It shares components and specifications with its sister model, the Hyundai Palisade, including its engine, transmission, and wheelbase.

[8] The production version Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter Lambda II V6 Atkinson cycle gasoline engine rated at 291 hp (295 PS; 217 kW) and 355 N⋅m (36.2 kg⋅m; 262 lb⋅ft), paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive.

Available equipment includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear view monitor, 630-watt 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone charging tray, and head-up display with turn-by-turn navigation, along with heated and ventilated first and second row bucket seats.

[17] The exterior was finished in dark pyrite paint and featured a squared off body riding on 22-inch rims, as well as an enlarged tiger nose grille and multiple LED headlamps, consistent with Kia's current design language (as of 2016).

[18] The car's suicide doors swung open 90 degrees in opposite directions,[19] revealing a pillarless design.

[23] In March 2024, Kia recalled over 427,000 Tellurides from 2020 to 2024 model years, due to rollaway risks which the vehicles rolls away when placed in 'P' gear.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this is because of improper assembly of the intermediate shaft and the right front driveshaft could cause unintended vehicle movement, if the driver failed to engage the parking brake.

[24] In June 2024, Kia recalled over 462,000 Tellurides from 2020 to 2024 model years, due to potential fire risk caused by the powered front seat motors which can overheat.