The 2024 Kia Telluride remains a benchmark for three‑row family SUVs, blending a spacious cabin, strong V6 performance, and a long list of standard safety tech. Below is a comprehensive, up‑to‑date look at every angle — from powertrain specs to trim‑level value — so you can decide whether it fits your driveway in 2026 and beyond.
Front three‑quarter view of the 2024 Telluride showing its bold grille and LED lighting.
Overview
The Telluride slots into the midsize SUV segment with seating for up to eight and a cargo hold that expands to 87 cu ft behind the first row. Its boxy silhouette delivers both road presence and interior efficiency, a balance that many rivals still struggle to match. Kia’s 10‑year/100,000‑mile powertrain warranty adds a layer of confidence that is rare in this class. You can also read our guide on what is an suv.
Key highlights include a standard 3.8‑liter V6, an eight‑speed automatic, and available all‑wheel drive. Every trim receives forward‑collision warning, blind‑spot monitoring, and lane‑keeping assist — features that used to be optional on competitors. For a deeper dive into the broader SUV landscape, see the SUV basics guide.
Performance & Handling
Engine & Fuel Economy
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.8 L V6 (GDI) |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb‑ft @ 5,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 8‑speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard; AWD optional |
| EPA City / Highway / Combined | 20 / 26 / 22 mpg (FWD) |
The V6 delivers smooth, linear power that feels ample for highway merging and towing up to 5,000 lb when equipped with the tow package. Real‑world drivers often report 19‑21 mpg in mixed use, which aligns with the EPA fuel estimates. You can also read our guide on kia suv hybrid.
Driving Dynamics
The suspension leans toward comfort, absorbing potholes and expansion joints without excessive body roll. Steering is light but precise enough for confident lane changes. In practice, the Telluride feels more like a large crossover than a truck‑based SUV, making daily commutes and long road trips equally pleasant.
Interior Comfort & Space
Seating Configurations
- LX / S – Cloth upholstery, 8‑passenger bench second row.
- EX / SX – Leather‑trimmed seats, 7‑passenger captain’s chairs (optional on EX).
- SX Prestige – Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, heated second row.
All rows offer generous legroom: 41.4 in (front), 42.4 in (second), 31.4 in (third). The one‑touch fold‑flat third row and 60/40 split second row make cargo swaps painless. You can also read our guide on luxury suv comparisons.
Infotainment & Connectivity
A 10.25‑inch touchscreen runs Kia’s latest UVO interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features include:
- Navigation with live traffic
- 6‑speaker audio (12‑speaker Harman Kardon on SX Prestige)
- Five USB ports (two front, two second‑row, one third‑row)
- Wi‑Fi hotspot (subscription required)
The system responds quickly, and the physical volume knob remains a welcome tactile control. For a broader look at how SUVs are integrating tech, check the SUV evolution article.
Safety Ratings & Features
Standard & Available Safety Tech
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision‑Avoidance Assist (FCA) | Standard |
| Blind‑Spot Collision‑Avoidance Assist (BCA) | Standard |
| Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) | Standard |
| Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go | Standard |
| Highway Driving Assist (HDA) | EX and above |
| Surround View Monitor | SX Prestige only |
Crash‑Test Scores
The 2024 Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a 5‑star overall rating from NHTSA. Both agencies highlighted superior front‑overlap protection and effective pedestrian detection. See the NHTSA crash ratings for the full report. You can also read our guide on top luxury suvs of.
Trim Levels & Pricing
| Trim | MSRP (FWD) | Key Additions |
|---|---|---|
| LX | $36,390 | 18‑in alloys, cloth seats, 8‑in touchscreen |
| S | $38,690 | Roof rails, proximity key, heated mirrors |
| EX | $41,690 | Leather, power‑folding mirrors, 12‑speaker audio |
| SX | $45,690 | 20‑in wheels, panoramic sunroof, HDA |
| SX Prestige | $49,990 | Nappa leather, ventilated seats, surround‑view camera |
All prices exclude destination ($1,325). The luxury SUV showdown page compares these trims against direct rivals.
Dashboard layout with 10.25‑inch touchscreen and available premium audio.
Competitor Comparison
| Model | Base MSRP | Seating | Max Tow | Standard Safety Suite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Kia Telluride | $36,390 | 8 | 5,000 lb | FCA, BCA, LKA, SCC |
| 2024 Hyundai Palisade | $36,450 | 8 | 5,000 lb | Similar suite |
| 2024 Toyota Highlander | $37,070 | 8 | 5,000 lb | Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 |
| 2024 Ford Explorer | $36,760 | 7 | 5,600 lb | Co‑Pilot360 |
The Telluride’s advantage lies in its standard feature depth and warranty coverage. For a detailed spec sheet on the Highlander, see the 4Runner SR5 premium specs page; for the Palisade, the Rav4 XLE premium details article offers a close look at Hyundai’s sister model.
Ownership Costs & Reliability
- 5‑Year Cost to Own (Edmunds estimate): ~$53,000 (fuel, insurance, maintenance, depreciation).
- Predicted Reliability (Consumer Reports): 4/5, above segment average.
- Warranty: 10 yr/100k mi powertrain, 5 yr/60k mi basic, 5 yr/100k mi roadside.
Routine maintenance is straightforward — oil changes every 7,500 mi, cabin filter every 15k mi. The SUV assessment guide outlines typical service intervals for this class. For further reading, see nhtsa.gov.
Buying Tips
- Test‑drive all three rows — third‑row access varies by trim.
- Negotiate the destination fee — some dealers waive it on in‑stock units.
- Consider the tow package if you plan to haul; it adds a heavy‑duty radiator and wiring harness.
- Check for current incentives — Kia often runs 0 % APR or cash‑back offers that shift the effective price.
- Review the 2024 price trends report to gauge market timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key features of the 2024 Kia Telluride?
Standard V6, eight‑speed automatic, three‑row seating for up to eight, comprehensive safety suite, and a 10.25‑inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring.
How does the 2024 Telluride perform?
291 hp provides confident acceleration; the ride is tuned for comfort, and AWD adds traction without a noticeable fuel‑economy penalty.
What is the fuel economy of the 2024 Telluride?
EPA rates 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway (FWD). Real‑world mixed driving typically lands in the low‑20s.
Is the 2024 Telluride good for families?
Yes — spacious third row, abundant USB ports, top crash scores, and standard driver‑assist features make it a family‑focused choice.
Which trim offers the best value?
The EX balances leather, upgraded audio, and advanced safety (Highway Driving Assist) for a modest step up from the S.
Conclusion
The 2024 Kia Telluride continues to set the standard for three‑row SUVs with its blend of space, safety, and warranty peace of mind. Whether you prioritize daily comfort, occasional towing, or a feature‑rich cabin, the Telluride delivers on all fronts without demanding a luxury‑brand price tag.
Ready to experience it yourself? Schedule a test drive at your local Kia dealer and compare it side‑by‑side with the latest SUV coverage on our blog.