The Kia Telluride has consistently topped "best SUV" lists for good reason. It offers a compelling combination of spaciousness, features, and value that's hard to beat. But the automotive landscape is vast and varied, and what works for one family might not work for another. So, if you're considering a Telluride but want to explore other options, or you're simply having trouble finding one in stock, you're in the right place. We’re diving into seven excellent alternative SUVs, helping you find the perfect three-row ride for your needs.

Okay, The Telluride is Great, But What Makes a Good Alternative?

Before we jump into the specific models, let's define what makes a good alternative to the Kia Telluride. Generally, people are drawn to the Telluride for these reasons:

  • Spaciousness: Ample room for passengers and cargo.
  • Features: A generous offering of comfort, convenience, and safety technologies.
  • Value: A competitive price point for the features offered.
  • Styling: A bold and attractive design.
  • Reliability: A solid reputation for long-term dependability.

Therefore, a good Telluride alternative should ideally possess many, if not all, of these qualities. We'll be evaluating each of our contenders with these factors in mind.

First Up: The Hyundai Palisade - The Telluride's Sibling

It's impossible to talk about Telluride alternatives without mentioning its corporate sibling, the Hyundai Palisade. These two SUVs share the same platform, engine, and many of their core components.

Why it's a great alternative:

  • Identical Powertrain: Both use a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Expect similar performance and fuel economy.
  • Similar Interior Space: The Palisade offers comparable passenger and cargo room to the Telluride.
  • Abundant Features: Like the Telluride, the Palisade is packed with features, including a large touchscreen infotainment system, advanced driver-assistance systems, and available premium amenities.
  • Different Styling: The key difference lies in their styling. The Palisade has a more elegant and sophisticated aesthetic, while the Telluride has a bolder, more rugged look. This is purely subjective, so choose the one that appeals to your personal taste.
  • Often Easier to Find: Depending on your location, the Palisade might be easier to find on dealer lots than the Telluride, which can sometimes be in high demand.

Considerations:

  • While mechanically similar, some trim levels might have slightly different feature availability.
  • Pricing is generally comparable, but it's worth comparing specific trims and packages to find the best deal.

The Mazda CX-90: A More Premium Driving Experience

If you're looking for something a little more upscale and engaging to drive, the Mazda CX-90 deserves a look. It represents Mazda's push into the near-luxury segment.

Why it's a great alternative:

  • Refined Driving Dynamics: Mazda is known for its focus on driving pleasure, and the CX-90 delivers with responsive handling and a smooth ride.
  • Premium Interior: The CX-90 boasts a beautifully designed interior with high-quality materials and a sophisticated aesthetic.
  • Available Inline-Six Engine: While a four-cylinder is available, the turbocharged inline-six engine is the real star, offering strong performance and a distinctive sound. It also features a mild-hybrid system for improved efficiency.
  • Stylish Design: The CX-90's exterior is sleek and modern, with Mazda's signature Kodo design language.

Considerations:

  • Third-Row Space: The CX-90's third row is less spacious than the Telluride's, making it better suited for smaller passengers or occasional use.
  • Price: The CX-90 tends to be more expensive than the Telluride, especially in higher trim levels.
  • Infotainment System: While improved, Mazda's infotainment system still takes some getting used to compared to the more intuitive systems in the Telluride and Palisade.

Ford Explorer: A Versatile and Familiar Option

The Ford Explorer is a long-standing favorite in the three-row SUV segment, offering a wide range of trims and configurations.

Why it's a great alternative:

  • Variety of Powertrains: The Explorer offers a variety of engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a powerful twin-turbo V6, and a hybrid.
  • Available Rear-Wheel Drive: Unlike most SUVs in this segment which are front-wheel drive based, the Explorer is available with rear-wheel drive, which some drivers prefer for its handling characteristics.
  • Towing Capacity: The Explorer offers respectable towing capacity, especially with the V6 engine.
  • Wide Availability: Ford dealers are plentiful, making it easier to find and service an Explorer.

Considerations:

  • Interior Quality: Interior quality can vary depending on the trim level, with some feeling less premium than the Telluride or Palisade.
  • Reliability: The Explorer has had some reliability issues in recent years, although Ford has been working to address them.
  • Rear-Seat Space: While decent, the third row can feel cramped for adults on longer trips.

