The 2024 Kia Telluride arrived as the flagship of a segment it helped define — three-row comfort, genuine towing muscle, and a cabin that punches above its price point. Two years later, used inventories are swelling and new-old-stock units still sit on dealer lots, making this generation a compelling value play. Below is a complete breakdown of every trim, feature, and real-world consideration so you can decide whether a 2024 Telluride fits your driveway today.
What Changed for the 2024 Model Year
Kia kept the powertrain untouched but layered meaningful tech and convenience upgrades across the range. Standard equipment now includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen (previously 10.25 inches on lower trims), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an updated Kia Connect suite with over-the-air updates. The S trim gains a power liftgate and panoramic sunroof as standard, while the new X-Line and X-Pro trims add unique styling cues and all-terrain tires without sacrificing on-road manners. In practice, the larger screens reduce glare and the wireless phone mirroring works reliably — a common frustration in earlier models. You can also read our guide on invention of suv.
Trim Level Deep Dive
| Trim | MSRP (2024) | Key Additions Over Previous Trim | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $37,355 | 12.3″ dual screens, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, 8-passenger bench, 18″ alloys | Budget-focused families needing maximum seats |
| S | $40,255 | Power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, roof rails, 20″ wheels, heated front seats | Buyers wanting daily convenience without leather |
| EX | $44,155 | Leather seating, ventilated front seats, 2nd-row captain’s chairs (7-passenger), Harman Kardon audio, smart power liftgate | Sweet-spot shoppers prioritizing comfort |
| SX | $47,855 | 20″ machined wheels, LED headlights with dynamic bending, surround-view monitor, blind-spot view monitor, head-up display | Tech enthusiasts who want every camera angle |
| SX Prestige | $51,355 | Nappa leather, quilted door inserts, 2nd-row winged headrests, rain-sensing wipers, premium suede headliner | Near-luxury experience at non-luxury price |
| X-Line | $49,255 (on SX) | Unique grille, 20″ black wheels, black roof rails, tow hitch cover, puddle lamps | Style-focused buyers who never leave pavement |
| X-Pro | $50,755 (on SX Prestige) | X-Line looks + Continental all-terrain tires, raised suspension (+0.4″), hill-descent control | Light off-road duty — gravel roads, snow, beach access |
Quick take: The EX with captain’s chairs hits the value ceiling for most families. Step to SX only if the head-up display and surround-view cameras are must-haves.
The X-Pro’s all-terrain tires and subtle lift give it a purposeful stance without degrading highway ride quality.
Exterior Design & Lighting
The Telluride’s upright proportions deliver class-leading third-row headroom (38.1 inches) and a cargo box that swallows 21 cubic feet behind the third row — expandable to 87 cubes with both rear rows folded. Every trim rides on 20-inch wheels except the LX (18s), and all receive LED headlights; SX and above add dynamic bending lights that illuminate corners at speed. The X-Line/X-Pro models swap chrome accents for satin-black trim and exclusive 20-inch designs. In practice, the wide D-pillar creates a blind spot the surround-view camera mitigates well, but a quick shoulder check remains prudent in tight parking garages.
Interior Comfort, Tech & Cargo Flexibility
Kia’s “horizontal layered” dashboard places the dual 12.3-inch screens under a single glass pane, reducing visual clutter. Physical knobs for volume and climate persist — a relief for gloved winter driving. The EX and higher trims feature a 10-speaker Harman Kardon system that handles orchestral dynamics cleanly at highway speeds. You can also read our guide on top luxury suvs of.
Cargo versatility shines: the 40/20/40 split-folding second row (bench on LX/S, captain’s chairs on EX+) and 60/40 third row fold flat with a single lever pull from the cargo area. A hidden under-floor bin secures valuables, and the power liftgate (standard S+) offers programmable height — useful for low garage ceilings.
Performance, Towing & Real-World Fuel Economy
Every 2024 Telluride uses a 3.8-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft, mated to an 8-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive adds $1,800 and a multi-mode center coupling with Snow, Mud, and Sand settings (X-Pro adds a dedicated Off-Road mode). You can also read our guide on bmw x5 vs audi q7.
| Drivetrain | EPA City/Highway/Combined | Observed Mixed Average | Max Towing |
|---|---|---|---|
| FWD | 20 / 26 / 22 mpg | 21.5 mpg | 5,000 lb |
| AWD | 19 / 24 / 21 mpg | 20.0 mpg | 5,000 lb |
Towing 5,000 lb requires the factory tow package (standard X-Line/X-Pro, optional otherwise) which includes a heavy-duty radiator, transmission cooler, and 7-pin connector. In practice, the V6 pulls a 4,500-lb travel trailer up 6% grades at 55 mph without drama, though fuel economy drops to the low teens. The 8-speed hunts occasionally on rolling hills; locking out 8th gear via the paddle shifters steadies things.
Safety Ratings & Driver-Assistance Suite
The 2024 Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS (requires LED headlights on SX/SX Prestige/X-Pro) and a 5-star overall NHTSA rating. Standard Highway Driving Assist 2 combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering that works smoothly on marked interstates. Blind-spot view monitor (SX+) projects a live camera feed in the instrument cluster when signaling — genuinely useful in heavy traffic. Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist can auto-brake if you back toward an approaching car. One caveat: the forward collision warning can be oversensitive to metal bridge joints; most owners dial the sensitivity down one notch in the menu.
