Everything you need to know before buying a used Kia Telluride in South Africa — pricing by mileage, known faults, a buyer's inspection checklist, maintenance schedule and real owner feedback.
V6 petrol in SA market rarityLeft-hand-drive import—resale narrowExcellent towing & space credentialsFuel consumption 10–11 L/100 km
6.2
Consider with caution
Spacious and genuinely capable, but import-specific parts scarcity, uncertain warranty, and steep fuel bills make this a niche buy for committed enthusiasts only.
Pricing, specs and depreciation below are modelled on a 2024 Kia Telluride 3.8 V6 SX AWD AT — figures will differ for other model years.
Est. Retail
R720k
Est. Trade
R640k
Annual Sales (SA)
~50
5yr Depreciation
42%
Kia Telluride buyer's guide
The 2024 Kia Telluride 3.8 V6 SX AWD is a three-row American-market SUV that arrived in South Africa as a private import in limited numbers, appealing to buyers seeking a spacious, comfortable family hauler with genuine performance credentials and a potent petrol engine in an era dominated by turbo four-cylinders and diesels. At 40–60k km, this example has barely broken in and retains most of its substantial original equipment value, though finding one locally is challenging. The 3.8-litre V6 delivers 290 kW and 436 Nm with impressive towing capability (up to 2,268 kg), making it genuinely useful for families who tow caravans or boats—not just aspirational. However, ownership in SA carries real complications: parts and service flow through Kia's local network but Telluride-specific items are scarce, warranty coverage depends heavily on import provenance, and fuel consumption at 10–11 L/100 km will shock buyers accustomed to modern crossover efficiency. Insurance and roadworthiness checks can be contentious because the Telluride is not officially homologated for SA, leaving some insurers hesitant. Depreciation has been steep in the first two years (typical for left-hand-drive American imports), and resale will be narrow—limited to enthusiasts and expatriates willing to pay a premium for the space and engine. If you need a genuinely spacious seven-seater, drive the V6 engine regularly enough to justify fuel costs, and are comfortable managing service through independent specialists, the Telluride offers authenticity and practicality that mainstream competitors cannot. If affordability, parts availability, or warranty peace of mind are priorities, look at locally homologated rivals or newer Japanese alternatives.
vs Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4x4 2024: The Fortuner is half the price (R530–R615k), turbodiesel-efficient, officially homologated, and easier to service locally, but seating is narrower in row three and diesel doesn't match the V6's refinement or engine feel. The Telluride beats it on interior space and power, but loses on resale value and running costs.
vs BMW X5 xDrive30d 2024: The X5 is more expensive (R960k+), more luxurious and tech-laden, but the 3.0 diesel has less torque than the Telluride's V6 and repair costs are significantly higher. The Telluride wins on cargo space and towing; the BMW wins on brand equity and warranty.
Kia Telluride price in South Africa by mileageMedium confidence
Mileage band
Trade-in estimate
Retail estimate
0 – 20,000 km km
Est. R994k–R1365k
Est. R1212k–R1569k
20,001 – 40,000 km km
Est. R922k–R1266k
Est. R1124k–R1455k
40,001 – 60,000 km km
Est. R858k–R1178k
Est. R1046k–R1354k
60,001 – 80,000 km km
Est. R802k–R1101k
Est. R978k–R1265k
80,001 – 100,000 km km
Est. R745k–R1024k
Est. R909k–R1176k
100,001 – 120,000 km km
Est. R697k–R957k
Est. R850k–R1101k
120,001 – 140,000 km km
Est. R641k–R880k
Est. R782k–R1012k
140,001 – 160,000 km km
Est. R601k–R825k
Est. R733k–R949k
160,001 – 180,000 km km
Est. R561k–R770k
Est. R684k–R886k
180,001 – 200,000 km km
Est. R521k–R715k
Est. R635k–R822k
200,000+ km km
Est. R481k–R660k
Est. R587k–R759k
Prices are estimated using modelled data for the SA market and may vary from an official industry valuation. Want the exact price for a specific vehicle? Use our Industry Valuation Report.
Common Kia Telluride problems & repair costs
Warranty validity & import provenance
Kia SA's factory warranty (5yr/100k km) may not cover private imports depending on origin documentation; many insurers are reluctant to quote LHD American-market vehicles due to homologation gaps.
