Used 2021 Kia Telluride for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Kia Telluride cost?

Prices have softened 12.21% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,715 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of used Tellurides to compare.

Is the 2021 Kia Telluride a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Kia Telluride earns a 4.89/5 user rating and a 9.33/10 expert rating. The model scores 10/10 across Form and function and Cost effectiveness.

Owners consistently praise its excellent value for money, stylish design, and premium interior materials, along with its spacious cabin and advanced technology. That lines up well with the Telluride’s role as a midsize, three-row SUV that feels more upscale than its price suggests.

The main trade-off is that its performance is described as fairly pedestrian, and some owners say it can feel sluggish from a stop. Even so, if you want a family SUV with broad appeal and a premium feel, this year’s Telluride fits that brief well.

33.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there’s meaningful room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Kia Telluride reliable?

Owners rate it 4.89/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a vehicle people feel good about living with over time, especially because it comes across as reliable, dependable, and trouble-free in everyday use. That same long-term confidence is reinforced by the Telluride’s strong reputation for safety, space, and value.

The expert drive notes also support that impression by describing the SUV as a well-rounded, cost-effective choice with broad appeal. Kia’s warranty coverage adds another ownership advantage, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about the model’s core durability and more about finding one that has been maintained well and hasn’t been worn down by family-duty use.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Kia Telluride?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean title percentage does not replace a full records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one with lots of family-hauling duty. Focus on overall condition, especially interior wear, electronics, and evidence of regular maintenance.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The LX, S, EX, and SX trims span the lineup, and the base LX is the one most likely to leave you wanting more equipment. The SX can be optioned with a Prestige package that adds premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display, and heated and ventilated second-row seats.
• Powertrain: Every 2021 Telluride uses a 3.8-liter V6 with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It makes 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and AWD adds a low-speed Lock function for extra traction.
• Safety package: Kia’s Drive Wise suite is standard on every version and includes blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology with lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-monitoring system, and automatic emergency braking. Highway Drive Assist is standard with EX and SX trim.
• Infotainment: LX and S trims get an 8-inch touchscreen, while EX and SX upgrade to a 10.25-inch screen with navigation. Every model has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA says an AWD Telluride should return 21 mpg in combined driving, and the test loop returned 20.5 mpg.

Which 2021 Kia Telluride trim should I buy?

The 2021 Kia Telluride is offered in 4 trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX.

Here's the short version:

• LX: This is the entry point, but it’s mainly for shoppers who want the Telluride’s core space and value at the lowest price. You still get the standard safety suite and basic infotainment, but it’s the least equipped version.
• S: This is the best-value trim for many buyers because it adds meaningful equipment without pushing the price as high as the upper trims. If you want a smart balance of features and cost, this is the one to focus on first.
• EX: This trim is the sweet spot if you want more comfort and convenience, including the larger 10.25-inch screen, navigation, Highway Drive Assist, Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, and self-leveling rear suspension.
• SX: This is the most upscale choice, with the 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, Blind-Spot View Monitor, surround-view camera system, front parking sensors, and access to the Prestige package for a near-luxury feel.

Safety-package note: Highway Drive Assist is standard with EX and SX trim, while SX also gets exclusive features like front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and Blind-Spot View Monitor.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Kia Telluride?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 33.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,715 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.21% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $23,322, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Kia Telluride's resale value?

The current average of $23,322 sits slightly below last year's $26,565.

That price movement suggests the Telluride has softened from its earlier peak, which can be good news if you’re buying now but less ideal if you’re planning to sell soon. A lower current market average means future resale gains may be more modest unless demand stays strong.

Even so, the Telluride’s broad appeal and strong reputation help support demand in the used market. Well-kept examples should continue to attract shoppers who want a three-row SUV with a premium feel.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.89/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Kia Telluride safe?

The 2021 Telluride earns a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and it earns four-star frontal-impact ratings for both the driver and front passenger and an overall five-star rating from NHTSA.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Kia’s standard Drive Wise suite includes eight safety technologies on every version of the SUV, including blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology with lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-monitoring system, and automatic emergency braking. Highway Drive Assist is standard with EX and SX trim, and it combines adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance.

There are also useful extras like Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Assist. SX trim adds front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and Blind-Spot View Monitor.

One caveat is that the IIHS rating may not continue for the 2021 calendar year because of the standard headlights’ Poor-rated performance.

Should I buy a 2021 Kia Telluride or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 33.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.21% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.89/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds a Nightfall Edition package, a new remote engine-start button on the key fob, a seven-pin trailering harness, and more LED headlights.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $19,859, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $23,322 average.
• It launched as a roomy, upscale-feeling three-row SUV with standout family appeal.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $27,163, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $23,322 average.
• It adds more standard equipment while keeping the Telluride’s strong value and desirability.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, features, and market availability, the 2021 is the right place to start. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 can save you money while keeping the core Telluride strengths intact. If you want a newer example with more standard equipment and don’t mind paying more, the 2022 is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.