2020 Kia Telluride Used Car Review

The 2020 Kia Telluride is one of the most talked-about used family SUVs on the market right now, and for good reason. It offers three-row seating, a premium feel, and a price tag that’s significantly lower than its original MSRP. But before you hand over your money, there are some real-world reliability concerns you should know about. This review is for families, road-trippers, and practical buyers who want the facts before they commit.

Reliability & Common Issues

Let’s be straight with you: the 2020 Kia Telluride has a mixed reliability story. RepairPal gives it a strong 4.5 out of 5 rating and ranks it #2 among midsize SUVs, which sounds great. Consumer Reports, however, rates it as less reliable than other cars from the same model year. The gap between those two assessments tells you something: this SUV does well in typical conditions, but there are specific failure patterns you need to watch for.

The most serious issue showing up in owner reviews is excessive oil consumption. Some owners report the engine burning oil dry before 100,000 miles, with no visible leaks. This is a pattern worth taking seriously. If you’re looking at a higher-mileage example, ask for service records and check whether the seller has been monitoring oil levels between changes.

Electrical gremlins are another recurring complaint. Some owners describe problems their dealers simply can’t diagnose or fix consistently. These tend to be minor but frustrating, affecting things like infotainment connectivity or warning lights that appear without an obvious cause.

The 2020 Kia Telluride has been recalled 6 times by NHTSA. You can check those directly through the NHTSA recalls database. Common recall areas have included issues with the brake system and software-related problems. Before you buy, confirm that any open recalls have been completed at a Kia dealership.

Windshields on these SUVs are also pricier to replace than you’d expect. Car and Driver’s long-term test documented a windshield replacement cost of $1,480, plus another $138 to recalibrate the driver-assistance camera mounted behind the rearview mirror. If the car you’re looking at has any windshield damage, factor that into your offer.

What to Inspect Before You Buy

A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is non-negotiable with any used car. That’s especially true here, because some of the 2020 Kia Telluride’s known issues won’t show up on a test drive. Book the inspection before you sign anything.

During your own walk-around, pay close attention to these areas:

• Oil level and condition: Pull the dipstick yourself, or ask the seller to do it in front of you. Dark, low, or milky oil is a red flag. Given the oil consumption reports from owners, this is the first thing to check.
• Windshield: Any chips or cracks should be disclosed and priced into your negotiation. Don’t assume it’s a cheap fix on this car.
• Third row and rear cargo area: Check for water intrusion or stains around the rear hatch seal. Look at the rear floor and under the cargo mat for signs of moisture.
• Transmission behavior: On your test drive, the transmission should shift smoothly and without hesitation. Any shuddering, slipping, or delayed engagement deserves closer investigation.

Also check the AWD system if you’re buying an AWD model. Engage it intentionally during the test drive and listen for any clunking or vibration from the drivetrain. SX and SX Prestige trims typically come standard with AWD, while lower trims may be front-wheel drive, so confirm what you’re actually getting.

Scan the car’s history before you even visit. You can run a free VIN lookup to check for reported accidents, odometer rollbacks, and title issues. It takes two minutes and can save you thousands.

Fair Price Range

Used Tellurides held their value unusually well through the early 2020s, largely because new inventory was so tight. That premium has softened somewhat, but you’ll still pay more for a 2020 Kia Telluride than you would for a comparable three-row SUV from some other brands.

For a base LX or S trim with around 60,000 to 80,000 miles, you’ll typically see prices in the mid-to-upper-$20,000 range in private party and dealer listings. Step up to an EX or SX trim, and prices typically climb into the low-to-mid $30,000s, depending on miles and condition. SX Prestige models with under 50,000 miles often list even higher.

Mileage matters a lot here. Given the oil consumption concerns, a car with 90,000 or more miles warrants extra scrutiny and should come at a meaningful discount. Use our car loan calculator to figure out what a realistic monthly payment looks like before you fall in love with a specific listing.

If a price looks too good, dig into why. Low-priced examples often have accident history, frame damage, or open recalls. A dealer who won’t let you get an independent inspection is a dealer you should walk away from.

Is the 2020 Kia Telluride Worth Buying Used?

For the right buyer, yes. This SUV punches well above its class in interior quality and comfort, and families who need real three-row space will find it genuinely livable. The third row isn’t just decorative on these, it’s usable for adults, which isn’t something you can say about every car in this segment.

You’ll want to browse used Kia Telluride listings to get a feel for what’s available in your area and what condition-adjusted pricing looks like. Having a few comparables in your back pocket makes you a better negotiator.

This SUV is best for families who do high annual mileage and need the space, buyers who can afford to keep up with oil monitoring and maintenance, and anyone who can afford an AWD trim for year-round capability. The SX trim is a sweet spot: it adds most of the desirable features without pushing into top-tier pricing.

It’s probably not the right buy if you’re looking for a lower-maintenance car, if you’re buying at the high end of your budget with no room for unexpected repairs, or if you want to skip having a mechanic inspect it first. The oil consumption issue alone is reason enough to insist on that inspection.

The 2020 Kia Telluride came with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty from new. Most used examples are now outside that coverage, so you’re buying on your own. Some certified pre-owned programs may extend that warranty, so ask specifically what’s covered and what the exclusions are. Get it in writing.

Overall, this is a genuinely good SUV that became a great car for families at the right price. Just go in with your eyes open, check that VIN history, get the independent inspection, and monitor the oil. Do those things, and the 2020 Kia Telluride is a solid pick.

Once you’ve confirmed the history is clean and an independent mechanic gives you the thumbs up, you’ll be in a much stronger position to negotiate the right price and drive away with confidence.