Kia Telluride EX

Highlights

• 7+ seat capacity with captain chairs
• 5-Star NCAP safety rating
• Most advanced ADAS standard

Summary

This 2022 Kia Telluride EX represents a remarkable opportunity for a GCC-based family seeking a nearly-new SUV with exceptionally low mileage for its age. While American spec vehicles are common in the market, this specific example stands out due to its pristine white exterior—the most sought-after color for heat reflection and resale value in our region. With only 33,650 km on the odometer, this vehicle has seen significantly less use than the average 20,000–25,000 km annual cycle typical of UAE and Saudi Arabian highway driving. The Telluride has quickly become a segment leader in the Middle East because it offers a level of cabin refinement and technology usually reserved for luxury brands twice its price. The combination of an All-Wheel Drive system and a robust 3.8L V6 engine makes it perfectly suited for both the fast-paced multi-lane highways of Dubai and the occasional weekend getaway to the Northern Emirates. For a buyer looking to balance premium features with long-term reliability, this low-mileage EX trim is arguably the smartest buy in the three-row SUV category right now.

This Car vs Other 2022 Tellurides

When examining the used market for 2022 models in the GCC, the average mileage typically hovers around the 50,000 to 60,000 km mark, making this 33,650 km example a significant outlier in terms of preservation. Most Tellurides of this age have been used heavily for school runs and cross-border family trips, whereas this unit suggests much lighter, urban-focused usage. The white exterior is a strategic choice for any buyer in the UAE or Saudi Arabia, as it not only helps the dual-zone climate control system work more efficiently during the peak of summer but also ensures the highest possible demand when it eventually comes time to sell. Being an American spec model, it often features a higher baseline of technology compared to base-trim local units, providing a more connected driving experience. The physical condition of a vehicle with such low mileage usually translates to less wear on the suspension components and interior upholstery, which can be prone to fatigue in the harsh desert heat. This specific vehicle offers a unique middle ground for someone who wants the modern styling of the updated 2022 model without the high depreciation of a brand-new showroom purchase.

EX vs Lower Trims

Stepping up to the EX trim from the base LX or S levels introduces several critical features that are highly valued by GCC drivers, starting with the premium leather seating surfaces that offer much better durability against the sun than fabric alternatives. One of the most significant upgrades is the addition of ventilated front seats, a feature that many consider essential for comfort during the eight months of high temperatures in the region. The EX also brings a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system with an integrated 360-degree camera system, making parking in tight mall spaces or residential villas significantly easier. You also benefit from a power liftgate and tri-zone automatic climate control, allowing rear passengers to manage their own cooling—a vital feature for family harmony on long drives from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah. The cabin also feels more premium thanks to wood-grain accents and enhanced sound insulation, which noticeably reduces the wind noise often experienced at high highway speeds. This trim effectively bridges the gap between a standard family hauler and a luxury SUV, providing the features that matter most for daily comfort in our climate.

Telluride vs Segment Rivals

The Kia Telluride consistently outshines major rivals like the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Toyota Highlander by offering a more usable third row and a more sophisticated interior design. While the Highlander is known for its efficiency, the Telluride provides a more traditional and powerful 3.8L V6 experience that feels more confident when overtaking on the E11 highway. Compared to the Ford Explorer, the Telluride’s cabin materials feel more substantial and less prone to the rattles that can develop over time on rougher road surfaces. Its wheel-base allows for genuine adult-sized legroom in the third row, a feat that many competitors in this class struggle to achieve, making it a true seven-seater rather than a '5+2' configuration. The cooling performance of the Kia air conditioning system is also widely regarded as being better suited for the extreme 45°C+ temperatures of the Middle East compared to many European-designed alternatives. Furthermore, the intuitive layout of the infotainment system is often cited as being more user-friendly than the systems found in the Pilot or the Mazda CX-9.

Running Costs & Resale

In terms of fuel economy, the 3.8L V6 is remarkably efficient for its size, achieving roughly 9.5 to 10.5 liters per 100 km during highway cruising, though this will increase in heavy stop-start traffic in cities like Riyadh or Dubai. The vehicle runs perfectly on 95-octane fuel, which is readily available at every station across the GCC. Kia’s service network is one of the most extensive in the region, with major facilities in every emirate and across all provinces in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that parts and expertise are never far away. While this is an American spec vehicle, many local service centers are fully equipped to handle routine maintenance, and the shared mechanical platform with the Hyundai Palisade ensures that parts availability is excellent. The Telluride has shown some of the lowest depreciation rates in the SUV segment over the last three years, often retaining up to 75-80% of its value after the first three years of ownership in the GCC market. This strong resale is driven by the model’s massive popularity and the fact that demand for used Tellurides often outstrips supply in the local market.

Performance & Capability

Under the hood is a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 producing 295 hp, which provides a smooth and linear power delivery that is ideal for long-distance cruising across the desert. The All-Wheel Drive system is not just for snow; in the GCC, it provides essential traction on sandy surfaces near construction sites or gravel roads in the wadis. With a 0-100 km/h time of approximately 7.5 seconds, it has plenty of punch for merging into fast-moving traffic. The 8-speed automatic transmission is tuned for smoothness, shifting almost imperceptibly to maintain a quiet cabin environment. The Telluride also boasts a respectable towing capacity of around 2,267 kg, which is more than enough for small boats or jet-ski trailers for weekend trips to the coast. Its ground clearance of 203 mm allows it to handle speed bumps and uneven terrain with ease, providing a commanding view of the road that many SUV buyers prioritize. The drive mode selector includes an 'AWD Lock' feature, which can be a lifesaver if you find yourself on soft sand during a weekend outing.

Comfort & Cabin

The interior of the EX trim is designed with family comfort as the priority, featuring a 7-seat layout that includes second-row captain's chairs for a more 'first-class' feel. The air conditioning system is exceptionally powerful, featuring roof-mounted vents for the second and third rows to ensure that every passenger stays cool regardless of the outside temperature. Sound deadening is a high point for the 2022 model, with acoustic windshield glass that keeps the cabin serene even at 120 km/h. The seats are designed for long-distance support, making a three-hour drive across the border feel effortless for the driver and passengers alike. Tech-wise, the cabin is loaded with USB ports in every row, ensuring that children’s devices stay charged during long trips. The white exterior combined with the sun-reflective glass helps maintain a lower cabin temperature when the car is parked outside in the sun. Boot space remains impressive even with the third row in use, and with the seats folded flat, the cargo area becomes vast enough for furniture or large camping setups.

Safety

Safety is where the Telluride truly excels, having earned a 5-Star rating from major international safety bodies. This EX trim comes standard with Kia’s ‘Drive Wise’ suite, which includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, both of which are invaluable on the busy highways of the UAE. The Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist is particularly helpful for navigating the multi-lane traffic of Sheikh Zayed Road, where high-speed lane changes are common. It also features Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance, which acts as an extra set of eyes when backing out of crowded parking spots at the mall. The Safe Exit Assist feature is a brilliant addition for families, as it prevents the rear doors from opening if the sensors detect a vehicle approaching from behind. With multiple airbags and a reinforced steel chassis, it provides the peace of mind that GCC families demand for their daily commute and weekend travels.

The bottom line

This 2022 Telluride EX is the perfect match for a growing family that wants a premium, low-mileage SUV without the premium price tag. Its combination of the most desirable regional color, All-Wheel Drive, and a highly-specced interior makes it a standout value proposition in today's used market.

AI insights generated from market expert data. Always inspect the vehicle before purchase.