How Well Does the Kia Telluride Handle Snow?

Oct 30, 2025

Are Kia Tellurides Good in Snow? Comprehensive Winter Driving Guide

When winter descends on Huntington, Ashland, and Barboursville, drivers want to feel confident on the slick, snowy roads. For residents in these areas and surrounding locations like Mason Township and Coal Grove, understanding how a vehicle performs in snow is crucial. The Kia Telluride has gained a strong reputation as a capable SUV in winter conditions, but how well does it truly handle snow and ice? From all-wheel drive systems to snow mode and tire choices, we explore every detail you need to know to prepare for winter driving in West Virginia and nearby Ohio communities.

If you’re located near 6400 US, Barboursville, WV 25504, or want to learn more, call us at (304) 736-2600 for expert advice or visit Dutch Miller Kia to explore our selection of vehicles built for winter.

Kia Telluride Snow Performance Overview: Detailed look at the Telluride’s AWD system, snow mode, and traction features that improve snowy driving.
How Do Kia Vehicles Perform in Snow?: Broader insights on Kia’s winter driving capabilities across models and technologies.
The 7-7 Rule for Winter Tire Changes: Expert guidance on when to swap winter tires based on temperature consistency.
Is the Kia Telluride AWD Always On?: Explanation of the Telluride’s AWD system operation and modes.
Functionality of Snow Mode on the Kia Telluride: How Snow Mode optimizes traction and power delivery in slippery conditions.
Telluride vs. Tahoe: Size and Maneuverability: Comparing the Telluride with the Chevy Tahoe in dimensions and driving ease.
Life Expectancy of a Kia Telluride: How long the Telluride lasts with proper maintenance and driving habits.
Most Reliable Kia Telluride Model Years: Insights into which model years offer the best dependability.
Kia vs. Toyota: Which Brand Is Better?: A detailed comparison focusing on reliability, warranty, technology, and value.

Kia Telluride Snow Performance Overview

The Kia Telluride stands out among midsize SUVs as a confident performer in snowy and icy conditions, making it a popular choice for drivers in Huntington, Perry Township, and Fayette Township who face winter weather challenges regularly.

Its available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is engineered to dynamically distribute power between the front and rear wheels, prioritizing traction where it is most needed. This torque vectoring capability enhances stability during acceleration and cornering on slippery surfaces. The Telluride’s AWD system is especially effective at adapting to changing road conditions, which is essential for drivers navigating the rolling hills and variable snowfall common in Ohio Township and Mason Township.

Complementing this is the Telluride’s Snow Mode, an intelligent drive setting that adjusts throttle sensitivity and power delivery to reduce wheel spin. When activated, Snow Mode smooths out acceleration and modifies transmission behavior by starting in second gear, minimizing torque that could cause slippage. This mode is invaluable for starting from a stop on icy roads or negotiating snow-covered inclines.

Ground clearance plays a significant role in winter capability. The standard Telluride offers respectable clearance for moderate snow, but the X-Pro trim enhances this with a slight increase in ride height, all-terrain tires, and additional off-road features. These upgrades provide better navigation through deeper snow drifts, beneficial for residents in rural areas near Delbarton or Bloom Township.

Advanced safety and control technologies further bolster winter performance. Features such as Hill Descent Control and traction control systems help maintain steady progress on slippery descents and prevent loss of control. These systems work seamlessly with AWD to give drivers in communities like Barboursville and Huntington greater confidence on challenging winter roads.

For local drivers interested in experiencing the Telluride’s snow capabilities firsthand, Dutch Miller Kia in Barboursville offers a comprehensive lineup of new and certified pre-owned Tellurides. Explore our New Kia Telluride inventory or browse Certified Pre-Owned vehicles to find the perfect SUV for winter driving.

How Do Kia Vehicles Perform in Snow?

Beyond the Telluride, Kia offers several models equipped to handle winter conditions effectively. Vehicles such as the Kia Seltos, Sorento, and Sportage all feature Dynamax™ All-Wheel Drive systems that optimize traction on snow and ice. This system actively shifts power between wheels to minimize slippage and improve grip on slick roads.

