Another awesome video! Thumbs way up. All good points about the Telluride's pros and cons. This vehicle was designed with the "typical" family hauler in mind geared more towards a stroll to the mall rather than an off road adventure. KIA already has a very off-road capable suv, with a proper ladder frame (body-on-frame) and permanent 4WD + low range + hill descent control: it is called the Mohave and has been sold worldwide for over a decade. It was brought to the USA for only 2 years as the Borrego back in 2008. Gas prices were horrible and both, the V6 and V8 were a bit thirsty so it was pulled off the market. The brand new 2021 Mohave has already been released in Korea and tue updates, especially the interior, are fantastic. I'm hoping that they eventually bring it to the USA, especially with the diesel engine that has over 400 lbs/ft of torque and 7500 lbs of towing capacity. In the meantime, I'll hold on to my trusty and thrusty V8 Borrego. I hope KIA is listening to you and many customers who are interested in off-road capable suvs. Keep up the good work and best wishes on your next adventure.
Very informative review. This is the perfect vehicle for the sportsman and trail runner. Not a an all out rock crawler. The fuel tank needs to be bigger and a little more clearance up front. If you like to camp and want an all around 4X4 , this is it. You had no service issues, Better ride than a Jeep. Cheers.🇱🇷
That's not what he said. It has minimal clearance. It lacks low range gears so it wont have the torque others have. Good for tamer fire roads, not a great overland vehicle. More like moms station wagon that is beefed up. Certainly NOT a good all around 4X4. There are certain vehicles you see doing this, Jeeps, Tacomas and 4runners and landcruisers. Ford4x4 the rest not so much. If you plan to overland with this you will probably be in the dealership replacing parts often as you tear them off.
I have to admit I didn't think the Kia had a chance in the beginning, I was really surprised with each new video what it was able to do. There is a a lot of potential in that vehicle, only time will tell if Kia develops it further. Great review of the suv, great video!
LoL. You've got to be kidding on the infotainment! You literally asked for exactly what it already does. Plug that phone into the USB and use Android Auto. It provides your Google maps in a passthrough to the screen so that you can always have the best experience with the newest phone. It's just like the tablet you asked for. I can't believe they didn't show you how to use it! 6 months without the best feature is a real shame.
It literally does not do that, Android Auto doesn't work at all like my phone or allow me to use whatever GPS software I choose. Plus it kept disconnecting making it frustrating and unusable for me. Infotainment systems are a worthless brick that need to go away in opinion. Jason
@@PrimalOutdoors well that's a bummer. What phone do you have? Did you install Android Auto? Is the USB cable good? Did you plug it into the infotainment port vs the covered power port? It's working for 100k other people and the whole point is a passthrough for Google maps from the phone. Here a video of someone using it on a Kia. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hrxF-YmBXCQ.html Good luck.
@@PrimalOutdoors in almost every instance that has more to do with your phone, the usb port, or the cable itself. Just fyi for your next long term vehicle.
I think it comes down to what fits your lifestyle. You took a suv that is not know for overland/camping and showed that it can do it. You could still drive it daily and accommodate comfort, MPG, hauling kids or whatever and still get outside. These days people get so wrapped up in what's the best or modifications they forget the reason for them. The review was really well done, hopefully it inspired travel as much as it educated. Nice work Jason.
Your videos showcasing the KIA Telluride in action and this review were awesome. This may be the best long term review on all of youtube. Thanks for your effort, attention to detail and dedication to seeing it through. The KIA is much more impressive than I would have thought, but could use some improvements. You have showcased the issues for people using vehicle in real overlanding, camping and hunting trips with practical footage and experience. I've built out a large overlanding truck (Nissan Titan platform) over the last couple year and you've highlighted so many of the advantages of an enclosed platform over the utility platform (SUV vs Truck). I wish I would have seen this earlier, I would have probably taken a different path. I'll definitely consider KIA if they make some changes for my next replacement vehicle.
You had me until the infotainment. This vehicle wasn't build for what you're doing with it..sure it can do it, but 95 percent of Kia telluride owners are parking it at the mall or soccer practice. This isn't a 4runner. Just seems like a dumb suggestion when I'm sure you know this
Well thought out review and excellent points made. It's nice seeing manufacturers build vehicles with a little more backcountry capability in mind, but I agree with you fully that without offering some lower gearing and eliminating that long, low nose, they make it very difficult to consider seriously for anything beyond reasonably well graded forest service roads. Even with those limitations, you've proven that a car like this CAN handle all kinds of crazy terrain without being a body-on-frame 4x4. An optional "offroad" package like you suggest makes all kinds of sense to maximize that capability. We don't all need a Jeep to get where we want to go. Nice work on the whole Telluride series...it's been very interesting.
Kia has Mohave in S.Korea and it has truck based frame. It's almost same size as telluride but the ride isn't as comfortable . Mohave isnt planned to arrive in U.S market
It used be here in the USA back in 2009 as the KIA Borrego but they couldn't sell enough of them due to the high gas prices. They had the V6 3.8 and the higher one was a V8.
