The 2021 Kia Telluride AWD, with its 3.8L V6, gets 21 MPG combined. That’s a reasonable number considering the Telluride isn’t trying to be a hyper-efficient crossover. It’s a spacious, three-row SUV built for hauling families and gear, often in challenging conditions. Buyers prioritize practicality and capability over squeezing every last mile per gallon, a trade-off many are willing to make.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2021 Telluride AWD break down to 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. That city number reflects stop-and-go driving, where the Telluride’s weight and frequent acceleration affect mileage. The 24 MPG highway figure is better, making long road trips less painful at the pump. The 8-speed automatic transmission helps maintain reasonable fuel economy, but a large SUV simply requires more energy to move.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Kia Telluride AWD is $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a city/highway mix, and using the national average fuel price at the time. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, fuel type, and location, but $2,100 provides a reasonable baseline when comparing the Telluride against others in its class.

Real-world expectations

Telluride owners often report seeing numbers close to the EPA estimates, especially on longer highway trips. However, aggressive driving, frequent short trips in cold weather, or persistent all-wheel-drive use in non-slippery conditions will lower average MPG. Don’t expect hybrid-like efficiency, as this is a V6-powered, all-wheel-drive SUV designed for utility. If you check the TELLURIDE MPG across all years, you’ll notice some variation in owner-reported fuel economy based on driving style.

How it compares

The AWD Kia Telluride’s fuel economy aligns with comparable 3-row SUVs. The 2021 Toyota Highlander AWD V6 achieves a slightly better 23 MPG combined, while the Honda Pilot AWD comes in around 22 MPG combined. However, a 1 or 2 MPG difference typically isn’t a dealbreaker for Telluride buyers. They often prioritize the Telluride’s styling, perceived value, and more aggressive off-road look. The Ford Explorer with its base 2.3L EcoBoost engine, when equipped with AWD, gets around 23 MPG combined, but choosing the Explorer ST with its high-output V6 drops that significantly. The Hyundai Palisade, mechanically similar to the Telluride, matches it at 21 MPG combined with AWD. It comes down to brand preference and styling for many shoppers weighing those two.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The Telluride’s 3.8L V6 delivers ample power, but frequently stomping on the accelerator will reduce your fuel economy. Drive smoothly and anticipate traffic flow to minimize unnecessary braking and acceleration. The 8-speed automatic helps keep RPMs low.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. Proper tire inflation is one of the simplest ways to improve fuel efficiency.

Consider reducing unnecessary weight. Hauling around extra cargo decreases fuel efficiency. Remove any unnecessary items from your vehicle, especially heavy sports or camping equipment. Every extra pound adds up and requires more energy to move.

Minimize idling. Modern engines don’t need extended warm-up periods. Excessive idling wastes fuel. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine, especially when dropping off kids at school or waiting in drive-through lines.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed reduces unnecessary acceleration and braking, which can improve fuel economy. Use cruise control on long, flat stretches to optimize fuel efficiency. If you really want to examine all Kia fuel economy data it’s important to consider that driving style is the biggest factor.