Luxury, Power, or Practicality? The 2025 Telluride and Santa Fe Go Head-to-Head

 

The midsize SUV segment is packed with options, but few models have earned as much praise as the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Santa Fe. Both SUVs offer spacious interiors, cutting-edge technology, and strong reputations for reliability—plus, they come backed by an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The Hyundai Santa Fe, introduced in 2001, has been a trusted choice for families for over two decades. The Kia Telluride, on the other hand, made a bold entrance in 2019 and quickly became a favorite for its rugged styling and upscale feel. While both SUVs share a lineage, they cater to different drivers—whether you prioritize adventure-ready capability or refined family comfort here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis.

In this guide, we’ll break down key differences in pricing, performance, comfort, and reliability to help you decide which SUV best suits your lifestyle. Stay tuned for the latest insights, as we continually update our analysis to reflect the most current information available.

Winner: 2025 Kia Telluride

Reliability

A vehicle’s predicted reliability is a key factor when considering long-term ownership. Ratings from J.D. Power offer insight into how well a model is expected to perform over time, with scores ranging from 91-100 (Best), 81-90 (Great), 70-80 (Average), and below 69 (Fair).

The 2025 Kia Telluride earns a solid 86, reflecting a strong reputation for dependability. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Santa Fe comes in slightly lower at 79, signaling a decent but less impressive reliability score.

Both SUVs come with a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, ensuring peace of mind. However, the Telluride’s higher reliability rating gives it the edge for buyers prioritizing long-term durability.

Seat Comfort

Winner: 2025 Kia Telluride

For those who value spacious and comfortable seating, the Kia Telluride delivers. This three-row SUV accommodates up to eight passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in every row—something that’s especially appreciated on long drives. Premium features like heated and ventilated seats add to its upscale appeal.

The Hyundai Santa Fe also offers a three-row layout but with a maximum seating capacity of seven. While its seats are well-cushioned, the Telluride provides more space and superior comfort, particularly in the third row.

For families or anyone needing roomy, passenger-friendly accommodations, the Telluride is the clear choice.

Cargo Space

Winner: 2025 Kia Telluride

When it comes to hauling gear, luggage, or groceries, the Kia Telluride stands out with its generous cargo capacity:

• 21 cubic feet behind the third row

• 46 cubic feet behind the second row

• A massive 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat

Convenience features like a hands-free power liftgate make loading easier, especially when your hands are full.

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a respectable 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 79.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While its boxy shape helps maximize space, it still falls short of the Telluride’s superior cargo-hauling capability.

For those who need versatility and ample storage, the 2025 Kia Telluride is the better pick.

Interior Quality

Winner: 2025 Kia Telluride

Step inside the 2025 Kia Telluride, and you’ll immediately notice its upscale feel—almost like a luxury SUV without the luxury price tag. Premium materials like quilted leather upholstery, real wood, and metal trim give the cabin a high-end atmosphere, even on mid-level trims. Soft-touch surfaces and a well-thought-out design add to its refined, comfortable interior.

The Hyundai Santa Fe, while modern and well-appointed, doesn’t quite match the Telluride’s premium feel. It offers soft-touch materials, contrast stitching, and wood-look accents on higher trims, but the overall ambiance leans more functional than upscale.

For buyers looking for a high-end cabin experience at a competitive price, the Telluride is the clear winner in interior quality.

Interior Features

Winner: 2025 Kia Telluride

The Telluride is loaded with features that enhance convenience, usability, and technology. A standard 12.3-inch touchscreen provides an intuitive interface, while physical controls for key functions ensure easy operation—even while driving.

The Hyundai Santa Fe also boasts a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, but its touch-sensitive controls can be less responsive than the Telluride’s traditional buttons. While futuristic in design, they may take some getting used to.

For those who prioritize a user-friendly, feature-packed SUV, the Telluride once again leads the way.

Off-Road Capability

Winner: 2025 Kia Telluride

When adventure calls, the 2025 Kia Telluride answers with confidence. The X-Pro trims are specifically designed for off-road excursions, featuring higher ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, a self-leveling rear suspension, and LED fog lights. These upgrades ensure that the Telluride can handle rough terrain while maintaining a comfortable ride on pavement.

The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, on the other hand, adds rugged styling but lacks the serious off-road enhancements needed for true trail capability. Without increased ground clearance or specialized suspension tuning, it’s best suited for light off-road duty rather than tackling more demanding landscapes.

