performance and Fuel Economy
All 2022 Telluride models share the same engine:
- 3.8-liter V6 (Lambda II)
- 291 horsepower
- 262 lb-ft of torque
This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, driving either the front wheels (FWD) or all four (AWD). In real-world use, the V6 offers smooth and confident acceleration rather than aggressive sportiness. It’s tuned more for quiet cruising and effortless highway passing—exactly what most families want.
EPA-estimated fuel economy
Kia’s figures for the 2022 Telluride are:
- FWD: 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined
- AWD: 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined
Given the Telluride’s size and power, these numbers are competitive within the three-row crossover segment.
Interior Space, Comfort and Technology
One of the big reasons the Telluride keeps winning praise is its near-luxury cabin feel at a mainstream price. Reviewers consistently highlight its upscale materials and adult-friendly third row.
Room for people and cargo
The Telluride seats up to eight passengers with a second-row bench (standard on LX and EX) or seven with second-row captain’s chairs (available or standard on higher trims like S and SX).
Cargo space is generous:
- 21 cu ft behind the third row
- 46 cu ft with the third row folded
- Up to 87 cu ft with both second and third rows folded flat
That’s enough to comfortably handle family road trips, Costco runs, or a full load of luggage and sports gear.
Infotainment and connectivity
From 2022 onward, every Telluride comes with the 10.25-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Kia Connect telematics, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports.
Available upgrades include:
- Harman Kardon® premium audio system
- Wireless phone charging
- Additional USB ports and rear entertainment options
The cabin layout is straightforward and user-friendly, with physical knobs for climate and volume, which many drivers still prefer over fully touch-based controls.
Safety, Driver Assistance and Kia Drive Wise
Kia has made safety a core part of the Telluride’s value proposition. By 2022, advanced driver assistance features are standard on every trim, not just the expensive ones.
Key Kia Drive Wise features that come standard on all 2022 Tellurides include:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Driver Attention Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Following Assist
The big story for 2022 is the spread of Highway Driving Assist (HDA) across the lineup, now including LX and S trims. HDA combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering to reduce fatigue on long highway drives—especially in stop-and-go traffic.
In addition, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control–Curve can adjust speed according to upcoming curves when using navigation, helping the Telluride feel more confident and composed in winding sections.
Optional safety and convenience tech on higher trims can include:
- Surround View Monitor (360° camera)
- Blind-Spot View Monitor (camera feed in the cluster)
- Head-Up Display
- Front and rear parking sensors, and more
Dimensions and Road Presence
On the road, the 2022 Telluride has serious presence. Kia’s official specs list:
- Overall length: 196.9 inches
- Overall width: 78.3 inches
- Overall height: up to 69.3 inches (with roof rails)
- Wheelbase: 114.2 inches
That long wheelbase helps with ride comfort and interior space, while the squared-off body and bold grille design give it a more rugged, truck-inspired look than many curvier crossovers.
Who Is the 2022 Kia Telluride Best For?
Based on this 2022 Kia Telluride overview, the SUV fits best if:
- You need real three-row usability, not just occasional third-row seating
- You want premium features and tech without paying luxury-brand prices
- Safety and standard driver assistance are high priorities
- You value a smooth, quiet ride more than sporty handling
Shoppers cross-shopping the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, VW Atlas and similar three-row SUVs will find the Telluride highly competitive—and often better equipped at a similar or lower price point. Independent reviews have repeatedly ranked it at or near the top of the class for its mix of value, comfort, and features.
Related: 2020 KIA TELLURIDE – Big, Boxy, and Built for Real-World Adventure
Conclusion
The 2022 Telluride doesn’t overhaul the formula, but it refines it in smart ways: a larger standard screen, more standard safety tech at the base trims, and light styling tweaks that keep it looking fresh. For families who want a capable, comfortable, and well-equipped three-row SUV, the 2022 Kia Telluride remains one of the strongest options in the segment.