Kia models also incorporate Snow Mode or similar drive modes tailored for winter, which calibrate the engine and transmission for improved control. For example, the Sorento X-Pro includes a center-locking differential and 17-inch all-terrain tires, making it suitable for adventurous winter driving in more rural areas like Union Township or Prestonsburg.

Drivers in urban and suburban areas such as Chesapeake or Huntington can benefit from heated comfort features like heated seats and steering wheels, which are often standard or available in higher trims. These features improve driver comfort and safety by reducing distractions caused by cold temperatures.

To maximize winter driving performance, switching to proper winter tires is highly recommended. While all-season tires provide some capability, winter tires are engineered with softer compounds and specialized tread patterns that maintain flexibility in cold temperatures and provide superior traction on snow and ice. Dutch Miller Kia’s Kia Tire Store offers a wide selection of winter tires suited for your vehicle model and local weather conditions.

For residents in nearby communities such as Ironton or Greenup, considering winter tires and proper AWD-equipped Kia models can make the difference between a safe journey and a risky commute.

The 7-7 Rule for Winter Tire Changes

When is the right time to install or remove winter tires? Experienced drivers in areas with fluctuating temperatures like Walnut Township and Clay Township often follow the 7-7 rule—waiting for seven consecutive days where the daily temperature remains above 7 degrees Celsius (about 45 degrees Fahrenheit) before switching from winter tires back to all-season or summer tires.

This rule helps protect your winter tires from premature wear caused by warmer temperatures, as the rubber compounds in winter tires are designed to perform best in cold conditions. Removing winter tires too early can lead to rapid degradation, reducing their effectiveness the following season.

Conversely, installing winter tires too late risks poor traction during unexpected cold snaps or early snowfall, which is common in mountainous or northern parts of West Virginia like Fayette Township or Union Township.

Following the 7-7 rule balances tire longevity with safety, ensuring your vehicle maintains optimal grip throughout the changing seasons.

Is the Kia Telluride AWD Always On?

The Kia Telluride’s AWD system is an Active On-Demand AWD configuration, meaning it operates primarily in front-wheel drive and engages the rear wheels automatically when sensors detect slippage. This design improves fuel efficiency while providing traction when needed.

However, the Telluride also features an AWD Lock Mode that can be activated by the driver to maintain a 50/50 torque split between front and rear wheels. This mode is particularly useful for low-speed driving in challenging conditions like deep snow, mud, or sand. Importantly, AWD Lock only operates at speeds below 19 mph to prevent drivetrain damage.

Drivers in snowy regions such as Green Township or Coal Grove will appreciate the flexibility of this system, especially in rural or hilly terrain where sudden changes in traction are common.

For more technical insights or to experience the different AWD modes, visit Dutch Miller Kia at 6400 US, Barboursville, WV 25504 or call (304) 736-2600.

Functionality of Snow Mode on the Kia Telluride

Activating Snow Mode on the Kia Telluride adjusts several vehicle systems to optimize performance on slippery surfaces:

Traction Distribution: Snow Mode proactively sends torque to rear wheels to reduce delay in power delivery, enhancing grip.
Throttle Response: The throttle becomes less sensitive to prevent sudden acceleration that can cause wheel spin.
Transmission Behavior: The SUV starts in second gear instead of first, reducing torque output and enhancing control.
Power Distribution: The AWD system modifies automatic power split to better suit snow-covered roads.

Together, these adjustments make starting from a stop or climbing gentle inclines safer and more manageable. For drivers in areas like Delbarton or Prestonsburg, Snow Mode can be especially helpful during early winter mornings when roads are still icy.

Activating Snow Mode is simple through the drive mode selector on the dashboard. For additional winter readiness, pairing this with proper winter tires will maximize safety and vehicle performance.

Telluride vs. Tahoe: Size and Maneuverability

Some drivers from Huntington and Ashland neighborhoods compare the Kia Telluride to larger SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe, particularly when considering passenger and cargo space for winter trips.

The Tahoe is a full-size SUV with significantly more length (211.3 inches vs. Telluride’s 196.9 inches) and width (81.0 inches vs. 78.3 inches), offering greater cargo capacity and third-row legroom. It seats up to nine passengers compared to the Telluride’s eight.