For drivers who want an SUV ready for real adventure, the Telluride’s off-road-focused features make it the superior choice.

Towing Capacity

Winner: 2025 Kia Telluride

If you need a midsize SUV with strong towing capabilities, the Telluride delivers. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it ideal for small campers, boats, jet skis, or lightweight trailers.

The Hyundai Santa Fe comes close, with a maximum towing capacity of 4,500 pounds, but it falls just short of the Telluride’s more robust capability. While both SUVs can handle weekend getaways, the Telluride offers extra strength for heavier loads.

For those who frequently tow gear for outdoor adventures or road trips, the Telluride stands out as the more capable option.

Ride and Handling

Winner: 2025 Kia Telluride

The 2025 Kia Telluride strikes a near-perfect balance between ride comfort and responsive handling. Its precise steering makes maneuvering through city streets or winding back roads feel effortless, while the well-tuned suspension smooths out bumps and rough pavement, ensuring a comfortable ride for all passengers.

In contrast, the Hyundai Santa Fe prioritizes a softer ride, which can make it feel less agile. While it remains composed through corners, its light steering lacks the engaging feel that the Telluride provides.

For drivers looking for an SUV that combines comfort with confident handling, the Telluride remains the better choice.

Final Verdict: The Better SUV Is...

Winner: 2025 Kia Telluride

After comparing key factors, the Kia Telluride comes out on top, delivering more space, better road manners, and a more premium feel than the Santa Fe.

Experience the ultimate blend of comfort, capability, and adventure with the 2025 Kia Telluride! Whether you're packing up for a family road trip or towing your gear for a weekend getaway, the Telluride delivers spacious luxury, smooth handling, and rugged power in one unbeatable package. Step inside its premium cabin, explore its cutting-edge technology, and feel the confidence of its off-road-ready performance. 

Don’t just take our word for it—schedule your test drive today and see why the Telluride is built for every journey!

Stylish, Sustainable, Supreme: Why the 2025 Kia EV9 Vigilantly Leads the Pack

 

At Jim Butler Kia, we couldn’t be prouder to showcase the 2025 Kia EV9—a true standout in the world of family-oriented SUVS! It’s no wonder this remarkable vehicle has earned its place as an Edmunds Top Rated winner for another year! With its perfect blend of spaciousness, cutting-edge design, and affordability, the EV9 is redefining what a three-row electric SUV can be.

Why Choose the Kia EV9?

The EV9 checks every box. It offers the versatility and utility families need, paired with an upscale design inside and out—all without breaking the bank. While other three-row electric SUVs may exist, none deliver the same level of thoughtfulness and quality at this price point. Not to mention, it provides a smooth, confident driving experience that’s as enjoyable as it is comfortable.

For families ready to embrace electric power, the EV9 is simply unmatched. It’s stylish, practical, and built for those who demand both performance and comfort on the road.

An Interior That Delivers

Step inside the EV9, and you’ll see why it continues to shine. The spacious interior rivals that of vehicles costing far more, and the craftsmanship is second to none. Kia has nailed the perfect balance of modern tech and usability, with physical controls for everyday essentials and a software system that feels intuitive from the start.

A Unique Offering in the Electric SUV Market

In a sea of electric SUVs, the 2025 Kia EV9 stands out as one of the very few offering three-row seating from a trusted mainstream brand. Think of it as an electric reimagining of Kia’s award-winning Telluride, with all the family-friendly features you love—now powered by the future of driving.

Performance That Delivers Beyond Expectations

With an 8.5/10 performance rating, the Kia EV9 offers a driving experience that’s as exhilarating as it is reliable. While the entry-level Light trim provides smooth and steady power, the higher trims, like the GT-Line, truly steal the show. Our test model launched from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds—a remarkable feat for a full-size SUV.

But it’s not just about speed. The EV9 boasts excellent braking performance, giving you confidence in emergency situations, and its handling feels secure and composed even on winding roads. Daily driving is a breeze, thanks to smooth acceleration and adjustable regenerative braking, including a convenient one-pedal driving mode that makes urban stops and starts effortless.

Unmatched Comfort for Every Passenger

The front seats are highly adjustable, with excellent heating, cooling, and even massage functions to keep you refreshed on long drives. For second-row passengers, the optional captain’s chairs rival the front seats in comfort and versatility, making naps or road trip relaxation an absolute delight.

