Can't Find a Kia Telluride? Consider These Three SUVs Instead
The Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango, and Volkswagen Atlas are appealing three-row, mid-size SUV alternatives to Kia's hot seller.
Kia
Article QuickTakes:
With its blocky styling, spacious cabin, and value pricing, it's no wonder the Kia Telluride is in such hot demand. Many dealerships routinely charge well over the popular three-row, mid-size SUV's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and destination fees.
Consider these three great alternatives that may be easier for you to locate on a dealer's lot—and you may not have to pay a hefty upcharge for them.
Chevrolet
2022 Chevrolet Traverse
Base-priced at about $34,700, the Chevrolet Traverse may not seem as good of a value as the roughly $34,730 Telluride, but the difference is in the details.
The Traverse’s 310 hp V6 offers more power than the Telluride's 291 hp V6, but at the expense of lower combined EPA fuel economy estimates for the Chevy of 21 mpg for front-wheel drive (FWD) and 20 mpg for all-wheel drive (AWD) versus the Kia’s respective 23/21 mpg.
With about 98 cu.-ft. of maximum cargo capacity and 33.5 inches of third-row legroom, the Traverse is more spacious than the Telluride’s respective 87 cu.-ft. and 31.4 inches. You’ll want to measure your garage, though, as the Traverse stretches 205.9 inches long versus the comparatively short Telluride’s 196.9 inches.
While Kia doesn't offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility on the Telluride, the low-fuss feature comes standard with the Traverse.
Dodge
2022 Dodge Durango
Muscular styling backed up by serious underhood punch makes the Durango an SUV worth coveting for driving enthusiasts. Its 295 hp V6 can be swapped out for a choice of 360 hp and 475 hp V8s, with towing capacity up to a maximum of 8,700 lbs.—a full 3,700 lbs. more than the Telluride.
The downside to all the Dodge power is lackluster fuel economy, with the most frugal Durango's 21 mpg rating trailing the Telluride. The V8s come in as low as 15 mpg combined. Fuel economy isn't the only price to pay, though. Base rear-wheel drive (RWD) Durangos start at about $40,000 and maximum seating is one short of the eight-occupant Kia.
Its V8 engine may tug at your heartstrings. Still, the Durango also offers high-tech features such as an available 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, TomTom navigation mapping, and even a 19-speaker, 825W audio system. Like the Traverse, the Durango's 33.5 inches of third-row legroom tops the Telluride. However, the Dodge's 85.1 cu.-ft. max cargo volume is less than the Kia.
Volkswagen
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
Starting at about $905 more than the Telluride, the roughly $35,630 VW Atlas boasts an enormous interior and a lot of standard equipment. VW makes a turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine with 235 hp standard, while a 276 hp V6 is optional. Neither engine tops the Telluride's V6, though the 23 mpg combined estimate from the Atlas' base four-cylinder matches that of the Telluride.
Inside, the VW offers nearly 97 cu.-ft. of maximum cargo capacity; 10 more than the Kia. And although its standard third row has an extra two inches of legroom, the Atlas can only carry up to seven occupants.
Feature-wise, the Atlas tops the Telluride with its standard heated front seats, twin USB-C ports, and digital instrument cluster, though Kia's SUV has a larger infotainment screen and includes adaptive cruise control.