Toyota Highlander: The Reliable and Fuel-Efficient Choice

The Toyota Highlander is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for families.

Why it's a great alternative:

  • Toyota Reliability: Toyota has a stellar reputation for reliability, which is a major selling point for many buyers.
  • Fuel Efficiency: The Highlander's hybrid powertrain delivers excellent fuel economy for a three-row SUV.
  • Resale Value: Toyota vehicles typically hold their value well, which can be beneficial when it comes time to trade it in.
  • Comfortable Ride: The Highlander offers a comfortable and smooth ride, making it well-suited for long road trips.

Considerations:

  • Third-Row Space: Like the CX-90, the Highlander's third row is on the smaller side.
  • Driving Dynamics: The Highlander prioritizes comfort over sporty handling.
  • Styling: The Highlander's styling is more conservative than the Telluride's.

Honda Pilot: A Practical and Family-Focused SUV

The Honda Pilot is a well-rounded SUV that prioritizes practicality and family-friendliness.

Why it's a great alternative:

  • Spacious Interior: The Pilot offers a spacious and well-designed interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
  • Honda Reliability: Honda is another brand known for its reliability, giving buyers peace of mind.
  • Available All-Wheel Drive: The Pilot offers available all-wheel drive for improved traction in inclement weather.
  • Standard Safety Features: Honda Sensing suite of safety features comes standard on all Pilot models.

Considerations:

  • Styling: The Pilot's styling can be considered somewhat bland compared to the Telluride.
  • Driving Experience: The Pilot prioritizes comfort and practicality over sporty handling.
  • Infotainment System: The infotainment system can sometimes feel dated compared to some competitors.

Chevrolet Traverse: The Space King

If cargo space is your top priority, the Chevrolet Traverse is worth considering. It boasts the largest cargo area in its class.

Why it's a great alternative:

  • Massive Cargo Space: The Traverse offers significantly more cargo space than most other three-row SUVs.
  • Spacious Third Row: The Traverse's third row is surprisingly spacious, even for adults.
  • Smooth Ride: The Traverse provides a comfortable and smooth ride, making it suitable for long journeys.
  • Available All-Wheel Drive: All-wheel drive is available for enhanced traction.

Considerations:

  • Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is not the Traverse's strong suit.
  • Interior Quality: While functional, the interior materials can feel less premium than some competitors.
  • Driving Dynamics: The Traverse prioritizes comfort over sporty handling.

Nissan Pathfinder: A Rugged and Capable Option

The Nissan Pathfinder has been redesigned in recent years, offering a more rugged and capable alternative to the Telluride.

Why it's a great alternative:

  • Rugged Styling: The Pathfinder's redesigned exterior gives it a more rugged and adventurous look.
  • Improved Transmission: The Pathfinder now features a nine-speed automatic transmission, which provides smoother and more responsive performance than the previous CVT.
  • Available Intelligent 4x4: The available Intelligent 4x4 system offers enhanced off-road capability.
  • Comfortable Seats: The Pathfinder's seats are known for their comfort, even on long trips.

Considerations:

  • Third-Row Space: The third row is adequate but not as spacious as some competitors.
  • Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is average for the segment.
  • Brand Perception: Nissan's brand perception is sometimes lower than some of its competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which SUV has the best fuel economy? The Toyota Highlander Hybrid typically offers the best fuel economy among three-row SUVs. The Kia Telluride offers a slightly lower MPG than the Highlander.
  • Which SUV has the most cargo space? The Chevrolet Traverse boasts the most cargo space behind the third row. It also offers a great amount of overall cargo space.
  • Which SUV is the most reliable? Toyota and Honda generally have the best reputations for reliability. The Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot are therefore good choices if reliability is a top priority.
  • Which SUV is the best for off-roading? While none of these are dedicated off-roaders, the Nissan Pathfinder with its Intelligent 4x4 system offers the most off-road capability. A Kia Telluride can also be good for off-roading.
  • Which SUV is the most luxurious? The Mazda CX-90 offers the most luxurious interior and driving experience. It comes across as a more premium vehicle in general.

Conclusion

Choosing the right three-row SUV is a big decision, and while the Kia Telluride is a fantastic option, it's not the only game in town. By considering your specific needs and priorities, you can find an alternative that perfectly fits your lifestyle. Take your time, do your research, and test drive several models before making a final decision.