Kia Telluride Fuel Efficiency: A Comprehensive Guide

Kia Telluride Fuel Efficiency: A Comprehensive Guide

The Kia Telluride has quickly become one of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market since its introduction in 2019. As a three-row family hauler, fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many potential buyers. In this in-depth guide, we’ll examine the fuel tank capacity, fuel economy ratings, and real-world efficiency of the Kia Telluride across all model years and variants.

Fuel Tank Capacity

Across all model years and trim levels, the Kia Telluride features a generous 71-liter (18.8-gallon) fuel tank capacity. This large tank size allows for extended range between fill-ups, which is ideal for road trips and family vacations. The consistent 71L capacity applies to both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

Fuel Efficiency Ratings

The Kia Telluride is powered by a 3.8L V6 engine across all variants. While this robust powertrain delivers strong performance, fuel economy is average for the midsize SUV segment. Let’s take a look at the official fuel efficiency ratings for the Telluride:

As we can see from the table above, the fuel efficiency ratings have remained consistent across all model years from 2019 to 2024. Front-wheel drive models offer slightly better fuel economy compared to all-wheel drive variants.

Real-World Fuel Efficiency

While official EPA ratings provide a standardized measure of fuel economy, real-world efficiency can vary based on driving conditions, habits, and other factors. Many Telluride owners report achieving fuel economy close to or even exceeding the official ratings in highway driving scenarios.

In our extensive testing of a 2022 Kia Telluride X-Line AWD model, we observed an average of 9.8 km/L (23 mpg) in mixed driving conditions[4]. This suggests that with careful driving, it’s possible to match or even surpass the EPA estimates in real-world use.

Factors Affecting Fuel Efficiency

Several factors can impact the real-world fuel efficiency of the Kia Telluride:

• Driving conditions: City driving with frequent stops and starts will result in lower efficiency compared to steady highway cruising.
• Climate: Extreme hot or cold temperatures can reduce fuel economy due to increased use of climate control systems.
• Cargo and passengers: Heavier loads require more energy to move, reducing overall efficiency.
• Driving style: Aggressive acceleration and high-speed driving will consume more fuel than a more relaxed driving approach.
• Maintenance: Proper vehicle maintenance, including regular oil changes and correct tire pressure, can help optimize fuel efficiency.

Comparing Telluride Fuel Efficiency to Competitors

To put the Kia Telluride’s fuel efficiency into perspective, let’s compare it to some key competitors in the midsize SUV segment:

As we can see, the Telluride’s fuel efficiency is competitive within its class, though some rivals like the Toyota Highlander do offer slightly better economy[3]. It’s worth noting that the Telluride’s powerful V6 engine and spacious interior may contribute to its slightly lower efficiency compared to some competitors.

Fuel Efficiency Across Telluride Trim Levels

The Kia Telluride is available in several trim levels, including LX, S, EX, and SX. Additionally, there are X-Line and X-Pro variants that offer enhanced off-road capability. Let’s examine how fuel efficiency varies across these trims:

As we can observe, the primary factor affecting fuel efficiency across trim levels is the drivetrain choice. Front-wheel drive models consistently offer better fuel economy compared to their all-wheel drive counterparts. The X-Line and X-Pro variants, which come standard with all-wheel drive, match the efficiency of other AWD trims[4].

Maximizing Fuel Efficiency in Your Telluride

While the Kia Telluride’s fuel efficiency is set by its design and powertrain, there are several steps owners can take to maximize their vehicle’s economy:

1. Maintain steady speeds: Use cruise control on highways and avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
2. Proper tire inflation: Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure for optimal rolling resistance.
3. Regular maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule to keep the engine running efficiently.
4. Reduce idle time: Turn off the engine when parked or waiting for extended periods.
5. Plan trips: Combine errands into single trips to reduce overall driving distance.
6. Remove excess weight: Clear out unnecessary items from the vehicle to reduce weight and improve efficiency.
7. Use eco mode: Utilize the Telluride’s built-in eco driving mode for improved fuel economy in city driving.

