What vehicles are eligible: Any car from the model year 2022, irrespective of when it was first introduced or last upgraded.

Criteria: We assess overall excellence and family-friendly features in addition to safety features, crash tests, and how accomodating it is to family members and their belongings.

Winner: 2022 Kia Telluride

People expect a lot from a family car. It needs to be appealing, provide comfort, and be able to carry lots of stuff. The 2022 Kia Telluride has it all, from passenger comfort and cargo space to car-seat compatibility and family-friendly features. The Telluride three-row SUV will be offered with 7 or 8 seats for the 2020 model. 

The Kia Telluride

The only available powerplant is a 3.8-liter V-6 with 291 horsepower as well as an eight-speed automated transmission that works well with front- or all-wheel drive. This vehicle is balanced and solid, making it ideal for long-distance comfort. If towing extra toys is part of the vacation, Telluride’s highest towing capability of 5,000 pounds should be very useful and reliable.

The Telluride received a few tweaks for 2022 to freshen it up and broaden its appeal. Kia revamped the badging and the grille. Lower trim levels get more standard equipment such as a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen and improved safety technology, which is already a strength of the Telluride.

2022 Kia Telluride Driving Off Road In The Mountains Three-Quarter View

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Telluride top crashworthiness ratings. It comes standard with:

  • automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  • adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
  • lane keep assist, lane-centering steering
  • steering intervention and blind-spot detection with braking
  • rear cross-traffic alert and intervention

The Rear Occupant Alert system and the Safe Exit Assist system prevent a rear door from opening if an oncoming bicycle or vehicle is sensed. The Rear Occupant Alert system makes use of sensors to alert drivers there are passengers left, while the Safe Exit Assist system detects oncoming traffic by making use of rear-facing radar. Parents will definitely appreciate these two features. 

2022 Kia Telluride Driving On The Open Road At Sunset Rear Three-Quarter View

The Telluride also performed admirably in our Car Seat Check, with plenty of space and simple Latch anchors in the 2nd and 3rd rows. With a one-button sliding mechanism on the second-row chairs, navigating to the third row is likewise simple. The third row is also a good seat for adults, with plenty of legroom even when driving.

All of this, combined with the SUV’s emphasis on value — the 2022 Kia Telluride is among the most affordable choices in a competitive field.