Great video. Two questions. What size tires where you running? And with the telly's loaded, it looks like you lost most of the 2" lift, any tire rub on normal driving? thanks
My 7 passenger 2010 Kia Borrego EX V8, 6 speed auto has a body on frame. It can tow 7500 lbs, is rear wheel drive with auto 4x4, 4hi, 4low & auto locking rear diff. Kia is still making it as the Mohave worldwide with a V6 & a V6 diesel (8 speed auto). It can do everything you're doing. Too bad they pulled it out of N. America.
I just saw one of these in person for the first time, it is a very pretty looking SUV. I will say it DID NOT look offroad worthy at all, stock anyways. In regards to no turbo, from a pure overland point of view, a turbo is something that could very very wrong in the middle of no where
The funny thing is that my wife REALLY wanted this KIA but there were none available in the top trim. We did find a 4Runner TRD PRO in the Voodoo Blue (a vehicle we both wanted befoire the KIA). It's funny how you talk about the big dash screen because she was jazzed about that. The 4Runner is primitive in comparison and that's whyu I like it. Perhaps in a few years once we know about the KIA's longevity we might get one.
I just got back from a trip in the mounts of far Northern California a stones throw from the Klamath river close to Dorris California. I Ran into some snow and took some Forest Service roads. I drove my 03 super Duty with 180,000 plus miles that I just installed new front spring with 2" of lift. I fell in love with it all over with that crisp sure foot on my Dana 60 front and Sterling 10.5 rear. I have the stock limited slip in the rear and it keeps me going mud snow and what not with no questions asked. I couldn't imagine going out off roading in the winter conditions in my 06' all wheel drive Mitsubishi Outlander on a regular basis and feel that it was rugged enough to do very long. Especially if I loaded it up with gear and was towing with it. It would probably do but I wouldn't wan't to find it's breaking point. Especially miles from anything and my cell phone or CB dead on air. Of course If I want to go ballistic off roading I jump into my 89' Toyota pickup that has one ton front and rear full locked differentials, dual transfer case with 40" sticky tires. Oh yeah. My Super Duty hauls it around anywhere I want and give me a bed to sleep in if I extend my fun. Keep the Ford. It's paid for. Spend your money by throwing a locker in it front/rear. Then send it with confidence. If you do manage to get it stuck you may want to have a 12,000 LB winch on her nose just to make things quick and easy getting out. Find that for cheap at the Harbor Freight store. I have pulled people out with mine and 2 of them said can't believe their spendy name brand unit failed them.
I agree . I’d rather take my 94 Ford Ranger 4 x 4 out in the sticks over the telluride any day. My ranger may not be as nice as your truck but that son of a bitch Climbs Hills like a damn Billygoat! LOL. Not so good in the mud though. I don’t have enough lift or big enough tires . Oh yeah and no winch, ouch!
ENJOYED ! THANK YOU. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT NEXT ? THE LEAVES ARE STARTING TO CHANGE HERE IN MARYLAND. VERY DRY HAVEN'T HAD ANY HELPFUL RAIN LETS SAY . STARTING TO GET SOME COOL NIGHTS BUT FAR & IN BETWEEN . BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU ALL ALWAYS !
I wanted a Kia Telluride all wheel drive. They are super hard to find. One dealer bragged than he was charging 8K over MSRP. I almost bought it from a dealer who wanted to charge me only 3K over MSRP. Then I bought a Hyundai Palisade in Tracy and got WAY more options (fully loaded) at 500.00 UNDER MSRP. It is all wheel drive as well. It’s almost exactly the same, but a much better color. Got it all and saved a lot. My dealer probably could have easily sold my Palisade for thousands over MSRP as it was the only AWD within 100 miles of the Bay Area, but he chose to give me a great deal instead. I couldn’t find a KIA dealer who didn’t want more than MSRP on the AWD version. I will never buy a Kia.
Very impressed with the Telluride. Your overall review was very informative. I'm looking for a new vehicle and will definitely see if it meets my needs. Thanks for the info. Happy trails, as always.
A Telluride Adventure Model with the right upgrades could give Jeep and Toyota 4Runner a run for there money. And they both would have to up there game. Win Win.
All wheel drive systems have come a long way. BMW “X” series has “Down Hill Decent” control that works extremely well. I 100% agree with your infotainment statement, and think the tablet idea would be a game changer for both consumers and the manufacturer.
How did the body structure and interior hold up to all that off-roading? Any squeaks or rattles develop? I can't imagine that Kia designed the Telluride with that kind of use in mind.
Great review covering all aspects of the capabilities and none of the vehicle. I guess the person who mentioned dust in the vehicle has never driven in or on gravel or dirt roads. 👍👍👍
Just a note--really enjoy the music track you end your video with. Also, maybe you should approach KIA/Ron Tonkin ard offer to "sell" the section at the end of the video w/soundtrack where you are parked on the bluff looking out over the canyon--AWESOME.
