Kia Telluride Off-Road Capability Test: How the Kia AWD System Handles Gravel Roads and Light Trails
There’s something reassuring about pointing your three-row SUV down a dusty gravel road and feeling the all-wheel drive system respond instantly—no wheel spin, just smooth forward motion.
The Telluride’s Off-Road DNA: More Capable Than You’d Expect
The Kia Telluride wasn’t designed to conquer the Rubicon Trail, and that’s perfectly fine. This midsize SUV was built for families who occasionally venture beyond paved roads—camping trips, lake houses, unpaved driveways, and forest service roads where the pavement ends but the adventure continues.
What makes the Telluride interesting is its AWD system. Kia equipped this SUV with an on-demand all-wheel drive setup that monitors wheel slip and transfers power to the rear axle when needed. It’s not a complex four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing, but for light trails and gravel roads, it’s exactly what most drivers actually need.
The Telluride’s 8.0 inches of ground clearance might not sound impressive compared to dedicated off-roaders, but it’s enough to clear most ruts and rocks on maintained trails.
Real-World Testing: Gravel Roads and Dirt Trails
We took a 2024 Kia Telluride SX with AWD through three different scenarios: a maintained gravel road, a rutted forest trail, and a steep dirt incline with loose stones.
On the gravel road, the Telluride felt planted and confident. The AWD system engaged seamlessly when accelerating from a stop, preventing any fishtailing on the loose surface. The steering remained responsive, and the 291-horsepower V6 engine delivered plenty of torque without overwhelming the traction system.
The forest trail presented more challenges—deeper ruts, exposed roots, and uneven terrain. Here’s where the Telluride’s independent suspension showed its value. The ride remained comfortable, and the SUV maintained its composure over obstacles that would have rattled passengers in less refined vehicles.
Now here’s the fun part: the steep dirt incline. With 262 lb-ft of torque from that 3.8-liter V6, the Telluride climbed steadily without drama. The eight-speed automatic transmission held lower gears appropriately, and the AWD system distributed power effectively to prevent wheel slip.
What the AWD System Actually Does (And Doesn’t Do)
Kia’s AWD system uses electronic sensors to detect wheel slip and can transfer up to 50% of power to the rear axle. It reacts quickly—within milliseconds—but it’s still a reactive system rather than a proactive one.
This means you won’t get the constant four-wheel drive engagement of a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner. Instead, the Telluride operates in front-wheel drive under normal conditions and engages the rear wheels when necessary. This approach improves fuel efficiency (around 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway) while still providing off-road capability when you need it.
The system works best on: gravel roads, dirt trails, snowy roads, wet pavement, and mild off-road conditions.
The system struggles with: deep mud, rock crawling, steep descents requiring engine braking, and extreme off-road terrain.
“The Telluride’s AWD system represents Kia’s practical engineering philosophy—give customers the capability they’ll actually use 95% of the time, rather than extreme features they’ll rarely need.”
Drive Mode Selection: Your Off-Road Ally
The Telluride includes multiple drive modes that adjust throttle response, transmission shift points, and AWD engagement:
- Snow Mode: Reduces throttle sensitivity and starts in second gear for better traction on slippery surfaces
- AWD Lock: Maintains 50/50 power distribution between front and rear axles (works up to 25 mph)
- Smart Mode: Automatically adjusts settings based on driving conditions
For gravel roads, we found AWD Lock particularly useful when starting from a stop or climbing loose surfaces. The locked distribution prevented any wheel spin and maintained steady forward progress.
Pro tip: Engage AWD Lock before you need it, not after you’re already stuck!
How the Telluride Compares to Competitors
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | Ground Clearance | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Telluride | 3.8L V6 | 291 hp | 8.0 inches | $36,190 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 3.8L V6 | 291 hp | 8.0 inches | $36,350 |
| Honda Pilot | 3.5L V6 | 285 hp | 7.3 inches | $40,380 |
| Toyota Highlander | 2.4L Turbo | 265 hp | 8.3 inches | $40,305 |
| Mazda CX-90 | 3.3L Turbo | 340 hp | 8.6 inches | $39,595 |
The Telluride matches its platform sibling (the Hyundai Palisade) in specifications but undercuts most competitors on price. That value proposition extends to off-road capability—you’re getting similar or better performance than pricier alternatives.