However, the Telluride’s smaller size and unibody construction provide advantages in urban maneuverability and parking ease, which is valuable in denser areas like Barboursville or Ohio Township. The lighter frame also contributes to better fuel economy and handling on snowy roads.

Choosing between the two depends on passenger capacity needs and driving environments. The Telluride balances space and agility, making it a practical choice for many West Virginia families.

Life Expectancy of a Kia Telluride

With proper care, a Kia Telluride can last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles, translating to over a decade of dependable service for families in towns like Greenup and Coal Grove.

Key factors influencing longevity include:

Routine Maintenance: Scheduled oil changes, fluid replacements, and inspections extend engine and component life. Dutch Miller Kia offers Kia Oil Change services to keep your Telluride running smoothly.
Driving Habits: Gentle acceleration and braking reduce wear on brakes and drivetrain.
Prompt Repairs: Addressing any unusual noises or warning lights early helps avoid costly damage.
Rust Prevention: Regular washing to remove road salt in winter prevents corrosion, which is vital in snowy regions like Fayette Township.

Owners in nearby areas, including Union Township and Huntington, report long-term satisfaction with their Tellurides, especially when adhering to recommended maintenance.

To ensure your SUV stays in peak condition, schedule your routine maintenance today at Dutch Miller Kia’s Service Department.

Most Reliable Kia Telluride Model Years

For buyers in Prestonsburg, Barboursville, or other parts of West Virginia considering a used Kia Telluride, the 2023 to 2025 model years stand out as the most reliable. These model years have benefitted from refinements that addressed early recalls and improved overall durability.

While earlier models from 2020 to 2022 had minor issues such as windshield cracking and electronic glitches, the later models have fewer complaints and enhanced features like updated infotainment systems and advanced driver assistance.

Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Tellurides from Dutch Miller Kia carry the remaining factory warranty and undergo rigorous inspections, offering additional peace of mind. Browse our Certified Pre-Owned Telluride inventory to find reliable, well-maintained options.

Kia vs. Toyota: Which Brand Is Better?

When comparing brands, many drivers in Gallipolis Township and surrounding areas ask: Is Kia better than Toyota? The answer depends on your priorities.

Reliability and Warranty: Toyota’s long-standing reputation for reliability is matched by Kia’s rapid improvements and industry-leading warranty—offering 10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain compared to Toyota’s 5 years/60,000 miles. This extended warranty coverage gives Kia owners exceptional peace of mind.

Technology and Features: Kia vehicles often provide more advanced tech and safety features as standard or available options, including larger infotainment screens and driver assists. Toyota focuses on proven, reliable tech with a practical user interface.

Resale and Value: Toyota typically holds higher resale values due to brand recognition and longevity. Kia is closing the gap, especially with popular models like the Telluride and Sportage.

Choosing Kia means getting modern design, competitive pricing, and outstanding warranty support. For those in Barboursville, Ashland, or Clay Township seeking value and innovation, Kia offers compelling options.

Explore our full lineup and current Manufacturer Incentives to find the best deals on Kia vehicles.

Discover Kia’s Winter-Ready Vehicles and Service in Barboursville

Dutch Miller Kia at 6400 US, Barboursville, WV 25504 is your go-to destination for vehicles like the Kia Telluride, designed for winter’s toughest challenges. Whether you want to browse our New Vehicles or check out quality Used Vehicles, our knowledgeable team is here to help you select the perfect SUV for snow and ice.

Keep your Kia performing at its best year-round by scheduling routine maintenance at our service center. Use our convenient online tool to Schedule Service today.

Ready to trade in your current vehicle? Find out its value instantly with our Quick Quote tool.

For winter accessories like roof racks, cargo organizers, or all-weather mats, explore our Kia Accessories collection tailored for your Kia vehicle.

Stay informed and inspired by following the Dutch Miller Kia of Barboursville Blog, featuring news, tips, and community stories.

Driving safely through snow requires the right vehicle, tires, and knowledge. With the Kia Telluride’s advanced AWD, Snow Mode, and robust winter features, along with expert service support from Dutch Miller Kia, you’re well-equipped to face winter head-on across West Virginia and Ohio townships.

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