Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual / Driving your vehicle / Automatic Transmission (AT)

Kia Telluride: Driving your vehicle / Automatic Transmission (AT)

The Kia Telluride is equipped with an advanced 8-speed automatic transmission featuring eight forward gears and one reverse gear. The transmission automatically selects the most appropriate gear based on driving conditions, balancing fuel efficiency, smooth operation, and engine performance.

Select the desired gear position by rotating the shift selector.

For maximum safety, always keep the brake pedal firmly depressed before shifting into another gear.
Press the P button whenever you need to shift the transmission into P (Park).

Automatic transmission operation

For smooth and reliable operation of the Kia Telluride automatic transmission, always keep the brake pedal depressed when shifting from N (Neutral) into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).

TIP

During the first few drive cycles after the vehicle is new or after the battery has been disconnected, gear changes may feel slightly different than usual. This is a normal characteristic as the TCM (Transmission Control Module) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module) relearns and optimizes the shift pattern.

WARNING

Before shifting into D (Drive) or R (Reverse), always check the area around your Kia Telluride for pedestrians, especially children, cyclists, or other obstacles.

Before leaving the vehicle, always shift the transmission into P (Park), fully apply the parking brake, and switch the vehicle to the OFF position. Failure to follow these precautions may allow the vehicle to move unexpectedly.

When using manual shift mode, downshift carefully on slippery or low-traction road surfaces. Sudden engine braking may cause the drive wheels to lose traction, increasing the risk of an accident.

NOTE

To help prevent transmission damage, never press the accelerator while the transmission is in R (Reverse) or any forward gear with the brakes applied.

Do not shift from N (Neutral) or P (Park) into D (Drive) or R (Reverse) while the engine speed is above normal idle.

When stopped on a hill or incline, do not use engine power to hold the vehicle in place. Instead, keep the service brake or parking brake applied.

Do not rely solely on the transmission to keep the Kia Telluride stationary when parked on an incline. Always engage the parking brake.

TIP

If a transmission malfunction occurs, the gear position indicator on the instrument cluster may begin flashing and the Kia Telluride may not move normally. If this happens, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

ENGINE START/STOP button. Starting the engine

The ENGINE START/STOP button in the Kia Telluride illuminates whenever the front door is opened, making it easier to locate in low-light conditions. The illumination automatically turns off approximately 30 seconds after the door is closed, or immediately when the theft-alarm system is armed...

Instrument cluster display for warning message

The instrument cluster displays the following transmission-related warning messages whenever the corresponding operating condition is detected: Message Description Transmissi..

Other information:

Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual: Safe Exit Assist (SEA)

When the Kia Telluride is stationary, Safe Exit Assist helps reduce the risk of opening a door into the path of an approaching vehicle. If the system detects a vehicle approaching from the rear within the monitored warning zone while a passenger attempts to exit, it provides a visual warning, an audible alert, and other appropriate notifications to help prevent a potential collision.

Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual: 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. Advantages of TERRAIN MODE Improves straight-line stability on challenging road surfaces.