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Kia Telluride: Smart Cruise Control operation / Smart Cruise Control display and control

You can effortlessly monitor the operational status of the Smart Cruise Control (SCC) system by accessing the "Driving Assist" view located within your Kia Telluride instrument cluster. For a comprehensive overview of how to customize these views, please refer to the detailed LCD display mode settings in your owner’s manual.

The system provides intuitive visual feedback on the Kia Telluride dashboard, changing its appearance dynamically based on the current functional status:

The Kia Telluride digital instrument cluster displaying active Smart Cruise Control status, speed settings, and distance to the vehicle ahead.

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  • The instrument cluster provides a dynamic visualization of the distance from the vehicle ahead, scaling the representation based on the real-time gap between your Kia Telluride and the lead car.

  • Target distances are adaptive; they adjust based on your current vehicle speed and the selected distance sensitivity level. Note that at very low speeds, such as in heavy stop-and-go traffic, the visual shift in target distance may be subtle.

  • Visual elements, including icons and color schemes, may appear slightly different depending on your chosen instrument cluster theme or specific vehicle configuration.

Accelerating temporarily

The Kia Telluride accelerator pedal being used to manually override the cruise speed temporarily.

If you need to perform a brief maneuver—such as passing another vehicle—without permanently altering your stored set speed, simply press the accelerator pedal. While you are manually overriding the speed, you will notice the set speed, distance level, and target distance indicators blink on your Kia Telluride instrument cluster to signify that you are in manual control.

Please note that if you do not maintain sufficient pressure on the accelerator pedal, the Kia Telluride will gradually decelerate to return to the previously programmed speed limit.

WARNING

Exercise extreme caution when manually accelerating. During this time, the Smart Cruise Control system does not automatically manage speed or following distance, even if there is another vehicle directly ahead of you. You must remain fully engaged in the driving task.

Based on Driving Style operating

Display on the Kia Telluride cluster confirming the 'Based on Driving Style' cruise control mode is active.

When the "Based on Driving Style" feature is enabled in your Kia Telluride, the instrument cluster displays your set distance level and target gap in white. The system intelligently adjusts these metrics to better align the cruise control's behavior with your personal preferences for acceleration and following distance.

Temporarily canceling Smart Cruise Control

Alert message on the Kia Telluride instrument cluster indicating that Smart Cruise Control has been deactivated.
  1. Smart Cruise Control deactivated

Should the Smart Cruise Control system automatically cancel due to changing conditions, you will be alerted by a visual warning message on the instrument cluster accompanied by an audible chime.

The system will automatically trigger a temporary cancellation under the following scenarios:

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If Smart Cruise Control cancels while your Kia Telluride is at a complete standstill, the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) may automatically engage to secure the vehicle.

WARNING

Once Smart Cruise Control is canceled, the system no longer maintains the distance to the vehicle ahead. Always keep your eyes on the road and be prepared to apply the brake pedal immediately to reduce speed and ensure a safe following distance.

Smart Cruise Control conditions not satisfied

Warning display on the Kia Telluride cluster showing that cruise control conditions are not currently met.
  1. Smart Cruise Ctrl. conditions not met

If you attempt to activate the system via the Driving Assist button or the control switches while the necessary conditions are not met, the Kia Telluride will issue a warning message on the cluster and emit an audible alert to notify you that the function cannot be engaged.

In traffic

Instrument cluster prompt in the Kia Telluride instructing the driver to use the switch or pedal to resume driving in traffic.
  1. Use switch or pedal to accelerate

In heavy traffic, the system will bring your Kia Telluride to a complete stop if the vehicle ahead does so. If the lead car begins moving again, your vehicle will automatically follow. However, after a prolonged stop, you will need to re-engage the system by lightly pressing the accelerator pedal or pushing the control switches on the steering wheel to begin moving again.

NOTE

  • When the Highway Driving Assist (HDA) feature is engaged, the automatic departure window is extended to provide a smoother experience in highway congestion.

  • If your vehicle features an interior driver-monitoring camera, the automatic departure timing may be further optimized based on your eye gaze and focus on the road ahead.

  • Automatic departure might not trigger if you are wearing sunglasses or if the interior sensor is unable to clearly detect your gaze.

