Just How Good Is A 2021 Kia Telluride Off-Road? // Desert Torture Test

My Off-road review of the 2021 Kia Telluride SX AWD!
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Britt F.
Chad B.
Col. L.
Curtis S.
Daniel F.
Darren M.
Dave
David L.
Jeffrey P.
Josh H.
Kevin C.
Mark L.
Meghan "in Seattle"
Nenad R.
Ray I.
Terry S.
Todd C.

[@TheHallPartnership]

I imagine the engineer at Kia who designed the air filter was ecstatic that all his hard work and attention to detail has finally been appreciated!

[@noviceofthelaw]

"If you can't change the air filter in this you shouldn't be allowed to brush your teeth" 🤣

[@startdale5547]

Sarah wasn't kidding 🤣 do Kia not like the servicing departments in their dealerships or something?

[@jylfarm1964]

Seeing your french reading, I guest my first name will sound interesting. Jean-Yves.

[@mavfan1]

@@jylfarm1964 not really

[@jylfarm1964]

@@mavfan1can't please everyone

[@mauricebarry8858]

@ 10 year*

[@AJ4mPR]

my wife has one same color EX , we lifted it 2” and put Toyo AT open country tires. and we chrome deleted it. we love it! ** we have the ambient sounds

[@Hallowsaw]

For 55k you could have just bought a truck if you wanted something for offroad.

[@Joshsmoove]

@@Hallowsaw does a truck allow you to carry 6-7 passangers?

[@davidp.3170]

Terrible vehicle.

[@Joshsmoove]

@@davidp.3170 you own or do maintenance on them?

[@treeoflibertydefense8612]

@@davidp.3170 why?

[@stephenmoxley3004]

Sarah, you're the only one on You Tube who would describe the surroundings as "mammal shit." This will ensure your unique style and popularity, moving forward. Love your channel.

[@johnbracero4340]

Have ever thought of a 30 min. tv show, you do about 18 min. of camera time the rest of the half an hour would be eaten up with commercials. It would be a riot, informative, great content, beautiful host, funny stuff. It would work, You'd become a star in Arizona. If you do it remember my comment.

[@DaleMcGregor]

Excellent review - spot on highlights of the strengths and weaknesses. Appreciate the entertainment value of many of your reviews, but this is a practical and genuine measure of the value of this "people mover". Thank you.

[@marctreglown2503]

Love it. "Sounds like it's trying". Not meant for off-road use!

[@anthonyrosa5006]

Windshields crack from body flex.

[@morethanaveragejoe8224]

I love how Sarah is so proud of her puns. :)

[@zr2dad5]

most brainiacs are. my kid is a quantum physicist and he's a pro punster.

[@josephtaylor5909]

She's a natural goofball lol

[@charger19691]

I get such a kick out of this girl, smart, funny, pretty, witty, and loves to work on cars and trucks and is genuinely nice. I’m glad I subscribed!

[@BleuCollarFndryMTL]

I would never considered a Kia but your review changed my mind.

[@Mach141]

dont do it, they are very cheaply made

[@Wolfwerx.]

@@Mach141 no they're not.

[@boboso7238]

@@Mach141 they've come a long way since their 2012 and earlier reputation. With that said, like any lower model such as the Soul, you get what you pay for for with any brand.

[@SarahnTuned]

I promise you, that's incorrect. I crawl around these press cars every week in my garage, up on a lift, and having an extensive background as a technician, I can confidently say they are chasing the for the number one spot in terms of build quality. KIA, Hyundai, and Genesis are not playing around anymore.

[@personalfunfest]

@@Wolfwerx. depends on if you've ever had a Toyota/Lexus... there is simply no comparison. Toyota uses the best part suppliers... Yamaha engines, Aisin transmissions and drive components. No other car parts supplier is more reliable. Remember, cars are a collection of individual parts... look at who makes each part...

[@larrywt656]

The last scene makes me VERY happy that smell-a-vision is not yet a thing...

[@timbramley4761]

Love the James may cardboard cut out in the back

[@eefneleman9564]

I like James, but that thing creeps me out every time.

[@ColeSpolaric]

I have no idea who that is, and it's creepy af.

[@jody024]

5 Cookies and 4 Penguins! Thats a solid score!

[@rebelspirit000]

XD

[@daveg.6820]

Sarah, you are, in a word, delightful. Stay well and don't go anywhere. You are a fun, bright spot. Cheers.