Even the third-row seating confines are a pleasant surprise, offering more space and support than competitors. Combine this with an impressively smooth ride that absorbs bumps like a dream and a cabin that stays whisper-quiet even at highway speeds, and you’ve got a vehicle built to keep everyone happy.

Spacious, Thoughtful Interior Design

The Kia EV9 is designed to fit your life with a thoughtfully crafted interior. The cabin is exceptionally roomy, offering comfortable seating for adults in all three rows. Easy access stands out, with low step-in heights and large door openings for the front and second rows. While third-row access isn’t quite as effortless as the Telluride, it still surpasses most SUVs in this class.

Outward visibility is excellent, making tight spots and tricky maneuvers easier. The available 360-degree camera system is an invaluable tool for navigating tight parking spaces.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Versatile Storage

We’re proud to highlight the advanced features and practical versatility of the 2025 Kia EV9. Designed to make every drive easier, safer, and more enjoyable, the EV9 seamlessly blends modern technology with family-friendly storage solutions.

Technology That Keeps You Ahead

The Kia EV9 is packed with advanced technology designed to elevate every drive. For music lovers, the premium Meridian audio system creates an immersive listening experience, making every journey feel like a private concert. Plus, the built-in navigation system ensures you’re always on the right path, providing dependable guidance even in areas with limited cell service. The EV9 is truly engineered to keep you connected, entertained, and confident on the road! 

Stay effortlessly connected with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—bringing your favorite apps, music, and navigation right to your fingertips, all without the hassle of cords. It's seamless, smart, and ready to keep you in the groove!

When it comes to driver assistance, the EV9 truly shines. Features like adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set speed and adjusts for traffic ahead, and an exceptional lane-keeping system make driving less stressful. Family-oriented extras, such as a driver attention monitor and a safety feature to prevent rear doors from opening into traffic, add peace of mind to your journeys.

Storage for Every Need

Practicality is a hallmark of the Kia EV9, and it earns another solid 8.5/10 for storage. With 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 43.5 cubic feet when the third row is folded, the EV9 offers ample room for everyday errands or weekend getaways. Need even more? Fold down all the rear seats to access a generous 81.7 cubic feet of storage space.

Inside, you’ll find plenty of cupholders and storage bins for small items, keeping the cabin organized and clutter-free.

For families with young kids, the EV9 is a standout. Every rear seat is equipped with LATCH anchors and rear top tethers, making child seat installation quick and secure.

Ready for Adventure

The Kia EV9 is built for more than just daily driving—it’s ready for the road less traveled. With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, it outshines many other electric SUVs. Whether you’re towing a small camper, boat, or trailer, the EV9 is up for the challenge.

Range and Efficiency That Impress

When it comes to energy efficiency, the EV9 stands strong. Using just 35.7 kWh of electricity for every 100 miles, it outshines competitors like the Rivian R1S (47.4 kWh/100 miles). Though it uses a bit more power than smaller EVs like the Tesla Model Y Long Range (26.2 kWh/100 miles), it remains highly efficient for a spacious three-row SUV.

The EV9 truly excels in charging. Under ideal conditions, its battery can recharge from 10% to 80% in a mere 24 minutes at a fast-charging station. That translates to adding about 543 miles of range per charging hour, making it one of the fastest-charging SUVs available. With this quick-charge capability, you can confidently tackle long trips with minimal downtime.

Value That Goes Above and Beyond

We know value is about more than just the price tag—it’s about what you get for your investment. The Kia EV9 delivers exceptional value through its impressive build quality, premium materials, and top-tier amenities. Higher trims feel downright luxurious, while even the base Light trim offers great affordability without compromising core features.

Kia also backs the EV9 with one of the industry’s best warranties: a 10-year/100,000-mile limited warranty that includes the battery. On top of that, Kia offers free fast charging up to 1,000 kilowatt-hours on the Electrify America network, saving you even more while enhancing convenience.

Why the Kia EV9 is a Must-Drive

The Kia EV9 is shaking up the game, blending futuristic design with powerhouse performance. With its remarkable range, next-level efficiency, and unbeatable value, this is the electric SUV you’ve been waiting for. Swing by Jim Butler Kia today and find out why the EV9 is turning heads and making waves!