2020 Kia Telluride Towing and Fuel Economy Comparo

Information about the all-new Kia Telluride three-row SUV is slowly trickling in, but we don’t quite have the complete picture yet.

We do know how much the 2020 Kia Telluride can tow and how much fuel its 3.8-liter V6 engine will be burning, however. That’s enough info for us to start comparing the new Telluride with its direct competition.

Kia’s saying the Telluride will be a luxury three-row SUV, but the fact remains that its competitors will be mainstream models, not luxury nameplates. If you’re thinking of buying a new 2020 Telluride, you are likely also considering the 2019 Honda Pilot, 2019 Subaru Ascent, 2019 Volkswagen Atlas, 2019 Toyota Highlander and 2020 Ford Explorer.

You may also be thinking about the 2020 Hyundai Palisade. If that’s the case, know that both the Palisade and the Telluride share the same powertrain and overall architecture. They are essentially the same vehicle with different designs so go with the one you think looks best.

And now, let’s look at how the 2020 Kia Telluride compares with the Subaru Ascent, Honda Pilot, new 2020 Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango in terms of towing and fuel economy.

2019 Subaru Ascent | Photo: Charles Jolicoeur

2018 Honda Pilot Touring — Honda Pilot | Photo: Matt St-Pierre

2020 Kia Telluride Towing Capacity Comparison

Towing is a big part of owning a mid-size three-row SUV. The Telluride’s V6 will be among the most powerful in its class with 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, but the Dodge Durango and new Ford Explorer have it beat in the power department.

The 2020 Ford Explorer will offer a base turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Dodge Durango offers a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 293 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque or a HEMI V8 with 360 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque.

Both the Explorer and the Durango can tow more than the Telluride. The 2020 Kia Telluride can tow up to 5,000 pounds while the Explorer can pull 5,300 pounds with the turbo engine and 5,600 pounds with the 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder that will also be available. The Durango can tow 6,200 pounds with its V6 and 7,400 pounds with the V8.

The Honda Pilot gets a 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque that will tow 5,000 pounds. The Ascent has a unique turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque which can also tow 5,000 pounds. The Volkswagen Atlas and Toyota Highlander also tow up to 5,000 pounds. In other words, the 2020 Telluride can’t tow more than any of its direct rivals, but it can hang with most models in its segment.

5 Questions About The New 2020 Kia Telluride Answered

2020 Kia Telluride Fuel Economy Comparison

We recently learned the 2020 Kia Telluride’s fuel economy rating. The EPA rates the Telluride at 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with a combined rating of 21 mpg. In liters per 100 kilometers, that translates into a combined fuel economy rating of 11,2 liters per 100 kilometers.

The 2020 Ford Explorer hasn’t been rated yet, but we know the fuel economy numbers of the other Telluride rivals in this comparison.

2019 Volkswagen Atlas: 12.4 liters per 100 km
2019 Dodge Durango (V6): 11.2 liters per 100 km
2019 Toyota Highlander: 10.6 liters per 100 km
2019 Subaru Ascent: 10.3 liters per 100 km
2019 Honda Pilot: 11.3 liters per 100 km

For the time being, it appears the 2020 Kia Telluride won’t win its segment in terms of fuel consumption, but it will be competitive. The conclusion here is that the Telluride won’t be class-leading in the towing capacity and fuel economy departments, but it’s not at the back of the pack either.