The 2024 Kia Telluride remains one of the few three‑row SUVs that genuinely accommodates eight adults without forcing the third row into a “kids‑only” zone. Its boxy architecture, generous wheelbase, and thoughtful bench design give every passenger usable hip‑room and head‑room. Below is a comprehensive look at how the Telluride achieves that capacity, how the seats feel on long hauls, and what you should weigh before signing a purchase order.
Why the 2024 Telluride Stands Out
- True eight‑person capacity – a 2‑3‑3 bench layout that meets the EPA’s “large SUV” interior volume class.
- Segment‑leading cargo flexibility – second‑row 60/40 split‑fold and a one‑touch third‑row tumble create up to 87 cu ft behind the first row.
- Standard safety suite – forward‑collision warning, lane‑keeping assist, and a rear‑occupant alert come on every trim.
- Competitive pricing – starting MSRP under $38 k positions it well against the compact SUV rival and body‑on‑frame alternative while delivering more usable space.
In practice, the Telluride’s third row is the only one in its class where a 6‑ft adult can sit upright for a two‑hour trip without knee contact.
Seating Capacity & Configuration
| Row | Seats | Type | Notable Dimensions (in.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | Bucket (driver 10‑way power, passenger 8‑way) | 41.4 legroom / 40.1 headroom |
| 2nd | 3 | 60/40 split‑fold bench, slide & recline | 38.7 legroom / 39.5 headroom |
| 3rd | 3 | 50/50 split‑fold bench, one‑touch tumble | 31.4 legroom / 38.1 headroom |
The second‑row bench slides up to 6 in. forward, granting the third row an extra 2 in. of knee clearance when needed. All three rows feature dedicated HVAC vents, and the second row includes two USB‑C ports as standard. You can also read our guide on what is an suv.
Seat Comfort & Materials
- First row – Available Nappa leather with heating, ventilation, and a 12‑way power driver’s seat (including lumbar). The bolstering strikes a balance between support and long‑distance compliance.
- Second row – Cloth on LX/S, synthetic leather on EX and above. The seat bottom extends 1.5 in. farther than many rivals, reducing thigh pressure on extended drives.
- Third row – Bench cushion is 2 in. thicker than the previous generation, and the seatback angle can be set to 23° or 27° via a discreet lever.
Heated and ventilated front seats are a standout; the ventilated function moves 30 % more air than the 2023 system, a noticeable difference on 90°F days.
Versatile Seating Arrangements & Cargo Flexibility
- People‑first mode – All rows upright, 21 cu ft behind the third row (enough for a weekend’s worth of luggage).
- Gear‑heavy mode – Fold the third row flat (one‑touch lever) for 46 cu ft; add the 60/40 second‑row split to reach 87 cu ft.
- Long‑item mode – Fold the passenger‑side second‑row seat forward while keeping the driver‑side upright, creating a 9‑ft load floor without sacrificing a rear passenger.
The cargo floor includes a reversible mat (carpet on one side, rubber on the other) and under‑floor storage bins that hold the removable third‑row headrests.
Safety Features for All Occupants
The Telluride earned a 5‑star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Key occupant‑focused technologies include:
- Advanced airbag system – 10 airbags, including a knee airbag for the driver and seat‑cushion airbags for the second row.
- Rear‑occupant alert – Ultrasonic sensors detect movement after the vehicle is locked and sound the horn.
- Blind‑spot collision‑avoidance assist – Applies braking if a lane change is initiated into an occupied blind zone.
- Safe exit assist – Prevents rear doors from opening when a cyclist or vehicle approaches from behind.
These systems work together to protect passengers in every row, not just the front.
Infotainment, Connectivity & Convenience Tech
- 12.3‑inch dual‑screen layout (standard on EX, SX, SX‑Prestige) with wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto.
- Six USB ports (two front, two second‑row, two third‑row) – all USB‑C, 45 W max output.
- Harman Kardon 10‑speaker audio (SX‑Prestige) with QuantumLogic Surround.
- Digital key – Phone‑based unlock/start via the Kia Access app, useful for families sharing the vehicle.
The interface responds within 0.3 s to touch inputs, and the voice‑recognition engine understands natural‑language commands for climate, navigation, and seat adjustments. You can also read our guide on history of suv.
Real‑World Family Use Cases
| Scenario | Seating Setup | Cargo Result | Owner Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|
| School run + groceries | 2‑3‑3 (all upright) | 21 cu ft + under‑floor bins | “Fits three backpacks, a stroller, and a week’s groceries.” |
| Weekend camping (4 adults + 2 kids) | 2‑3‑3, third row folded | 46 cu ft + roof rails | “Sleeping bags, cooler, and a 4‑person tent fit with room to spare.” |
| Cross‑country road trip (8 adults) | 2‑3‑3, second row slid forward | 21 cu ft (rear) + roof box | “Third‑row adults reported comfortable legs for 6‑hour stretches.” |
Tip: For maximum third‑row comfort on trips over four hours, add the optional second‑row captain’s chairs (EX and above) – they increase the aisle width by 3 in. and make entry/exit easier.
Pricing, Trims & Value Considerations
| Trim | MSRP (2024) | Standard 8‑Passenger Seating | Key Add‑Ons for Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $37,585 | Yes (cloth) | – |
| S | $39,785 | Yes (cloth) | Heated front seats |
| EX | $42,985 | Yes (synthetic leather) | Captain’s chairs, ventilated fronts |
| SX | $46,785 | Yes (leather) | Harman Kardon, panoramic sunroof |
| SX‑Prestige | $50,285 | Yes (Nappa leather) | All above + head‑up display |
Current market data suggests prices are softening as inventory normalizes; monitoring current market trends can help you time a deal. Kia’s 10‑year/100,000‑mile powertrain warranty remains a class benchmark. You can also read our guide on kia suv hybrid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact seating capacity of the 2024 Kia Telluride?
The Telluride seats eight passengers in a 2‑3‑3 configuration across all trims.
Does the third row have its own climate controls?
Yes. Dedicated rear‑zone vents and a separate temperature knob are standard on EX and above; LX/S receive airflow from the front system only.
Can the second‑row seats be removed entirely?
No. The 60/40 split‑fold bench is bolted to the floor, but it folds flat and slides forward for maximum cargo length.
How much cargo space remains with all seats up?
21 cu ft behind the third row—enough for a few carry‑on suitcases or a large grocery haul.
Is there a hybrid or plug‑in version for 2024?
Not for the 2024 model year. Kia has announced a Telluride Hybrid for the 2025 refresh, but details remain under embargo. You can also read our guide on best midsize suvs for.
Conclusion & Next Steps
The 2024 Kia Telluride delivers genuine eight‑person practicality without the penalty of a truck‑based platform. Its blend of spacious bench seats, flexible cargo modes, and a comprehensive safety suite makes it a top pick for families who refuse to compromise on comfort.
Ready to experience the third row yourself? Schedule a test drive at your local Kia dealer and bring the whole crew—see how the Telluride fits your daily routine and weekend adventures. You can also read our guide on evaluation of suv.
For a broader perspective on how the Telluride stacks up against premium rivals, review the premium SUV benchmarks and compare feature‑for‑feature. For a direct feature‑by‑feature breakdown, see our luxury SUV comparison guide and the latest three‑row rankings. You can also read our guide on top luxury suvs of.