The Best Midsize SUV Money Can Buy in 2025: Why the Kia Telluride Still Rules the Road

When people ask, “What’s the best midsize SUV money can buy?”, they usually mean: give me the one that delivers everything—comfort, space, power, tech, reliability—and still makes financial sense. As of 2025, the Kia Telluride continues to dominate that conversation.

Despite competitors flashing more luxurious badges or flashier interiors, the Telluride remains unmatched when it comes to blending premium-level features with mainstream affordability. And if you’re navigating the auto market in Nigeria, this matters more than ever. From rugged roads to high import duties, every decision needs to count—which is why the Telluride’s mix of comfort, size, and cost is so hard to beat.

Why the Kia Telluride Dominates the Segment

It’s not just about being the cheapest or the most expensive—it’s about hitting the sweet spot in-between. The 2025 Kia Telluride offers:

• A starting MSRP of $36,390 (₦55.92 million), topping out at around $53,000 (₦81.47 million) for the SX Prestige X-Pro trim.
  
• 3-row seating with generous room for 7 or 8 passengers.
  
• 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
  
• Advanced safety features like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot view monitor.
  
• A surprisingly luxurious cabin that feels more Genesis than Kia.
  

From a purely functional standpoint, the Telluride isn’t just practical—it’s exceptional.

It’s the same reason many buyers compare it to higher-end models like the Toyota Highlander, which has been one of Nigeria’s market favorites for years.

It Doesn’t Just Compete—It Wins

U.S. News & World Report gave the 2025 Kia Telluride a score of 9.5/10, ranking it as the #1 midsize SUV overall. It beats out luxury midsize contenders like the Genesis GV80 and BMW X5 on rating—despite those brands costing almost double.

KBB gave it 4.8 out of 5, and Edmunds ranked it top among 3-row midsize SUVs, especially for families. Reviewers often mention that it feels like a luxury car that just happens to wear a Kia badge.

In many ways, it follows the pattern of vehicles that score high resale value while maintaining low running costs. Our post on maintaining resale value breaks down how the Telluride hits all the right benchmarks.

Feature Breakdown: What You Get For Your Money

Let’s look at what makes the Telluride so competitive:

• Infotainment: A 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  
• Comfort: Heated and ventilated front and rear seats, dual-zone climate control, Nappa leather in higher trims.
  
• Practicality: 87 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats down, easy third-row access, roof rails for adventure setups.
  
• Performance: A naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 engine with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
  
• Fuel Economy: 20 city / 26 highway MPG—respectable for a vehicle this size.
  

This isn’t a case of “good enough.” The Telluride feels intentional. Every inch of this SUV was designed with usefulness and comfort in mind.

It Handles Nigerian Roads Better Than You Think

Anyone familiar with driving in Nigeria knows that vehicles need to handle more than just city streets. Whether it’s potholes in Lagos or waterlogged roads during rainy season, your SUV needs to cope.

The Telluride’s ground clearance and ride quality make it a solid pick. And if you’re not sure whether your SUV is up for the challenge, revisit our post: Can your car swim?.

It’s also a wise choice if you’re focused on total cost of ownership—which includes fuel costs. We’ve broken down how Nigeria’s fuel price history should affect your SUV choices.

Mainstream vs Luxury: What Are You Paying For?

If you’re shopping with the mindset of “money is no object,” sure, there are flashier options. The BMW X5, Genesis GV80, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class all offer massaging seats, twin-turbo engines, and advanced sound systems. But are they better, or just more expensive?

Reviewers on forums like Reddit consistently mention how the Telluride makes them question why they ever paid more for a German badge. Its interior rivals what you’d find in some Lexus or Audi models—without the maintenance costs.

Even TrueCar’s head-to-head between the Genesis GV80 and Kia Telluride highlights how little you actually sacrifice by going with Kia—aside from some horsepower and badge clout.

And for those leaning toward used options, you’ll appreciate how buying a Nigerian-used car that’s still under warranty (like the Telluride) offers both savings and peace of mind.

So, Who Should Still Go Luxury?

Luxury SUVs aren’t a waste of money if:

• You’re after specific tech features only found in high-end trims.
  
• You value brand prestige and image.
  
• You want top-tier materials like open-pore wood or hand-stitched leather.
  

In that case, the Genesis GV80 or BMW X5 offer compelling arguments. Just know you’re paying $20K+ more for enhancements the average person may not even notice.

You Can Do More With Less

Some people assume that spending more means better quality, but that’s not always the case. In our analysis of brands with poor resale value, many luxury models simply don’t hold up in the Nigerian market.

That’s why a midsize SUV like the Telluride gives you the best of both worlds: tech, comfort, and a smart long-term investment.

And if you’re wondering how it compares to even smaller SUVs or sedans, explore why SUVs are growing in popularity and how crossovers blur the line between practicality and luxury.

Direct Comparison Table: Midsize SUV Rankings 2025

Conclusion: What’s the Smartest Buy?

If you care about long-term value, smart features, resale, and comfort—the 2025 Kia Telluride is the midsize SUV to buy.

For under $40k (₦61.46 million), you’re getting what most buyers would consider premium-level comfort. Unless you’re chasing a luxury badge for the sake of status, the Telluride is the logical, well-rounded choice.

And in 2025, with rising inflation, increasing insurance rates, and the unpredictability of fuel costs, this level of reliability and value is exactly what most people need.

The Kia Telluride isn’t just a great SUV. It’s a smart decision.