Kia Telluride Earns High Marks for Initial Quality

The Kia Telluride has quickly become one of the most sought-after SUVs on the market, praised for its bold styling, advanced technology, and family-friendly design. At Casey Kia, we’re excited to share that the 2025 Kia Telluride continues to earn outstanding recognition — this time for its exceptional initial quality. This award underscores Kia’s ongoing dedication to craftsmanship and driver satisfaction, making the Telluride a smart choice for families and adventurers alike.

J.D. Power Initial Quality Study Award Details

J.D. Power has spent more than 50 years contributing insights and data to automotive consumers all over the world. As part of their research, they compile a U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) each year, which recognizes vehicles that are standouts in terms of quality. Vehicles that have the least amount of quality issues over the first 90 days of ownership are recognized. The Kia Telluride has ranked number one on the list for Upper Midsize SUVs.

Notable Features of the Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is already known for its innovative features, stunning style, and spacious interior. The three-row SUV is now being recognized for its outstanding quality and customer satisfaction as well, which has earned it the top spot on J.D. Power’s IQS list. This has likely contributed to its sales, as the Kia Telluride year-over-year sales have increased almost 17 percent, while the total Kia sales are up more than 10 percent as well.

Kia America COO and EVP Responds

Kia is proud of the three-row SUV’s success and continued recognition. According to Steven Center, the COO and EVP of Kia America, “Our world-class vehicles deliver the quality, reliability, and technology that consumers are looking for. This J.D. Power IQS award demonstrates Kia’s dedication to engineering high-quality vehicles designed to fulfill the needs of the entire family.”

How Winners are Determined

The Initial Quality Study is conducted every year by J.D. Power. There are 182 different vehicles evaluated, spanning 25 segments. They question current owners on a variety of topics, ranging from their individual driving experiences to their engine and transmission performance, as well as see if they have any quality issues. The most recent study had 92,694 respondents.

Awards Beyond Initial Quality

While the Kia Telluride’s recent high marks for initial quality are impressive, they’re far from its only accolades. Over the years, the Kia Telluride has been recognized with numerous awards, including:

• 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+: For its strong safety ratings and advanced driver assistance systems.
• 2024 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award: Praising its value, reliability, and family-oriented features.
• MotorTrend SUV of the Year (multiple years): A testament to its innovative design and overall excellence.

These awards reflect Kia’s broader commitment to quality and innovation across its lineup. Other Kia models, such as the Sportage and Forte, have also earned high scores from J.D. Power for dependability and initial quality in recent years, reinforcing Kia’s reputation as a top-tier automaker.

Test-Drive a New Kia Telluride in Newport News, VA, Today

The Kia Telluride’s high marks for initial quality reaffirm what many drivers already know: it’s a vehicle that delivers lasting satisfaction from day one. Combined with its strong safety scores and long list of prestigious awards, the Telluride stands out as a clear leader in its segment. Visit Casey Kia to experience its award-winning design and see for yourself why it continues to impress experts and families year after year.