Kia Telluride owner’s manuals & service informationIndependent reference library

Kia Telluride: Lighting / Lighting control

Managing the visibility of your Kia Telluride is straightforward and intuitive. The light control system, integrated into the steering column lever, provides precise operation for your headlights and position lamps, ensuring confidence and safety in various driving conditions.

The lighting control lever on the steering column of a Kia Telluride, highlighting the various settings and symbols
  1. Headlamps ON

  2. Position lamp and taillight

  3. AUTO (Automatic lighting control)

  4. OFF

To operate the lights on your Kia Telluride, simply rotate the knob located at the end of the control lever to select your desired mode.

Position Lamps and Taillights

Close-up of the light control knob positioned for activation of position lamps and taillights

When the light switch is toggled to the lamp position, the front position lamps, taillights, and license plate illumination will activate, enhancing your vehicle's presence in low-light conditions.

Headlight (Low Beam)

Knob selection set to low beam headlight mode on the Kia Telluride control stalk

By rotating the switch to the headlight position, you engage the low beam headlights along with the taillights and license plate lamp for primary nighttime visibility. Please ensure the vehicle is in the ON position to successfully activate the headlight system.

Headlight (High Beam)

High beam activation by pushing the control lever away from the driver
High beam flash function by pulling the control lever towards the driver

WARNING

High beams

To ensure safety for all road users, do not utilize high beam headlights when following other vehicles or when traffic is approaching from the opposite direction, as the intensity of the light can severely impair the vision of other drivers.

Auto light

The AUTO light setting on the Kia Telluride lever for automatic lighting management

When the switch is set to the AUTO light position, the Kia Telluride intelligent system monitors ambient lighting conditions and automatically toggles your headlights and taillights on or off, providing a seamless driving experience.

Light switch settings

Setting Result
Figure 1. Position lamp and taillight Position lamp symbol icon
Visual representation of the Kia Telluride control lever set to position lamps

Front position lamps, taillights, and license plate lamp are illuminated.

Figure 2. Headlight (low beam) Low beam headlight symbol icon
Visual representation of the Kia Telluride control lever set to low beams

Low beam headlights, taillights, and license plate lamp are illuminated.

Figure 3. AUTO light
Visual representation of the Kia Telluride control lever set to AUTO light mode

Taillights and headlights automatically cycle based on ambient external lighting levels.

NOTE

  • The system sensor (1) is positioned on the front windshield to ensure optimal performance of the AUTO light system.

    Location of the light sensor on the Kia Telluride front windshield
  • Avoid applying window cleaning agents directly to the sensor area, as residue can create a thin film that degrades detection capabilities.

  • If your Kia Telluride has aftermarket window tinting or metallic coatings applied to the front windshield, the AUTO light system may experience functional interference.

Turn and lane change signal operation

Steering column area of the Kia Telluride for signal control

For your turn signals to operate, the ignition must be in the ON position.

If an indicator light remains static or flashes with an abnormal rhythm, it typically indicates that a bulb has reached the end of its service life and requires replacement.

One-touch lane change function

The Kia Telluride features a convenient one-touch lane change function. Briefly push the lever and release it to trigger the signal to flash 3, 5, or 7 times—a perfect feature for highway maneuvers. You can customize these settings or deactivate the feature entirely by navigating through the infotainment menu: Settings > Vehicle > Lights > One Touch Turn Signal.

TIP

An unusually fast or slow flash rate is often an early warning sign of a poor electrical connection or a failing bulb within the signal circuit.

Front fog light operation (if equipped)

Front fog lights on the Kia Telluride are engineered to provide enhanced illumination during inclement weather such as thick fog, heavy rain, or snowfall, significantly improving your ability to detect road hazards.

Front fog light switch controls for the Kia Telluride

TIP

Because the fog lights place a significant demand on the vehicle's electrical system, we recommend utilizing them exclusively when atmospheric conditions genuinely require improved visibility.

Reverse guide light: (if equipped)

When the transmission is shifted into R (Reverse), the reverse lamps illuminate automatically, and the reverse guide light projects additional light onto the ground behind the Kia Telluride...

High Beam Assist (HBA)

The High Beam Assist (HBA) system on the Kia Telluride is designed to improve nighttime visibility by automatically switching between high and low beam headlights...

Other information:

Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual: Smart key

The Kia Telluride smart key combines the functions of a mechanical key with advanced remote features, allowing you to lock or unlock the doors and start the vehicle without inserting the key into the ignition. The smart key communicates wirelessly with the Kia Telluride whenever it is within approximately 33 ft.

Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual: Drive mode integrated control system. DRIVE MODE

The drive mode integrated control system in the Kia Telluride allows the driver to choose a driving mode that best matches current road conditions, the surrounding environment, or personal driving preference. DRIVE MODE You can select a suitable drive mode based on your preferred driving feel or the condition of the road ahead.