The 2020 Kia Telluride FWD with the 3.8L V6 achieves 23 MPG combined. This isn’t a segment-leading number, nor is it particularly disappointing. It’s simply the cost of entry for a large, comfortable, and immensely practical SUV designed to haul families and their gear. The Telluride appeals to those who prioritize space, safety, and value above all else, and for that buyer, a middling fuel economy rating is a worthwhile trade-off.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2020 Telluride FWD at 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city rating reflects the engine’s willingness to accelerate from stoplights and navigate urban traffic, conditions where the vehicle’s weight and size become more apparent.

The highway figure, achieved under more consistent speeds, demonstrates that the 3.8L V6 is relatively efficient when cruising. The eight-speed automatic transmission, while providing smooth shifts, is geared to prioritize acceleration and load-carrying over outright fuel savings.

These numbers are fairly realistic if you take into consideration the typical driving habits of Telluride owners, who are often juggling errands, school drop-offs, and family road trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Kia Telluride FWD at $1,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, and using national average fuel prices.

Individual fuel costs will, of course, vary depending on local fuel prices, driving habits, and the proportion of city versus highway driving. However, $1,900 offers a reasonable benchmark for potential owners to factor into their overall cost of ownership. It’s worth considering that aggressive driving or predominantly city commutes will likely push this number higher.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy can often differ. Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, and carrying heavy loads will all negatively impact the Telluride’s MPG. Conversely, gentle driving habits and predominantly highway cruising can yield fuel economy closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA estimates.

It’s important to understand that the 3.8L V6, while generally reliable, is not designed for maximum fuel efficiency. It’s built to deliver ample power for confident merging, towing, and tackling inclines, which is precisely what Telluride owners demand.

How it compares

The 2020 Kia Telluride’s fuel economy places it squarely in the middle of its competitive set. The Honda Pilot, a perennial favorite in the three-row SUV segment, achieves a similar 23 MPG combined in its FWD configuration, with a 3.5L V6. The Toyota Highlander, another popular choice, fares slightly better, offering up to 24 MPG combined with its 3.5L V6. The Ford Explorer, with its base 2.3L EcoBoost engine and FWD, can achieve a slightly superior 24 MPG combined.

The value-conscious shopper considering all Kia fuel economy data will notice that opting for all-wheel drive in the Telluride drops the combined MPG to 21, making the FWD model the clear choice for those prioritizing fuel efficiency. See the TELLURIDE MPG across all years. The Dodge Durango, with its standard V6, lags behind at 21 MPG combined, a penalty for its more truck-like architecture. These comparisons highlight that while the Telluride’s fuel economy isn’t groundbreaking, it’s competitive within its class, and its strengths lie elsewhere.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Smooth and steady acceleration is your best friend behind the wheel of the Telluride. Avoid aggressive launches from stoplights and try to maintain a consistent speed, especially on the highway. The 3.8L V6 responds well to gentle inputs, and minimizing hard acceleration will noticeably improve your fuel consumption.

Keep your tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consuming more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes, and ensure they are inflated to the specifications listed on the door jamb sticker.

Minimize unnecessary weight. The Telluride is already a large vehicle, so avoid carrying around extra cargo that you don’t need. Removing items from the cargo area and passenger seats can slightly improve fuel economy, particularly during city driving.

Use cruise control on the highway. This allows the vehicle to maintain a consistent speed, minimizing fluctuations in throttle input and optimizing fuel efficiency. Cruise control is especially effective on flat stretches of highway with minimal traffic.

Consider using the “Eco” drive mode. This mode adjusts the engine and transmission settings to prioritize fuel efficiency over performance. While it may reduce throttle response, it can contribute to a noticeable improvement in MPG, especially during everyday commuting.