Should You Take the 2022 Kia Telluride Off-Road?
The 2022 Kia Telluride may be able to handle a few off-road scenarios, but it’s not an off-roading vehicle. Here are the details.
Written by Sophie Boka
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The
2022 Kia Telluride
may be able to handle a few off-road adventures, but let’s not fool ourselves: it’s not a true off-roading vehicle. The wild terrain off the beaten path brings drivers a rush of possibility, of freedom. But to prepare to go off-road, you first have to know your car specs—when it comes to off-roading capabilities, not all cars are created equal. So what makes a vehicle ready for the trails?
Here to walk you through the answer is
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Can the 2022 Kia Telluride go off-road?
In short, yes, the 2022 Kia Telluride can go off-road. It has a solid build that offers some impressive specs at a decent price point. But if you’re a true off-roader you’d probably pass on this ride. It just doesn’t have the same kick as heftier models.
What the Telluride offers is great value. The 2022
standard trim
starts at $33,390, providing a luxury ride
in a rugged frame.Summary complete. Now it’s time to take a magnifying glass to some of our Telluride’s key off-roading specs.
Ground clearance
The number one spec to check out when sussing out a vehicle’s off-roading capacity is ground clearance. Simply put, ground clearance is the space between the lowest part of your vehicle’s chassis and the ground. The bigger the space, the better the vehicle is for off-roading.
The 2022 Telluride clears ground at 8.0 inches. That’s not too shabby for a crossover, and it’s almost decent for off-roading. But it’s not quite there.
In an ideal world, your vehicle’s ground clearance would fall somewhere between 8.8 and 10.8 inches to protect it from rough terrain. Consider the
Ford Bronco
, which clears the ground at 11.6 inches. Now that’s solid ground clearance.8.0 inches is still pretty high though. While it’s not great for all terrains, you can stillhandle a few roads. Just be mindful.
Torque
Chomping through rough terrain,
torque
is more important than speed. So look out for vehicles with low-end torque, which will provide you with more torque at lower rpm.Kia’s 2022 Telluride comes with a naturally-aspirated V6-engine with a max torque of 262 @ 5200 RPM. Again, let’s compare that with the
Ford Bronco
, coming in at 415 @ 3100 RPM. Relatively, the Kia just doesn’t offer much power, making it less fit for the rough roads. Tires
The LX, S, and EX trim levels come standard with P245/60HR18 tires.
This Pirelli tire is designed for AWD SUVs. It's built to handle rougher weather and increase traction off-road. They’re not the top choice for off-roading, but they’re not too shabby.
At the EX level, drivers can also opt into P245/50 R20, which comes standard with the SX trim. These extra inches can offer a bit more ground clearance, too.
Drivetrain
The Telluride’s standard front-wheel drive shows its true colors: it wasn’t intended to be an off-roader. That drivetrain just doesn’t give the vehicle the control it needs for off-roading. That said, drivers can opt into AWD for an additional $1,900, which enhances safety even on paved roads.
Angles
When you go off-road, you approach driving from a different angle. So it’s important you know yours: your approach angle and departure angle.
If you don’t already know, we won’t leave you guessing. Your approach angle is the maximum angle your vehicle can scale without interference. And your departure angle is the maximum angle your vehicle can descend without interference.
Your specs? The 2022 Kia Telluride can approach up to 17 inches. And its max departure angle is 20.9 inches. This is decent for handling a few bumps, but don’t go driving over any boulders.
Off-road rating: Rough and ready
Rating | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
D | Don’t Try It | Vehicles better suited to highway conditions |
I | In a Pinch | Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances |
R | Rough and Ready | Vehicles designed for casual off-roading |
T | Trail Boss | True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a range of terrain |
In our book, the 2022 Kia Telluride takes home an R rating. This mid-size crossover is meant for everyday driving. It can handle a trodden dirt road or trail when it’s feeling frisky. But if you’re intending something more, you’ll want to continue to shop around.
The best off-road alternatives to the 2022 Kia Telluride
The 2022 Kia Telluride is a champ if you’re looking for a cargo-rearing vehicle that’s ready to take on the unexpected now and then. But if you’re looking for something with a bit more kick, we’ve rounded up a few top options for you.
Alternative | Model | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Best affordable alternative | 2022 Subaru Forester | $27,070 | The 2022 Forrester is a favorite for casual off-roading. With a standard AWD system, it slashes a few dollars off Kia’s base price while offering a bit more grip on the road. |
Best luxury alternative | 2022 Hyundai Palisade | $33,660 | Often mistaken for one of the make’s luxury vehicles, the Palisade offers a smoother ride with a solid powertrain. |
Best alternative for serious off-roading | 2022 Land Rover | $50,050 | What’s in a name? This vehicle was truly designed for off-roading and it’s still presented in a sleek package. |
MORE: Cheap off-road trucks
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How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles
A solid off-roading vehicle permits adventures that might be riskier for other vehicles. But this freedom comes at a cost and it’s not just at purchase. The more risk your vehicle takes on, the higher your premium will be.
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