[@jorgeo4164]

So I was able to scan that QR code. It pops up some weird code and when I clicked on it, my phone dial pad popped up with some number to dial. I didn't dial it so no clue what it's for.... First time I watched one of your videos, I love the quirky sense of humor and you actually know what your talking about, so I subscribed.

[@leedanielson7452]

Come on KIA!!! Give our girl one of these! GREAT public relations AND advertising for you too!!! 😊👍🎉🎉

[@zamfully]

Sarah is the only reviewer I watch. You simply know what you’re talking about.

[@tomm5308]

Sarah, you are now an "influencer". Both the "Car Wizard", and Tyler from "Hoovie's Garage", have used the phrase "give it the beans" in recent videos, and have not done so before. You are legendary!

[@Vogue2010]

now donut media does give it the beans

[@jessethomas9629]

Their initial commercial running Telluride through muddy cow pasture with bull was good theater. Love your channel, video editing is top notch and your car reviews are must see. Hope you have a great weekend!

[@kevinjones5560]

We looked at getting one and they are in such high demand, they’re getting $5000 over MSRP in Houston. And, the dealers said they get maybe 2-3 a month and they’re sold the same day. We got a 2021 Volvo XC90 T6. My seventh Volvo and very happy with it.

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

Have the Volvos been reliable and would about repair costs after warranty? I have a friend with a Volvo and has had very high repair bills and long wait time to get parts.

[@fusionarata]

This is true. Been like this for almost 2 years now, the markups and delays. Great SUV though.

[@madspaz77098]

$10k over in Spring. It's nuts.

[@lh298]

Ft Bend KIA sold me mine in Jan 2021 at MSRP and great to deal with.

[@kevinjones5560]

@@JohnLee-db9zt Extremely reliable and after they’re out of warranty I have a Volvo mechanic who I’ve used for 20 years to do any service and repair. I’ve stayed with Volvo to keep my mechanic.

[@UncleMike1]

“I’ll tell you how it rides” ……… Classic Sarah. Thank you!

[@99jivvity]

Atkinson cycle opens the intake valves during the compression stroke to get a small fuel/air charge back into the intake manifold. If you boost it, it becomes a Miller Cycle.

[@johndavidwolf4239]

In theory in a "pure" Atkinson cycle engine, there is no throttle plate, and the amount of "lateness" that the intake valves closes is what simulates a partially closed throttle, there is "reverse" flow through them just before they close up until full power, as such there is virtually no "pumping loss" at idle an part throttle. My guess is that the engine is not a pure Atkinson cycle and does have a throttle body, but does have some delay in closing the intake valves at part throttle to decrease pumping loss.

[@SaraK_69]

So nice, I love how the Telluride looks and feels. If I had kids I'd get one.

[@kevinschalk8030]

I really loved your video. Your entertaining and funny

[@tubekau]

I know otto, and just learn recently about atkinson, and now miller!???

[@morriewyatt6234]

Though you mustn't forget Tyler Hoovie's Prius, which also runs an Atkinson cycle engine. It didn't cope too well with a one second shot of nitrous. (Hilarious stuff with instantaneous carnage.) An Atkinson cycle engine a actually has a shorter compression stroke than its power stroke through an arrangement of levers so it can get more thermal efficiency from the fuel air charge.

[@don7406]

Looks like a great vehicle for mild snowy conditions on the road. I don’t see this SUV doing much off road due to it’s suspension (wheel travel). Looks great and I bet it is comfortable on the road. Thanks for your review.

[@jeremyanthony9300]

Hyundai and Kia have came a long way over the years. This is the nicest Kia I've seen ever.

[@canadianaviator]

Imo for the interior the new K9 is better but for an SUV this isn’t too bad

[@ptzish]

You give the only review I've seen so far of the underside. Thanks. I own one of these and although I've changed the oil, I really didn't know what the underside looked like. Awesome video!

[@Torsee]

Kudos to the staging of Garage Science with Sarah! Overexposed background…Reveals gorgeous scientist!

[@maxproto100]

gatta love Sarah`s honesty

[@Primus54]

Got me with the pop tart wrapper and robot shin guard engineering. 😂 11 out of 10 entertainment value. 👍

[@marksmith9176]

Well done, one of the best videos for general overview but excellent off road review. First time watcher and now a subscriber.

[@joelpeterson3894]

Great review. Love that you talk about some maintenance and look at more of the mechanical layout and details.

[@j.markkrzystofiak9907]

Thank you for addressing my earlier question about the headliner!

[@jeromeburrasca6710]

Gloss black 20”s are ok off-road as long as your tires are 35”s or bigger.