So any idea what the dealer is going to do with the vehicle when they get it back? If they resell, might just be worth the drive up to Oregon from Arizona for. 😅🤙
Great video, since I am considering purchasing an SUV. I am really liking the reviews for the Telluride. I was considering the 4 runner but they are so darn expensive. I like the towing capacity and thanks for the info on the breaking system. Take care
Question, when you were in these difficult AWD situations, did you have the Lock button pushed or were you just letting the normal AWD system work? Thanks so much. Loved the video.
I'm sure Kia watched this and addressed most of the concerns you had... like an offroad version, 360 camera to see around the car, higher front end clearance... like.. WHAT? PS, we just got a S X Pro - it's legit
I feel like Kia watched your video and took all your criticism into consideration and made some of those improvements with the 23’ Telluride🙂 I have a 23’ SXPXP
I'm not an offroader, but I've gotten stuck in my 2010 F250 4x4 that I think this would have gotten me out of. Not impressed by the range, a few more gallons capacity would be a big factor. Not excited about pouring gas from a can. Lack of low range hurts but low of 4.8:1 isnt bad i think I can live with it. Price is tough on my budget, but a Ford Expedition is out of the question. Lack of turbocharger means 87 octane. Looking for something bigger, but do I really want 16mpg? Add a roof rack, hitch rack, or even a trailer when i need more space Thanks for a real rocks and roads review. I value your comment about upgradable infotainment system.
In regards to the infotainment; speaking as a consumer, you are dead accurate with what we all WOULD like. But doing what they, and other manufacturers do, is entirely on purpose. They want you to be stuck with something that will start to feel dated in order to push you to desire a newer model, and trade up. That's just simple business practice in action. If they gave the consumer that much freedom to constantly BYOD (bring your own device), people would stick with their vehicles WAY longer. Sucks, but it's a tactic they all use to stay relevant.
Talks about off roading: "we added spacers instead of a proper suspension lift" Talks about 4wd "I want two low gears" wtf 🤣. A stock Jeep with QT 2 would've covered all bases for less money. I laugh at the people that do the same crap with their Honda Pilots/Passports.
Beautiful vehicle but what a waste! This doesn't even have four low gearing or downhill assist control! So if you are on a really steep hill on ice or snow going downhill... like from the ski resort your dead! Four low had saved my life endless times coming down snowy canyons. Downhill decent assist mimics 4x4 low. But without either this vehicle is just a car... maybe a little better than front wheel drive. No thanks! Again...sad because it's such a good looking vehicle for the price... but moving on to something that will keep me alive... like jeep, pathfinder, explorer, hayandai Santa Fe or palisade, etc., etc.
If you need more ground clearance, get a truck for that. This was designed for highway travel. This is a SUV not a truck. I would never take a SUV camping or to pull our trailer. 2012 Ford Expedition is the best SUV one can have to pull a boat or trailer. still loved the video. I still want one
I am a little late to the party but I just got my first Teluride. I have a question that you may have answered a dozen times but did you turn off the traction control when you were off road and locked the center differential?
So I just got a 2020 Telluride SX Prestige and I'm interested in the spacer to lift it 2" are you able to manufacture those or do you know someone who will ?
These are as offroad capable as a highlander, pilot, pathfinder, cx9, explorer, traverse, and palisade. In other words, just another lifted awd minivan
watuwantt that’s actually incorrect. Not all AWD systems are created equally. A Highlander, for example, would not be able to make it where the Telluride can simply because it’s AWD system isn’t capable of much unless all four wheels are planted on the ground. The Telluride AWD system can operate with only one or two wheels on the ground. Look up some tests on the vehicles and you’ll see what I mean.
Offroad vehicle? This is a crossover, not much different than a minivan. You people are going to get into real trouble if you try to drive it like a real body on frame suv.
Jason, great review of the Kia (from a camping/overlanding perspective). But, you didn't answer perhaps the biggest question we have - what's next? Back to the Ford? Possible other vehicles? I would guess back to the Ford, but you seem to always have some kind of surprise up your sleeve.
I think the Telluride performed admirably. Its clear this vehicle was never intended to be off-roading/overlanding vehicle however this shows the capability of the platform to get to 95% of the places a traditional consumer would go.
I think the Telluride is the perfect vehicle for most people. It's great on the road, very luxurious, has lots of tech and has enough offroad capabilities to drive to most hiking trail heads. With all that said, a stock Kia Telluride really isn't ready for even moderate offroad. Even modified it still seemed to lack. Rough sections were driven down upon, but we never got to see how it handled a sustained rocky climb. The bottom line is that Kia will sell alot of these, because it's made for the masses, not for overlanders. I hope they take Jason's advice and make these more capable.
Ok Jason, I saw a lot of footage in this video from past trips that I have not seen in your previous videos. Do you have footage you have not released yet from your Telluride adventures? I think we’d all love to see them if you do!
1000% agree with your tablet mount idea. I have a 4Runner 2018 and that system in the car is terrible. I actually made a mount which covers it up and I use the iPad for maps etc.
Who is up voting this? It comes with Android Auto, it already does all if that! Are you guys all over 50? You know you just have to plug it in right....🤦♂️
