Is a used Kia Telluride a good deal?
Short answer: A used Kia Telluride can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It loses value faster than average: iSeeCars measures 46.4% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, which makes a used one a relatively better deal than new. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
Looking at a used Kia Telluride? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Depreciation and value retention
| Age | Depreciation | Value kept | Typical resale value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years | 23.2% | 76.8% | $30,088 |
| 5 years | 46.4% | 53.6% | $20,989 |
| 7 years | 59.6% | 40.4% | $15,831 |
| 10 years | 70.4% | 29.6% | $11,594 |
Its class (midsize SUV) averages 46.4% after five years; all vehicles average 41.7%. Source: iSeeCars, Kia Telluride resale value.
Recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | NHTSA recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | None |
| 2020 | 7 | 768 | Exterior Lighting (185), Engine (149), Visibility/Wiper (136) |
| 2021 | 5 | 366 | Engine (65), Visibility/Wiper (64), Electrical System (41) |
| 2022 | 7 | 324 | Visibility/Wiper (73), Electrical System (69), Engine (30) |
| 2023 | 6 | 207 | Electrical System (49), Visibility/Wiper (29), Power Train (24) |
Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints APIs, pulled 2026-10-07. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Example recall campaigns
- 19V594000 (Seat Belts:rear/Other): Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The seat belt assemblies in the front passenger, second, and/or third row seats may not tightly secure a child restraint system in the event of a cr…
- 20V436000 (Electrical System:wiring): Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control (SCC). When a trailer is connected to the vehicle, the trailer brake lights will not illuminate when the SCC appli…
- 22V626000 (Trailer Hitches): Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Telluride vehicles potentially equipped with a Genuine Kia 4-pin tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealer…
- 24V148000 (Exterior Lighting:headlights): Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Telluride vehicles. The high beam headlights may fail.…
- 24V214000 (Power Train:driveline:driveshaft): Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The intermediate shaft and right front driveshaft may not be fully engaged, which can result in vehicle roll away while in PARK.…
Fuel cost
The EPA estimates $2,900–$3,200 per year in fuel for 2022 Kia Telluride versions (21–23 MPG combined across 2 configurations). Source: fueleconomy.gov (EPA/DOE).
Dealer add-ons to watch for
- Paint and fabric protection or ceramic coating packages
- VIN etching and "anti-theft" packages
- Nitrogen-filled tires
- Dealer prep, reconditioning or "certification" fees on top of the advertised price
- Market adjustment or "additional dealer markup" stickers
- Window tint, door-edge guards and all-weather mat bundles
- In the finance office: extended warranties, GAP, tire-and-wheel and key-replacement plans. All optional; get prices in writing
What to check before you buy
- Run the VIN through our free VIN check or NHTSA and confirm open recalls were repaired.
- Owners report problems most often with: Visibility/Wiper, Engine, Exterior Lighting. Ask for service records covering these and have a mechanic look at them.
- Get a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic.
- Compare the price against local listings of the same year, trim and mileage. Dealers price models like this with more room to negotiate.
- Read the FTC Buyers Guide on the window: it says whether the car is sold as-is or with a warranty (FTC).
- Ask for the full out-the-door price in writing before you visit.
FAQ
Is a used Kia Telluride a good deal?
A used Kia Telluride can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It loses value faster than average: iSeeCars measures 46.4% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, which makes a used one a relatively better deal than new. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
How much does a Kia Telluride depreciate?
iSeeCars estimates a Kia Telluride loses 46.4% of its value after five years (23.2% after three years, 70.4% after ten).
Does the Kia Telluride have recalls?
NHTSA lists 25 recall campaigns across the 2019–2023 model years combined (counted per year, so a campaign covering several years counts in each). Check any specific car by VIN: an open recall should be fixed free by a franchised dealer before you buy.
Which Kia Telluride year has the most complaints?
Among 2019–2023, the 2020 has the most NHTSA owner complaints (768). Complaint counts also grow with sales volume and time on the road, so compare years, not models.
How much does a Kia Telluride cost to fuel per year?
The EPA estimates $2,900–$3,200 a year in fuel for 2022 versions, based on its standard mileage and price assumptions.
What dealer add-ons should I refuse on a used Kia Telluride?
Common ones are paint/fabric protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires, dealer prep fees and market adjustments. They are optional; ask for them to be removed or get an itemized out-the-door price.
Looking at a used Kia Telluride? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Data as published by each source; pulled 2026-10-07. All used car models