“It's easy to drive, safe, reliable, fun and is a no-brainer if you have kids. I say this because of the safety rating and the fact that carseats fit so well and leave more leg room than any other car we tried.”
2022 Kia Telluride: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest 2022 Kia Telluride change is broader safety and convenience tech: cruise control that uses navigation data to adjust for curves became standard on every trim. It was a light update, not a redesign, and the V6, dimensions, and four-trim lineup carried over.
About the 2022 Kia Telluride
1st generation, third model year, last pre-refresh year before the larger 2023 styling and tech update.
Kia positions the Telluride as a roomy, upscale-feeling three-row SUV built for family travel and weekend adventure. The core pitch is simple: standard V6 power, available AWD, useful towing strength, strong safety technology, and a cabin that feels richer than many mainstream rivals. It stands out by mixing bold boxy styling with easy everyday usability, generous passenger space, and near-luxury comfort without asking shoppers to move into a luxury brand.
The LX is a well-equipped eight-seat family trim with a 291-hp V6, synthetic leather, and a large navigation screen, while the seven-seat S adds second-row captain’s chairs, a sunroof, and heated front seats. EX moves toward comfort with leather and ventilated front seats. SX is the tech-heavy version, with dual sunroofs, Harman Kardon audio, and camera views that help with parking and blind spots.
What changed, by category
Safety
Navigation-based cruise control that adjusts speed for curves became standard on every trim. LX and S also gained Highway Driving Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with steering assistance on compatible highways.
Tech
LX and S gained a 10.25-inch navigation touchscreen plus automatic front and rear climate control. The S also added wireless phone charging.
Styling
Every trim received Kia’s new badges, a lightly revised grille, and updated branding on the rear liftgate.
2022 Kia Telluride specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, GDI, 3.8 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.8 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.8 Liter | V6, GDI, 3.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 291 hp | 291 hp | 291 hp | 291 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 87 cu-ft | 87 cu-ft | 87 cu-ft | 87 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.4 in | 31.4 in | 31.4 in | 31.4 in |
| Seats | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2022 Kia Telluride redesigned?
No. The 2022 Telluride received a light equipment and appearance update rather than a redesign. Its size, 3.8-liter V6, and LX, S, EX, and SX lineup remained the same.
What changed on the 2022 Telluride LX and S?
The LX and S gained a 10.25-inch navigation touchscreen, automatic front and rear climate control, and Highway Driving Assist for 2022. The S also added wireless phone charging.
Did the 2022 Telluride get a new engine or new trims?
No. The 2022 Telluride kept its 291-hp 3.8-liter V6 and the same four core trims: LX, S, EX, and SX.
Is the 2022 Telluride a meaningful upgrade over the 2021 model?
It is most meaningful on the LX and S, which gained the larger navigation screen, automatic climate control, and Highway Driving Assist. Every 2022 trim also gained curve-aware navigation-based cruise control, but the underlying vehicle and V6 powertrain carried over.
How does the 2022 Telluride look different from the 2021 model?
The differences are subtle. The 2022 Telluride has Kia’s new badges, a lightly revised grille, and updated branding on the rear liftgate.
2022 Kia Telluride Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2022 Kia Telluride.
4.5
2022 Kia Telluride
(437 reviews)
“Love my 2022 Kia Telluride. Drives smooth with many innovative features. Comfy and stylish interior.”
“If a problem occurs that requires service, especially parts, the length of time the car is out of commission could be lengthy.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Telluride / 2022 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Telluride / 2022 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Telluride / 2022 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 17577 / Kia Announces 2022 Telluride
- kia.com — Us / Brochures / 2022 Suv Brochure
- kiamedia.com — Telluride / 2021 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Telluride / 2021 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Telluride / 2023 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 18800 / The New 2023 Telluride Arrives At New York Auto Show With Refreshed Styling More Capability And Enha
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 19479 / Kia America Announces 2023 Telluride Pricing