[@chrisgabbert658]

😂

[@mverick160]

Yep, 37's on mine. Once I'm done with 4x4 conversion I might go to 40's depending on clearance. Needed 20's to make sure the brake calipers cleared on 2016 F350 axles.

[@jeromeburrasca6710]

mverick160 Large heavy duty lift knuckles and big brake kits need 20” wheels if you want to play it safe and not have fitment issues.

[@mverick160]

@@jeromeburrasca6710 yep. They say 18s work. But not all 18s work.

[@jeromeburrasca6710]

mverick160 Exactly, I know a lot of “off-road “ people get burned buying too small. 20” x10”s all you’ll ever need with 35” and up tires.

[@gemballacirrus]

Sarah gives the BEST car reviews ever!

[@moegeek]

Your videos are impressive! You got the lighting set up perfectly - so well the writing on the tires was clearly readable! Pro-level!

[@rodhili3946]

Who can ever give Sarah a thumbs down?

[@stevenolson3977]

Dealers won't let people take these for a test drive. I'm glad this video exists :)

[@1stltzarate]

Awesome review. Lots of fun and details about the vehicle as always. Also, please always be careful when break testing.

[@iiviiutt]

Love the sense of humor. Great format. Most entertaining to watch of all KZbin channels. Yup.

[@johnnydoe66]

We own two Kia suvs, my wife's '13 Sorento SX and my daughter's '18 Sportage. We are very happy with both and we will most likely replace my Wife's w/ a Telluride SX. Matter of fact, we spotted an SX in gray with a full blackout trim package, totally badass looking.

[@peterdiebel7372]

Loved your technical & informative review of the car. Your finese , ability , Beauty and no B.S. is very refreshing and extremely needed & welcome. Cheers Sarah, from B.C. Canada

[@garyworokevich2976]

I'll Tellu-What, Tellu-Rides are showing up at our airport as Limousines, cost effective for small companies. Sarah , I've noticed your channel is growing 1000 subs a week. Waydago girl.

[@Visualhead_Spacer]

best road trip family SUV out there, i don't do offroad so this is amazing

[@joses4593]

Finally. A reviewer that is as gorgeous as the Telluride (other than the Car Mom).

[@kaichen7907]

Cool ride. There is something about Sarah in the lab coat and glasses that just makes her that much more 😎 Keep up the amazing work.

[@ryschy1059]

My buddy and his family have one of these. It’s amazing. Fits the 4 kids in it nicely. I would totally buy one myself if I could afford it. Hands down the best and nicest vehicle I’ve been in and drove in 10 years.

[@ngarci8040]

Just happen to run across this channel & I don’t know what I like more about it besides the ratings being wtf I’ll definitely give it a thumbs up & subscribe…!

[@ianprice2298]

Thanks a bunch for verifying, that at least on this model anyway, it does not switch off the center diff lock at higher speeds. I have heard other Kia/Hyundai models switch out of 4x4 above 70Kph. For those of us who live where there is snow on the road for half the year, this matters!

[@sorentopipe7263]

I LOVE THE TAILPIPE ON THESE SO WARM AND COZY LOOKING BET IT PUMPS OUT VERY WARM EXHAUST

[@markreams3192]

The Atkinson cycle is probably part time controlled by the variable valve timing. When you give it the beans it will go into Otto cycle. They do this to increase EPA fuel economy to meet CAFE standards. Toyota uses this on the Tacoma and hybrid vehicles.

[@henrymatthews9365]

This reminds me of a test drive I once did with a Toyota Rav4 lol the salesman was pissed when I got back lol

[@murphtheirishmanmurphy7268]

My daughter bought a new Telluride a few months ago and it’s amazing! It was hard to find one so had to travel to South Dakota to buy the only one they had. 🙏☘️

[@buffandsweet33]

Hi Sarah you are so right definitely a steal and bang for your buck under 50000 dollars the Kia is beautiful

[@roddyg3692]

@ 12:19 "Ooh! There's a dragon fly right in front of me." ...SQUIRREL!

[@wbwayne8887]

The Telluride's cookie score falls alot when you see how much Kia Dealerships gouge these things. When we realized that back in 2020, we went to the Hyundai Dealer instead, where they were much more willing to deal on the Telluride's platform sibling, the Palisade. A different exterior wrapper with the same powertrain goodness, combined with an arguably more attractive and definitely more useful interior design. 30K trouble free miles so far and 23mpg average as well. I highly recommend it.

