An interesting fact about the Telluride is how much lighter it is compared to nearly every mid-size/mid-size plus SUV.
It might look heavy from the outside but with curb weight ranging from 4,112-4,482 depending on the model (broken down below) makes the Telluride just over 200 lbs lighter than similarly spec'd rivals like the Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer. That 200 lbs can actually be felt if you spend enough time behind the wheel of a number of different vehicles like I have.
Kia Telluride Curb Weight Comparison
- 2020 Kia Telluride: 4,112-4,482
- 2020 Ford Explorer: 4,345-4,727
- 2020 Honda Pilot: 4,054-4,317
- 2020 Subaru Ascent: 4,430-4,603
- 2020 Honda Highlander: 4,370-4,655
Kia Telluride Curb Weight by Model
- 7 Passenger FWD: 4,211 (min), 4,317 (max)
- 7 Passenger AWD: 4,354 (min), 4,482 (max)
- 8 Passenger FWD: 4,112 (min), 4,211 (max)
- 8 Passenger AWD: 4,255 (min), 4,354 (max)
Of course, being 200 lbs lighter is no reason to see the Telluride as being better, it will be many other features that sell you on it. Over time though the curb weight combined with other factors that influence our fuel economy will.
The city/highway/combined EPA rating of 20/26/23 (FWD) and 19/24/21 (AWD) has stayed consistent with real world numbers I've seen and hopefully it stays that way.
Other areas I think we should look at is how curb weight and its front/rear distribution influences handling, braking, accelerating, winter driving, etc. Also the potential for a lighter Telluride in future model years.