Kia Telluride owner’s manuals & service informationIndependent reference library

Kia Telluride: Driving your vehicle / All Wheel Drive (AWD): (if equipped)

The available All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Kia Telluride automatically distributes engine power between the front and rear wheels to improve traction and overall vehicle stability. This helps maximize driving performance on challenging surfaces such as steep hills, loose gravel, wet pavement, snow, mud, or other low-traction roads.

Use AWD whenever additional traction is beneficial, including when driving on slippery, muddy, snowy, or rain-soaked roads.

Whenever the system detects reduced traction, it automatically adjusts power delivery to all four wheels to help maintain control and stability.

WARNING

For X-Pro (if equipped)

Before driving off-road, carefully evaluate the terrain, weather conditions, and surrounding environment. Exercise additional caution on steep grades, uneven ground, rocky surfaces, or other difficult terrain, and always remain alert for hidden obstacles.

Continue monitoring the surrounding terrain while driving. Kia is not responsible for vehicle damage resulting from off-road operation.

WARNING

Off-road driving

Although the Kia Telluride is capable of handling certain off-road situations, it is designed primarily for on-road driving. Operating the vehicle in terrain beyond its intended capabilities or beyond the driver's experience level may result in vehicle damage, serious injury, or death.

NOTE

If the AWD warning light (Kia Telluride AWD warning indicator) remains illuminated on the instrument cluster, the AWD system may not be operating correctly. When the AWD warning light (Kia Telluride all wheel drive system warning icon) appears, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury or death:

  • Do not operate the Kia Telluride in conditions beyond its intended design limits or your driving experience.

  • Reduce speed before entering curves and avoid excessive cornering speeds.

  • Avoid sudden steering inputs such as abrupt lane changes or sharp turns.

  • Loss of vehicle control at higher speeds greatly increases the likelihood of a rollover.

  • If two or more wheels leave the roadway, avoid making abrupt steering corrections. Slow the vehicle gradually before carefully returning to the road.

Paddle shifter

The paddle shifter function allows you to manually select gears while the Kia Telluride remains in D (Drive), providing greater control during acceleration, overtaking, or when driving on winding roads and steep grades...

TERRAIN MODE. TERRAIN MODE selection

TERRAIN MODE enhances the Kia Telluride's driving capability by coordinating the AWD system, engine, transmission, and braking performance according to the current road surface, including snow, mud, sand, and other low-traction conditions...

Other information:

Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual: Forward Attention Warning malfunction and limitations

Forward Attention Warning malfunction Check forward attention warning system When Forward Attention Warning is not operating correctly, a warning message appears on the instrument cluster for several seconds.

Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual: Cup holder

Figure 1. Front (Type A) Figure 2.