The Three-Row Korean SUV That Started Outselling Luxury Rivals

Mainstream approaches luxury: the Kia Telluride leads a revolution in comfort, technology, and price in the three-row SUV segment.

The three-row SUV segment has undergone profound transformations over the last decade. What used to be just space and practicality has evolved to offer comfort, technology, and perceived quality.

Why this segment has changed

This shift has narrowed the gap between mainstream and luxury brands. While luxury SUVs increase their prices, several mainstream options have started combining premium materials, large screens, and advanced driving assistants, defining what it means to be in a three-row SUV.

A key example: The Telluride

Upon entering the market, the Telluride showed it wasn't just another value option. Its rugged style, with a high stance and clean lines, brought a presence reminiscent of higher-segment models.

Inside, the Telluride delivers a meticulous environment, with materials that feel premium, a simple dashboard, and intuitive usability. A large infotainment screen dominates the dash, accompanied by physical controls that aid driving.

Under the hood, the Telluride uses a 3.8-liter V6 engine, with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is an eight-speed automatic, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive available. Fuel economy, according to the EPA, is 22 MPG (FWD) and 20 MPG (AWD).

The focus is on comfort, not sportiness, with a suspension that isolates impacts well and offers stability on long trips—perfect for families.

The entry price is in the $30,000 range for the 2025 model, with increases depending on the trim level, potentially reaching around $50,000. Even at these levels, the Telluride delivers more standard equipment or lower cost than many luxury rivals.

• Mainstream rivals: Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Subaru Ascent.
• Luxury rivals: Acura MDX, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE.

This combination of value, equipment, and comfort has allowed the Telluride to compete on equal footing with premium models, helping to break down the old barrier between mainstream and luxury.

Market Impact: Mainstream versus Luxury

The Telluride exemplifies the change: customers no longer need to choose between an affordable price and a premium experience. The product lineup is becoming more fluid, with mainstream brands offering features previously exclusive to luxury vehicles.

If you have already tested a mainstream vehicle with a luxury presence, tell us in the comments: would you prefer to pay more for a luxury badge or enjoy the value of a well-equipped mainstream option?