The 2025 Telluride Performance: What You Need to Know

Horsepower isn’t the only measure of a good SUV, but it’s a great place to start. The 2025 Kia Telluride blends confident V6 power, available all‑wheel drive, and surprising efficiency into a single family‑ready package.

Whether you’re hauling kids, kayaks, or camping gear, its performance suite is built to keep up with real‑life adventures. Here’s the quick breakdown.

Core Powertrain Specs

Every Telluride—no matter the badge—packs the same proven 3.8‑liter V6: 291 horsepower and 262 lb‑ft of torque routed through a slick 8‑speed automatic. The payoff is smooth passing power on I-64 and plenty of muscle for weekend toys. X‑Pro trims even dial towing up to 5,500 pounds, perfect for small campers or a pair of jet skis.

For a deeper dive into dimensions, curb weight, and interior tech, view our full Telluride model page.

Drive Modes & All‑Wheel Grip

Front‑wheel drive is standard, but most Missouri buyers opt for Active On‑Demand AWD. This system shuffles torque between the front and rear axles in milliseconds, boosting traction on rain‑soaked pavement or dusty trailheads.

Tap the console dial to choose Snow, Sport, Eco, or Smart mode, and the Telluride tweaks throttle response, shift points, and steering feel to match your plans. Need extra bite in mud or fresh snow? Hit the center‑lock button to maintain a 50/50 power split at low speeds.

Efficiency That Doesn’t Quit

Big SUVs aren’t usually fuel‑sipper material, yet the Telluride posts an EPA‑estimated 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway in FWD form. Opting for AWD costs only about a mile per gallon. To stretch every drop, idle stop‑and‑go shuts the engine off at long lights, while an efficient thermal‑management system helps the V6 warm up faster in winter.

Need real‑time numbers? Dual 12.3‑inch displays (standard on all trims) let you monitor fuel economy, AWD torque distribution, and even tire‑pressure status at a glance.

Trim‑Specific Performance Perks

• LX / S / EX: Lighter curb weight & FWD standard (AWD optional) / Maximizes mpg for commuters and long‑haul families
• X‑Line: +0.4‑inch ride height, reworked bumpers, standard AWD / Better approach angles on gravel or snow‑packed drives
• X‑Pro: 18‑inch all‑terrain tires, unique suspension tune, 5,500‑lb. tow rating / Ready for campsites, boat ramps, and rough county roads
• SX Prestige: Self‑leveling rear suspension / Keeps ride height steady when the cargo area is full

Who the Telluride Serves Best

• Families: Broad torque band means easy highway merges, while confident braking and standard driver‑assist tech keep daily trips low‑stress.
• Adventure Seekers: AWD grip, X‑Line lift, and X‑Pro tires tackle dirt tracks and handle weekend trailers without breaking a sweat.
• Tech‑Focused Drivers: A digital cockpit, head‑up display (SX Prestige), and highway drive‑assist features turn long stretches of I‑70 into a breeze.

The result? An SUV that’s equally comfortable shuttling kids to practice, road‑tripping across the Midwest, or towing gear to the lake.

Unleash Horsepower and Rock-Solid AWD

Ready to unleash 291 horsepower and rock‑solid AWD confidence on your own test loop? Book your Telluride test drive at Suntrup Kia South today.

Our team will have your preferred trim prepped and waiting, plus friendly finance experts who can outline payment options in minutes. Get behind the wheel and see how the 2025 Kia Telluride turns everyday drives into something worth looking forward to.