Kia Telluride owner’s manuals & service informationIndependent reference library

Kia Telluride: Trailer towing: (if equipped) / Hitches: (if equipped)

Kia Telluride rear bumper with tow hitch cover before trailer hitch installation

If your Kia Telluride is equipped with a factory-installed hitch cover, remove it before using the hitch receiver. The cover is positioned at the center of the lower rear bumper and protects the receiver when it is not in use.

To remove the hitch cover:

  1. Using a suitable screwdriver, carefully remove the two retaining clips located along the bottom edge of the hitch cover.

    Removing the lower retaining clips from the Kia Telluride hitch cover
    Close-up view of Kia Telluride hitch cover clip removal
  2. Pull the lower portion of the hitch cover outward to release the two side retaining tabs. Next, tilt the cover approximately 30 degrees and pull it downward to completely remove it from the rear bumper.

    Releasing the side tabs of the Kia Telluride hitch cover
    Removing the Kia Telluride hitch cover from the rear bumper
  3. Store the removed hitch cover together with the retaining clips in a secure location. They can be conveniently placed inside the luggage tray compartment until towing is complete.

    Storage location for the Kia Telluride hitch cover inside the luggage tray
  4. After towing is complete, reinstall the hitch cover by performing the removal procedure in reverse order, ensuring every retaining clip and tab is fully secured.

WARNING

When reinstalling the tow hitch cover, always use the proper retaining clips and verify that the cover is firmly locked into place. A loose or improperly installed cover could detach while driving and create a hazard for other road users.

NOTE

  • Always reinstall the hitch cover using the original factory clips to ensure a secure fit.

  • The rear bumper of your Kia Telluride is not designed to support bumper-mounted towing equipment. Use only a properly engineered frame-mounted hitch that attaches directly to the vehicle frame.

  • No portion of the rear license plate or rear lighting system should be obscured by the mechanical coupling device. If the hitch or coupling blocks either the license plate or rear lamps, remove or reposition the coupling device whenever it is not actively being used, unless it is specifically designed for quick removal without tools other than the manufacturer's supplied release key.

TIP

  • The tow hitch assembly and the removed hitch cover can both be conveniently stored inside the luggage tray compartment.

  • Genuine Kia trailer hitch accessories designed specifically for the Kia Telluride are available through authorized Kia dealers.

  • Replacement retaining clips are included with the vehicle's license plate bracket package should the originals become damaged or misplaced.

Trailer towing: (if equipped)

Before planning to tow a trailer with your Kia Telluride, check the applicable regulations issued by your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or other transportation authority...

Ball mount: (if equipped)

9.0 inches (228.6 mm) 2.0 inches (50.8 mm) Pin Clip Ball mount installation Loosen the two retaining screws located insi..

Other information:

Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual: Operating conditions

Basic function Smart Cruise Control operates in the Kia Telluride only when the required driving and system conditions are satisfied: The gear is in D (Drive). The vehicle speed is within the available operating range: When no vehicle is detected ahead: 5–120 mph (10–200 km/h) When a vehicle is detected ahead: 0–120 mph (0–200 km/h) Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is ON.

Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual: Wireless smartphone charging system

The Kia Telluride features a convenient wireless smartphone charging system located at the front of the center console, allowing compatible mobile devices to be charged without the need for a charging cable. Indicator Charging pad Close all vehicle doors securely and start the Kia Telluride.