How the 2024 Compares to 2025 & 2026 Models
The 2025 refresh brought a bolder grille, standard 12.3-inch screens across the board (already true for ’24), and a new X-Pro trim — essentially the 2024 X-Pro carried over. For 2026, Kia added a hands-free power liftgate to EX and above and made the digital key (phone-as-key) standard on SX Prestige. Powertrain and chassis remain unchanged. If you find a leftover 2024 SX Prestige X-Pro at a meaningful discount versus a 2026, the feature delta is negligible.
Competitor Cross-Shop: Where the Telluride Wins & Loses
| Rival | Starting MSRP | Third-Row Room | Towing | Interior Quality | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Palisade | $36,950 | Similar | 5,000 lb | Slightly quieter | Twin platform; preference comes down to styling & dealer |
| Honda Pilot | $37,585 | Tighter (3rd row) | 5,000 lb (TrailSport 3,500) | Harder plastics | Better driving dynamics; less passenger comfort |
| Toyota Highlander | $38,255 | Cramped adults | 5,000 lb (Hybrid 3,500) | Busy dash | Hybrid saves fuel; V6 feels strained |
| Mazda CX-90 | $40,970 | Snug | 5,000 lb (inline-6) | Premium feel | Driver’s choice; third row is occasional-use only |
The Telluride remains the benchmark for adult-accessible third-row space and straightforward controls — a deliberate choice Kia made over chasing sportiness. For a deeper look at how premium brands approach the three-row formula, our analysis of luxury SUV benchmarks highlights where the Telluride’s value proposition sharpens.
Ownership Costs, Reliability & Resale
Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (5-year/60,000-mile basic) leads the segment. First-year reliability data from Consumer Reports shows above-average scores for the 2024 model, with isolated reports of infotainment glitches resolved by OTA updates. Maintenance is conventional: synthetic oil every 7,500 miles, cabin filter every 15k, brake fluid every 30k.
Depreciation after three years hovers near 38% — stronger than Pilot or Highlander, aided by limited fleet sales. Current used pricing (mid-2026) for a clean EX AWD with 25k miles runs $36k–$38k, roughly 15% below original MSRP. If you’re tracking broader market trends, our recent piece on vehicle price trajectories contextualizes where three-row SUVs sit today.
Buying Guide: Which 2024 Telluride Should You Choose?
| Buyer Profile | Recommended Trim | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Family of 5–6, daily commute + road trips | EX AWD | Captain’s chairs, ventilated seats, Harman Kardon, 7-passenger comfort |
| Family of 7–8, budget conscious | LX or S FWD | Bench seating preserves 8th seat; S adds sunroof & power gate for $2,900 |
| Towing a boat/camper 10+ times a year | SX Prestige X-Pro AWD | Factory tow gear, all-terrain traction, head-up display keeps eyes forward |
| Style-focused, mostly urban/suburban | SX X-Line AWD | Blacked-out aesthetic, same feature set as SX, lower price than Prestige |
| Tech maximalist | SX Prestige | HUD, surround-view, blind-spot cameras, Nappa leather — full suite |
Pro tip: Negotiate off the out-the-door price, not monthly payment. Dealer-installed accessories (floor mats, cargo tray, wheel locks) often carry 300% markup — order OEM parts online and install yourself in 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2024 Telluride require premium fuel?
No. The 3.8L V6 is calibrated for 87-octane regular. Using premium yields no measurable power or economy gain. For a deeper dive on fuel requirements across brands, see our breakdown of premium vs. regular gasoline trade-offs.
Can the X-Pro handle genuine off-road trails?
It manages forest-service roads, packed snow, and sandy beaches capably thanks to the all-terrain tires, hill-descent control, and 8.7-inch ground clearance. It lacks low-range gearing, locking differentials, or skid plates — so rock crawling and deep mud are off the table.
How does the 8-passenger bench affect second-row comfort?
The center position is usable for children or smaller adults on short trips; the cushion is flat and the seatbelt anchors to the roof. For daily carpool duty with three adults across, the EX captain’s chairs are far superior.
Are there any known recalls on the 2024 model?
As of mid-2026, two recalls apply: (1) a software update for the electronic parking brake indicator, and (2) a rearview camera image delay in sub-zero temperatures. Both are free fixes at any Kia dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What’s the real-world range on a full tank?
The 18.8-gallon tank delivers roughly 415 miles (FWD) or 395 miles (AWD) in mixed driving. Towing cuts that to 250–280 miles — plan fuel stops accordingly.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
The 2024 Kia Telluride remains a benchmark three-row SUV because it solves the core family-hauler equation — space, comfort, safety, warranty — without demanding a luxury badge tax. Whether you land on a well-equipped EX or a trail-ready X-Pro, the platform’s fundamentals hold up in 2026.
Ready to test-drive? Call your local Kia store and request a 30-minute loop that includes highway merge, a tight parking lot, and a rough pavement section — that sequence reveals everything you need to know. If you’re cross-shopping the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid for a smaller footprint, our hands-on review details how the two-tier size difference plays out in daily life.
Clean front-three-quarter view shows the signature tiger-nose grille and LED lighting signature standard across all trims. For a broader perspective on how three-row utility vehicles evolved into today's family staples, our overview of the segment's origins traces the lineage from body-on-frame trucks to unibody crossovers like the Telluride.