Fuel Efficiency Impact on Range

Given the Telluride’s 71-liter fuel tank capacity, let’s calculate the theoretical range based on the official fuel efficiency ratings:

These calculations assume ideal conditions and driving the vehicle until the tank is completely empty, which is not recommended in practice. A more realistic usable range would be approximately 80-90% of these figures, accounting for a reserve and varying driving conditions.

Fuel Efficiency Considerations for Different Driving Scenarios

The Kia Telluride’s fuel efficiency can vary significantly depending on the type of driving you primarily engage in. Let’s explore how different scenarios might impact your real-world fuel economy:

City Driving

In urban environments with frequent stops, starts, and idling, you can expect fuel efficiency to be closer to the city rating of 7.7 km/L for AWD models or 8.5 km/L for FWD variants. To maximize efficiency in city driving:

• Use the auto start-stop feature to reduce idle fuel consumption
• Anticipate traffic flow to minimize unnecessary braking and acceleration
• Consider using eco mode for improved efficiency in stop-and-go traffic

Highway Driving

Long highway trips are where the Telluride can achieve its best fuel economy, potentially reaching or exceeding the highway rating of 10.2 km/L (AWD) or 11.1 km/L (FWD). Tips for maximizing highway efficiency include:

• Use cruise control to maintain a steady speed
• Keep speeds moderate, as fuel efficiency typically decreases above 100 km/h
• Ensure proper tire inflation for reduced rolling resistance

Mixed Driving

For those with a mix of city and highway driving, expect fuel efficiency to fall somewhere between the city and highway ratings, close to the combined rating of 8.5 km/L (AWD) or 9.4 km/L (FWD). Our real-world testing of 9.8 km/L in mixed conditions suggests that with careful driving, it’s possible to achieve efficiency on the higher end of this range[4].

Off-Road and Towing

The Telluride’s capability as an adventure vehicle means some owners may use it for off-road excursions or towing. In these scenarios, expect fuel efficiency to decrease noticeably:

• Off-road driving can reduce efficiency by 20-50% depending on terrain and conditions
• Towing a trailer or boat can decrease fuel economy by 30-50%, varying based on weight and aerodynamics

When engaging in these activities, it’s important to plan for increased fuel consumption and more frequent refueling stops.

Fuel Efficiency Technology in the Telluride

While the Kia Telluride doesn’t offer a hybrid powertrain option like some competitors, it does incorporate several technologies to help optimize fuel efficiency:

• Direct Injection: The 3.8L V6 engine uses direct fuel injection for improved efficiency and power delivery.
• 8-Speed Automatic Transmission: The multi-speed transmission helps keep the engine in its optimal operating range for better efficiency.
• Idle Stop & Go: This system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary to reduce fuel consumption in city driving.
• Active Eco System: When engaged, this mode adjusts engine and transmission control for improved fuel economy.
• Aerodynamic Design: While the Telluride is a large SUV, its design has been optimized to reduce drag and improve efficiency at highway speeds.

Future Fuel Efficiency Improvements

As of 2024, Kia has not announced any major changes to the Telluride’s powertrain or fuel efficiency for upcoming model years. However, given the industry trend towards electrification and increased efficiency, we may see developments in the future such as:

• Introduction of a hybrid or plug-in hybrid variant
• Engine updates for improved efficiency without sacrificing power
• Potential use of lighter materials to reduce overall vehicle weight
• Advanced aerodynamic improvements

It’s worth noting that any significant changes to the Telluride’s powertrain would likely coincide with a major model refresh or new generation introduction.

Conclusion: Balancing Efficiency and Capability

The Kia Telluride offers competitive fuel efficiency for its class, especially considering its spacious interior and powerful V6 engine. With a large 71-liter fuel tank, it provides a generous range for both daily driving and longer trips. While it may not be the most fuel-efficient option in the midsize SUV segment, the Telluride balances economy with performance, comfort, and capability.