Severity: HighEst. repair: R0–R50000 (legal/claims risk)Common at: Any
Parts availability & sourcing delays
Telluride-specific trim and drivetrain components (roof rails, suspension bushings, transmission sensors) often require direct USA import; lead times 4–8 weeks and freight adds R3–R8k per job.
Severity: MediumEst. repair: R1500–R12000 per repairCommon at: 60k+ km
Fuel consumption burden
Real-world consumption is 10–11 L/100 km in mixed driving; at current R20–22/litre, monthly fuel costs are R4,400–R5,300 compared to R2,800–R3,500 for an equivalent turbodiesel.
Severity: MediumEst. repair: R1600–R1800/month premiumCommon at: All
Buyer's inspection checklist
🔧Engine & Drivetrain
Full service history & oil change receipts from authorised Kia or independent specialist — V6 engines benefit from consistent oil intervals; gaps suggest neglect.
Check for corrosion in door sills, wheel arches, and underneath—US-import vehicles often lack SA rust protection — American factories don't undercoat for tropical climates; rust spreads quickly in coastal areas.
Inspect all three rows of seats and door cards for wear, stains, or water damage — Family SUVs take hard use; water ingress from sunroof drains is common in high-mileage examples.
💡Interior & Electronics
Test all infotainment functions (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, backup camera, parking sensors) and climate zones — Telluride cabins are heavily wired; replacement modules are expensive and hard to source.
Verify all power windows, mirrors, and seat adjusters work smoothly, especially third-row controls — Seven-seat configurations have many electrical nodes; failures compound.
📋Service History
Request original import documentation, bill of sale from US dealer, and title transfer records to prove clear ownership — Imported vehicles can have clouded histories (salvage titles, previous accidents); clear title is essential for insurance and resale.
Confirm current insurance quote in writing before purchase—some insurers outright refuse LHD imports — Exclusion from insurance renders the vehicle unmotorable; non-negotiable gate.
mediumBrake pads, rotors, and fluid inspection; rear diff fluid top-up (AWD) — Brake fade & diff seal leaks
Every 40,000 km R1,200–R1,900
mediumCabin air filter & engine air filter replacement — Poor A/C flow & engine efficiency loss
Every 20,000 km R400–R700
Kia Telluride owner reviews
Owners praise the spacious cabin and powerful V6 engine, but are frustrated by parts scarcity and fuel costs. (62/100 owner approval)
👍
Genuinely massive interior & third-row comfort
Seven adults fit easily; legroom outmatches Fortuner and CR-V. Cargo versatility with folding seats is exceptional.
👍
V6 power & towing authority
Smooth 290 kW delivery and 436 Nm make highway cruising and caravan towing stress-free; 2,268 kg tow capacity is class-leading.
👎
Parts become impossible to source after year two
Even common items (suspension bushings, sensor modules) require USA freight; local Kia dealers often can't help.
👎
Fuel costs make long-term ownership expensive
10–11 L/100 km is a hard pill when diesel alternatives consume 6–7 L; annual fuel spend is R8–10k more than competitors.
Kia Telluride specifications
Engine
3.8L V6 naturally aspirated
Power
290 kW @ 6,000 rpm
Torque
436 Nm @ 5,200 rpm
Transmission
8-speed automatic (SHIFTRONIC)
Fuel consumption
10–11 L/100 km (mixed)
Fuel tank
79 litres
Boot capacity
1,115 L (three rows up); 2,383 L (rows 2–3 folded)
Kerb weight
2,048 kg
Top speed
190 km/h
0–100 km/h
8.2 seconds
Service interval
10,000 km or 6 months
Service plan
Not standard; Kia SA offers optional paid plans (varies by importer)
Warranty
5yr/100k km (factory); import status affects validity
Original price
US$52,600 (approximately R1,040k at 2022 exchange rates)
Frequently asked questions
A used Kia Telluride typically retails from around R720k depending on year, mileage and condition, with trade-in value around R640k. See the full pricing table above for estimates across all mileage bands.
Get a report for a specific year & mileage
Free instant report tailored to the exact Kia Telluride you're considering
All information is either scraped, searched from live sources or AI training data. It is intended as a general research guide only and may not represent actual transaction values for a specific vehicle. RideReport is not a licensed valuations provider.