[@bigeyejim]

OMG. That opening joke killed it!

[@anthonyrosa5006]

It's a nice looking vehicle and my wife really wanted it. We originally wanted a 4Runner TRD Pro. In the end we bought the 4Runner. I did not want to be the lab rat for KIA. They have a poor reputation on their engines. It was a first year vehicle. The 4 Runner has been flawless on and off road coming up on 2 years this month. Longevity and dependability won out over shallow looks and luxury. PS the Telluride has no travel on its suspension. Its never going to be a competent off road vehicle. I don't know how the unibody would last either. Many reports of cracked windshields make me believe there is a body flex problem, that is in on road driving. You roll the dice with this one. Even if it's broken down in your driveway with a blown engine it will be a comfortable space to relax.

[@chix25]

You are smart not to get this 100k mile SUV

[@mowcowbell]

Imagine this with the 5.0L V8 out of the Genesis line. A set of Falken Wildpeak's should make it quite capable off road.

[@hockeytx8225]

So I just bought a 2020 Telluride SX Prestige and put some Falken A/T Trails on it. It handled the same road I did before way better, so yes to your point, tires matter.

[@stuffhappens5681]

I never tire of her saying buh-on for button.

[@jasonyoung5628]

They are easy to work on actually. Some vehicles are seemingly built with the technician in mind. Kia is one of them. Sharp looking SUV too, that interior looks fantastic in lighter colors.

[@claytargets]

Love your review, learned more about the telluride than all other reviews combined. Keep up the hard work.

[@bradpaxton1987]

Wow! This was the first video of yours I have seen and learned I have a best friend that I didn't know about. You talk and make jokes the exact same was as I do. I hope I meet you in a different life!

[@agdillo1368]

Your anger at the lack of bird noises gave me life

[@kingedwin]

"We finally get some intelligent goofballs in here." Obviously, they knew you'd be driving it.

[@LOLAtheDESTROYER]

James May cardboard cutout lurking in the background. 🤣

[@mikebelcher5111]

I think it's kind of cute how it wiggles its tailpipe every time it shifts... lmao

[@Eric_McLain]

That 3rd "butt - un" is working harder than I do most days.

[@lavluvlov]

The first two didn't like the dryer at "hot"

[@kaitlyn__L]

I was feeling that! And recalling the many shirts I broke all the top buttons on within a week of wearing. Glad I wasn’t the only one haha

[@mostcom]

And now we know. Tons of honest practical evaluation. As always a great production. Who else will evaluate the towing capacity of a auto review with a crappy old trailer under one of someones most prized vehicles? Happy Friday Sarah from the North Coast.

[@Dreamweaver17]

Love this SUV! This will be our next vehicle for sure

[@bigkeg9173]

Who else guesses Sarah's ratings before she gives them?

[@WalterPavlikII]

Me, totally. I got the Beans and Meatball scores right this time. I was shocked at the Penguins score!

[@donwalsh7521]

The front looks like a boxer who just had a brutal 12 rounder.

[@richardw64]

Kia never fails to impress. Nice to see they kept the 3.8L. I had that in my 2008 Grand Carnival and it was a beast. I hope we get the Telluride here in Australia.

[@vrod1a]

Great review, you really get to know your review vehicle, a lot more detailed then most on KZbin 👍

[@Gabesafish]

Apparently, the “mando” steering rack is made from beskar.

[@Xavier-bf3uw]

This is the way

[@The4Es]

This is the way.

[@terryevans1956]

This is the way

[@mayi-gotothebathroom]

This is the way

[@reddeadrickdemption4709]

This is the way

[@bongodave13]

"If you cannot figure out how to change this air filter, you shouldn't be allowed to brush your teeth." I agree.

[@bongodave13]

If you live way up in the north, or in some mountain town where winter still gives you serious snow, this is a great deal. Get a separate set of wheels and tires for snow/off road, and this giant car is very competent for the money.

[@trewstory519]

Haha, I've built the telluride inner quarter panel (LH) but spent more time welding Hyundai Tuscon side members (RH) I just did 180 Telluride bumpers last night, but my bread n butter is the Hyundai Santa Cruz front bumpers. The steel structure anyway..

[@hipcheck4u74]

You could review frozen waffles, and I would click on it because you are that entertaining and funny.

[@landscapingspecialist]

Waffles 🤤

[@raulortiz1757]

One the best reviews I has seen, thank you!!

