The Kia Telluride has redefined what Canadians expect from a premium family SUV. 8 genuinely usable seats, long‑trip comfort for kids, connected family tech and prestige without the European price that makes many Audi Q7 and BMW X7 owners say they should have shopped Kia first. Here is why it remains a segment benchmark and how the 2025 trims available at Kia Chambly let you access it without paying a German price.
Key takeaways
- 8 genuinely usable seats, including a third row with 800 mm of legroom
- Standard AWD from the EX, towing capacity of 5,000 lb. for a camper or boat
- The Telluride won’t be available for the 2026 model year in Canada. The last 2025 models at Kia Chambly are the final ones before the second generation is expected to return in 2027.
8 real seats: an SUV where everyone is comfortable
The Telluride measures 5,005 mm long by 1,989 mm wide with a 2,900 mm wheelbase. These dimensions translate into a third row that 1.80 m tall adults can use for 2-to-3-hour trips without major discomfort, which is rare in this class.
Concrete space by row:
- First row: 1,045 mm of legroom to stretch out your legs, even with the seat slid back.
- Second row: 1,064 mm of legroom with a bench on the LX/EX or captain's chairs on the EX Premium and SX. Enough room for an adult to cross legs slightly or to install a rear‑facing child seat comfortably.
- Third row: 800 mm of legroom is usable by teens or adults, helped by the second row's sliding seats that ease access.
By comparison, the BMW X7 at 5,181 mm long offers only 762 mm of third‑row legroom. The Telluride does better for about $25,000 less.
Long‑trip comfort: when your kids arrive relaxed
For Montreal to Toronto 550 km trips, three elements make a difference:
- Heated and ventilated front seats, heated second row seats on the EX and up.
- Three independent air-conditioning zones to avoid arguments.
- Careful sound insulation. Acoustic glass for the front doors and advanced wheel‑arch insulation.
On the SX, adaptive damping adjusts firmness in real time. The result: bumps along Highway 40 between Montreal and Quebec are barely felt in the back, compared to a Honda Pilot, where they transmit directly into the floor.
Connected family tech: everyone plugged in, parents reassured
- 3-inch panoramic dual screens for dashboard and infotainment
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Rear occupant monitoring system with camera and front screen for parents
- Quiet Mode intercom to speak to the third row without shouting
- 6 USB‑C ports distributed across all three rows
- Built‑in 4G LTE Wi‑Fi, Kia Connect subscription
- 360° camera with panoramic view on the EX Premium and SX
For parents travelling with kids on tablets, the Wi‑Fi plus USB‑C combo resolves battery squabbles in minutes.
Prestige without the European price: smart luxury
| Model |
MSRP base price |
Standard warranty |
| 2025 Kia Telluride |
≈ $56,000 |
5 years/100,000 km |
| Honda Pilot |
≈ $53,000 |
3 years /60,000 km |
| Audi Q7 |
≈ $75,000 |
4 years /80,000 km |
| BMW X7 |
≈ $96,000 |
4 years /80,000 km |
| Mercedes GLS |
≈ $110,000 |
4 years /80,000 km |
For a Quebec family that wants a true premium 8-seater SUV, the gap with German brands represents the equivalent of a camper paid in cash or several trips to Europe. Kia's 5 year/100,000 km warranty is also much longer than many premium competitors.
Why the Telluride changes the game for Quebec families
- Standard AWD from the LX, rare in this category.
- 5,000 lb. towing capacity or 2,268 kg. Enough for a camper, boat or snowmobiles on a trailer.
- Resale among the segment's best, according to the Canadian Black Book.
Important note for 2026: the Telluride is not coming back for the 2026 model year in Canada. Dealers are selling the remaining 2025 models ahead of the second generation to arrive in 2027, which is expected to move to a 2.5 L turbo four‑cylinder and offer a hybrid trim. To enjoy the current Telluride equipped with the 3.8 L naturally aspirated V6 with 291 horsepower, now is the time to shop at Kia Chambly.