Warning road conditions ahead

Kia Telluride warning display alerting the driver to watch for surrounding vehicles or objects on the road.
  1. Watch for surrounding vehicles

Should the system detect surrounding vehicles or specific hazards, your Kia Telluride will provide both a visual alert and an audible chime to ensure you are prepared for the evolving road conditions ahead.

WARNING

  • Always remain vigilant for vehicles or objects that might suddenly enter your path. Be prepared to manually apply the brake pedal to ensure your Kia Telluride maintains a safe following distance.

  • Smart Cruise Control is an assistance system, not a replacement for attentive driving. You are ultimately responsible for managing your speed and distance.

  • The system may struggle with sudden or complex traffic scenarios; prioritize your own judgment of the driving environment.

  • Keep the Smart Cruise Control system OFF when not in use to prevent accidental activation.

  • Never exit the Kia Telluride or open any doors while the Smart Cruise Control is active, even if the vehicle is currently stationary.

  • Maintain consistent awareness of your target speed and the gap between you and the car ahead.

  • Match your following distance to current weather and road conditions; high speeds paired with short distances can lead to dangerous situations.

  • If the vehicle ahead abruptly leaves your lane, the system may accelerate quickly to regain your set speed; stay alert for changing traffic.

  • Expect minor speed fluctuations when traveling on inclines or downhill gradients.

  • Be prepared for vehicles that cut into your lane unexpectedly.

  • When towing, the Kia Telluride may experience more frequent gear shifts and higher RPMs, which can influence how the cruise system performs; drive with extra caution.

  • Disable Smart Cruise Control if your vehicle is being towed.

  • Performance can be hampered by areas with intense electromagnetic interference.

  • The system may occasionally fail to detect obstacles; always look ahead to prevent potential collisions.

  • Heavily loaded vehicles or steep terrain make it harder for the system to manage speed; intervene manually with the brake when necessary.

  • Vehicles that frequently weave between lanes can confuse the system's reaction timing; always drive defensively.

  • Do not rely solely on dashboard alerts; always monitor the road directly.

  • Warning sounds or messages may be suppressed if other vehicle warnings are currently active.

  • High ambient noise levels may make the warning chimes difficult to hear.

  • The manufacturer is not liable for accidents or traffic violations resulting from system usage.

  • Always ensure your set speed adheres to local traffic regulations.

  • Changes in your driving habits can influence how the system interprets distance, acceleration, and reaction times.

WARNING

  • Allow the system time to learn your driving behavior—including your typical acceleration patterns and reaction speeds—by driving the Kia Telluride under normal conditions.

  • The "Based on Driving Style" feature may not perfectly represent your intent in all scenarios; monitor it closely for safe operation.

  • In severe weather such as heavy rain, fog, or snow, the system's ability to mirror your personal driving style may be limited.

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  • The system may require a few moments to calibrate after restarting your Kia Telluride or initializing the front sensors.

  • You may hear faint mechanical sounds when the system automatically applies the brakes.

  • The "Based on Driving Style" feature intentionally ignores unsafe behaviors like aggressive, rapid acceleration.

  • This setting exclusively optimizes vehicle distance, acceleration, and reaction timing based on your recorded driving patterns.

Turning on Smart Cruise Control

Press the Driving Assist button to turn Smart Cruise Control ON. The current vehicle speed is stored and displayed on the instrument cluster as the set speed...

Smart Cruise Control malfunction and limitations

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Other information:

Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual: Intelligent Speed Limit Assist settings. Speed Limit

Speed Limit Driver Assistance Speed limit Speed limit assist Speed limit warning Off While the vehicle is ON, open Setup > Vehicle > Driver Assistance > Speed Limit on the infotainment screen to configure the available Intelligent Speed Limit Assist settings.

Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual: Evasive Steering Assist function: (if equipped)

The Evasive Steering Assist function for Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist provides Emergency Steering support when the Kia Telluride detects that steering assistance may help the driver avoid or reduce the severity of a collision. Emergency Steering (Driver steering assist) Emergency Steering Emergency Steering can alert the driver with a blinking Emergency steering warning light (), a warning message, an audible warning, and steering wheel vibration.