[@dennisbrooks5252]

In 2019 when they first came out they did a test down in Texas for all the mid-size SUVs and the Kia one but it had 18 in wheels on it.

[@maykelmedinaalvarado3143]

Crazy things is... you doing it with sports mode🤣🤣

[@roddyg3692]

@ 12:50 "I'm going to try this with the Telluride." After three failed attempts, you could have tried driving the rear of the car uphill on Reverse. Instead of forcing the engine to pull, you can drive it to push. I have done this in USAF towing casualty buses and Ambulances.

[@cnorton1us]

I laughed out loud to your "Telluride / Tell You How it Rides" joke 🤣 Also Atkinson cycle / meat diet. I think you got more mud on that than 99% of buyers will, but somebody has to do it! I don't think anyone would expect it to go where Jeeps, Broncos or Land Rovers can, but it looks like fire service roads and the like would be no problem for it. It does seem like a turbo or V-8 option would be a good upgrade for this, but I imagine that NA V-6 should be reliable over the long run. As usual, a fun and informative review!

[@jaydawg2357]

That thing does have alot of Features. Charging ports everywhere. Hidden compartments for hiding party favors. Yes i also love how it stays in diff lock. I too have found that KIA's are very technician friendly. The Idiot Proof engine compartment tickled me Silly.😂 And i so want to hear some Pink Floyd thru that Harmon sound system.🎵

[@lancelotchin7921]

You are right! that was one of the best braking I ever seen.

[@rrocktoo]

Another fun review but that’s a big thing to have to clean afterwards. As for those hills, I’m sure most privately owned Land Rovers die of old age before ever seeing anything that challenging.

[@Auracanal]

I am impressed it even can take a dust climb in those tyres

[@geoffjohnston1531]

Comfort is everything in cars like this.

[@ducknorris233]

My wife has this spec Telluride and the ventilated seats work so much better than the ones in my Cadillac CT6 and it was 20k cheaper.

[@Dave-fx5zw]

On most 4wd systems, locking the center diff on a launch will usually hurt the acceleration, torque is not split 50:50 with a locked diff (open diffs are true 50:50 split as counter intuitive as it sounds) just rotational speed, which will steal torque from the wheels that can put it down to spin the wheels that can't. That said, these (and all Haldex style systems) don't have a center differential. The rear driveshaft will always be driven at a given ratio to the front differential, and the locking is only to engage the rear differential to the driveshaft. Locking it vs letting it do the work, will vary car to car as far as putting down the power, mostly depending on how much slip they allow, and if engagement/preload is provided from a stop or not.

[@michaels.594]

I need an interpreter for the garage science segments. But that's okay. I trust that you know what you're talking about. :)

[@nuttcase1uk]

watching to see which car to buy in 10 years

[@geoffskelton2772]

Great start to a weekend...thanks Sarah!!! Love ya🙂

[@denimlabels7315]

That first hill was kind of big for a family sedan. Awesome vee-hickle!

[@troymontgomery4173]

I love all of the puns... And the content! Keep smiling!

[@TOBYH]

ACTUALLY THE KOREAN CARS HAVE COME SO FAR, THEY ARE REALLY DOING A GREAT JOB, I AM GOING TO GO DRIVE THE NEW KIA CARNIVAL, I WISH YOU WOULD TRY ONE.

[@SarahnTuned]

I don't think there will be many more "normal cars" being reviewed on this channel in the future, the videos just don't get many views, so it's not worth the time that goes into filming them. I'm working on starting a second channel for that, but I need to hire an editor to make it happen.

[@TOBYH]

@@SarahnTuned AWESOME, GREAT JOB, ALL YOUR VIDEOS CRACK ME UP, YOU ARE SO FUNNY.

[@mostcom]

@@SarahnTuned one of your caliber would be costly

[@kromhout99]

Hope you get the new Kia Sorento ! It’s super nice also

[@rowinpals]

Hey Sarah, Always fun watching your car reviews 😀. Girl Power 👩💪 I think! 😁👍

[@ac7205]

Family friendly content for sure.

[@kevinlyon9501]

Nice when a manufacturer thinks about service costs and makes some of those items easy to change. Front running lights I just think of bee's no idea why🤔

[@burnermaster5375]

Sarah, you should make custom drive select overlays. "The Beans" and "The Beans +" have to be there.

[@stelladoroman]

Sarah, this is what it produced after scanning the QR code bar BC610-A16-00 C20200320 B5416 Nothing else that made sense came up with the scan. I guess it's for in-house scanners.

[@mostcom]

yeah those aren't QR codes