Performance Trends: Kia’s AWD Evolution
What You’ll Actually Encounter on Light Trails
Let’s be honest about what “light trails” means. We’re talking about:
- Maintained forest service roads with occasional washboard surfaces
- Gravel driveways leading to rural properties or vacation homes
- Unpaved parking areas at trailheads or beaches
- Dirt roads with mild ruts but no serious obstacles
- Snowy or muddy conditions where AWD provides extra confidence
The Telluride handles all of these scenarios confidently. The AWD system engages quickly, the suspension absorbs bumps without jarring passengers, and the 8 inches of ground clearance clears most obstacles you’ll encounter.
Always check local regulations before driving on trails, and never attempt terrain beyond your skill level or vehicle capability.
What About Approach and Departure Angles?
Here’s where the Telluride shows its SUV-for-families design. The approach angle (the angle between the front bumper and the ground) sits around 18 degrees, while the departure angle (rear bumper) measures approximately 20 degrees.
Compare this to a Jeep Grand Cherokee (36.1° approach, 27.1° departure) and you’ll see the difference. The Telluride’s lower angles mean you need to be more careful approaching steep inclines or drop-offs. Take it slow, and walk unfamiliar terrain first.
The breakover angle—the middle point under the vehicle—is where the Telluride’s 119.9-inch wheelbase creates vulnerability on severe terrain.
Practical Tips for Off-Road Telluride Driving
After spending several days on varied terrain, here’s what works:
- Lower tire pressure slightly (3-5 psi) on very soft surfaces for better traction, then reinflate for highway driving
- Use AWD Lock at low speeds when surface conditions are consistent (snow, gravel, sand)
- Avoid sudden steering inputs on loose gravel—the Telluride weighs over 4,500 pounds and momentum matters
- Watch your wheel placement since those 20-inch wheels are expensive to replace
- Engage downhill assist if your trim includes it for steep descents
The Telluride’s cameras (surround-view monitor on higher trims) help immensely when navigating tight trails. You can see exactly where your wheels are positioned relative to rocks or ruts.
FAQ Section
What’s the difference between AWD and 4WD in the Telluride? The Telluride offers AWD (all-wheel drive), not 4WD—AWD automatically distributes power between front and rear wheels as needed, while 4WD systems typically offer driver-selectable modes and low-range gearing for extreme off-roading.
Can the Kia Telluride go off-road like a Jeep? No, the Telluride is designed for light trails and gravel roads, not rock crawling or extreme terrain—it lacks the ground clearance, approach angles, and low-range gearing that dedicated off-roaders like Jeeps provide.
How much can the Telluride tow with AWD? The Telluride can tow up to 5,500 pounds when properly equipped with AWD, making it suitable for small campers, boat trailers, and utility trailers.
Does AWD reduce fuel efficiency in the Telluride? Yes, slightly—AWD models get about 1-2 mpg less than front-wheel drive versions, but the on-demand system minimizes the penalty by operating in FWD mode when AWD isn’t needed.
Is the Telluride’s AWD system always engaged? No, it operates in front-wheel drive under normal conditions and automatically engages the rear wheels when it detects slippage or when you manually activate AWD Lock mode (up to 25 mph).
What trim levels include AWD as standard on the Telluride? AWD is optional on all Telluride trim levels (LX, S, EX, SX, SX-Prestige X-Line, SX-Prestige X-Pro)—it typically adds around $2,000 to the base price.
How does the Telluride handle in snow with AWD? Excellent—the AWD system combined with Snow mode provides confident traction on snowy roads, and the vehicle’s weight helps maintain stability in winter conditions.
Final Verdict: The Right Tool for the Right Job
The Kia Telluride with AWD delivers exactly what it promises: confident handling on gravel roads, light trails, and challenging weather conditions. It’s not a rock crawler, and Kia never claimed it would be.
For families who spend most of their time on paved roads but occasionally venture to the lake house, mountain cabin, or camping spot, the Telluride’s off-road capability hits the sweet spot. You get legitimate AWD performance, comfortable ride quality, and three rows of seating—all backed by Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The Telluride proves that “off-road capable” doesn’t have to mean “uncomfortable on-road”—Kia engineered a balanced SUV that excels at both.
Which Kia model is your daily driver or dream vehicle? Have you taken your Telluride off the beaten path? Share your story in the comments!
