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Kia Telluride: Seats / Headrest (for front seat)

The driver's and front passenger's seats in the Kia Telluride are equipped with adjustable headrests designed to enhance both occupant comfort and overall safety.

Kia Telluride front seat headrest overview

In addition to providing everyday comfort, the headrest plays an important role in helping reduce the risk of head and neck injuries during certain types of collisions.

For maximum protection, adjust the headrest so that its center aligns with the center of gravity of the occupant's head. For most people, this corresponds approximately to the height of the top of the eyes.

Position the headrest as close to the back of your head as practical while maintaining a comfortable driving posture. Avoid using cushions or accessories that push your body away from the seatback, as they can reduce the effectiveness of the head restraint.

WARNING

Headrest removal/adjustment

  • Never drive the Kia Telluride with the headrests removed. Properly installed headrests provide critical protection for the head and neck during a collision.

  • Do not adjust the height of the headrest while the vehicle is moving. Making adjustments while driving could distract you or result in a loss of vehicle control.

NOTE

Avoid applying excessive force when raising, lowering, pushing, or pulling the headrest. Doing so may damage the adjustment mechanism.

Adjusting the height up and down

Kia Telluride front headrest height adjustment button
  1. To raise the headrest, simply pull it upward until it reaches the desired height.
  2. To lower the headrest:
    1. Press and hold the release button (1) located on the headrest support.
    2. Lower the headrest to the preferred position, then release the button.

    WARNING

    After making any adjustment, confirm that the headrest has securely locked into position. Never operate the Kia Telluride with the headrests removed, as they are an essential part of the occupant protection system.

    NOTE

    If the seatback is tilted forward while both the seat cushion and headrest are raised, the headrest may come into contact with the sun visor or other interior components.

    Kia Telluride headrest contacting sun visor illustration

Forward and backward adjustment: (if equipped)

Kia Telluride headrest forward and backward adjustment

If equipped, the front headrest can be positioned in one of three forward settings to provide improved support and comfort.

Pull the headrest forward until it reaches the preferred position.

To return the headrest to its rearmost position, pull it completely forward until it releases, then allow it to move back to the starting position.

Always adjust the headrest so it properly supports both the head and neck while driving the Kia Telluride.

Removing headrest

To remove the headrest:

  1. Recline the seatback using the manual recline lever or the power adjustment switch.
Figure 1. Type A
Kia Telluride Type A headrest removal procedure
Figure 2. Type B
Kia Telluride Type B headrest removal procedure
  1. Raise the headrest to its highest position.
  2. Press both headrest release buttons (1) simultaneously while pulling the headrest upward to remove it.
    Kia Telluride dual headrest release buttons

    WARNING

    Removing headrest

    Never allow anyone to occupy a seat with the headrest removed or installed in reverse. A correctly installed headrest is an essential part of the Kia Telluride occupant protection system and helps reduce the risk of neck and head injuries during a collision.

Reinstalling headrest

Kia Telluride headrest reinstallation procedure

To reinstall the headrest:

  1. Recline the seatback using the recline lever or power adjustment switch.
  2. Insert the headrest posts into the guide sleeves while pressing the release button (1).
  3. Adjust the headrest to the proper height for the occupant.

    WARNING

    Headrest reinstallation

    After reinstalling the headrest, always confirm that it is fully locked into place and correctly adjusted before driving. Proper headrest positioning helps reduce the risk of head and neck injuries during an accident.

Relaxion comfort seat (front seats): (if equipped)

The Relaxion comfort seats in the Kia Telluride are designed to distribute body weight more evenly and reduce pressure on areas that experience the greatest strain during extended periods of sitting...

Headrest (for rear seat)

The rear seating positions in the Kia Telluride are equipped with headrests to help improve passenger comfort and provide added protection for the head and neck...

Other information:

Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual: Intelligent Speed Limit Assist malfunction and limitations

Intelligent Speed Limit Assist malfunction Check Driver Assistance system. When Intelligent Speed Limit Assist is not operating correctly, the Master warning light () and the Intelligent Speed Limit Assist indicator light () appear on the instrument cluster.

Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual: Inside rearview mirror

Before driving, adjust the inside rearview mirror so that you have a clear, centered view through the rear window. Making this adjustment before the vehicle begins moving helps ensure maximum rearward visibility. Do not place luggage, cargo, or other objects in the rear seating area or cargo compartment if they obstruct your view through the rear window.