The 2024 Kia Telluride arrives as the final model year before a substantial redesign, carrying forward the formula that made it a three-time MotorTrend SUV of the Year finalist. It remains a three-row benchmark — blending genuine luxury appointments with family-hauling practicality at a price that undercuts German rivals by $15,000–$25,000. Below, we break down every specification, real-world implication, and trim-level nuance so you can decide whether the outgoing generation still earns a spot in your driveway.
Second-row captain's chairs on EX and above trims — heated, ventilated, and sliding for third-row access.
Quick Specs Overview
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.8 L naturally aspirated V6 (GDI) |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC® manual mode |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard; AWD optional (center-locking differential) |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lb (with factory tow package) |
| Payload | 1,367–1,482 lb depending on trim |
| Seating | 7 (captain's chairs) or 8 (bench) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (FWD/AWD) | 20/26/22 / 19/24/21 mpg city/hwy/combined |
| Fuel Tank | 18.8 gal (regular unleaded) |
| Cargo Volume (behind 3rd/2nd/1st row) | 21 / 46 / 87 cu ft |
Powertrain & Performance Deep Dive
The 3.8 L Lambda II V6 carries over unchanged — and that's a strength. Without turbo lag or complex hybrid integration, throttle response feels linear and predictable. In practice, the 0–60 mph sprint takes roughly 7.2 seconds (FWD) or 7.5 seconds (AWD), adequate for merging but not sporty. The 8-speed automatic hunts occasionally on steep grades; engaging Sport mode or the manual gate holds gears longer and reduces shift busyness. You can also read our guide on history of suv.
A common mistake is assuming the AWD system behaves like a truck-based 4×4. It's a front-biased, on-demand setup that routes up to 50 % torque rearward when slip is detected. The center-locking differential (activated via the "Lock" button below 25 mph) splits torque 50/50 for loose surfaces — useful on snow-covered boat ramps, not rock crawling.
Pro tip: If you rarely encounter snow or unpaved launch ramps, FWD saves 150 lb, returns 1–2 mpg better combined, and costs roughly $1,800 less.
Towing & Payload Real-World Capability
The 5,000 lb tow rating requires the factory tow package (hitch receiver, 7-pin wiring, transmission cooler, and self-leveling rear suspension on SX trims). Without it, the limit drops to 3,500 lb. Real-world trailer weights include:
- Small travel trailer (dry ~3,800 lb) — well within capacity; expect 11–13 mpg combined while towing.
- Dual-axle boat + trailer (~4,500 lb) — manageable but leaves little payload margin for passengers and gear.
- Payload reality check: With seven occupants (avg. 150 lb each), you have ~300–400 lb left for cargo before hitting the GVWR. Weigh your loaded rig at a CAT scale before a long trip.
Interior Space, Comfort & Versatility
Kia's "first-class" second-row captain's chairs (standard EX and up) slide 3.1 inches fore/aft and recline 26°. Third-row knee room measures 31.4 inches — tight for adults on multi-hour trips, but competitive for the segment. The one-touch Walk-in® lever tilts and slides the second row forward even with a child seat installed (LATCH anchors remain accessible). You can also read our guide on invention of suv.
Cargo flexibility shines: 60/40 split-folding third row, 40/20/40 split second row, and a flat load floor when both rows are folded. Hidden under-floor bins secure valuables. Compared to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's cargo versatility, the Telluride offers 40 % more maximum volume.
Wolf Gray SX with 20-inch machine-finish alloys and full-LED lighting — standard on SX and SX-Prestige.
Technology & Infotainment System
A 12.3-inch touchscreen (standard across the range) runs Kia's latest ccNC interface — wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and a customizable home screen. The SX-Prestige adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display. Harman Kardon 10-speaker audio (EX and up) delivers clear imaging; the base 6-speaker unit is merely acceptable. You can also read our guide on top luxury suvs of.
Wireless charging pad (EX+) outputs 15 W — enough for most phones with cases. Four USB-C ports (two front, two second-row) and a 12 V outlet cover charging needs. Rear-seat entertainment is not factory-available; aftermarket headrest mounts integrate cleanly.
Safety Systems & Crash-Test Results
Every 2024 Telluride includes Kia Drive Wise: forward collision-avoidance assist (pedestrian/cyclist/junction-turning detection), lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, safe-exit assist, and adaptive cruise with stop-and-go. Highway Driving Assist 2 (SX/SX-Prestige) adds hands-on lane-centering and automated lane changes. You can also read our guide on luxury suv comparisons.
The IIHS awarded Top Safety Pick+ (best headlights on SX/SX-Prestige; acceptable on lower trims). NHTSA granted a 5-star overall rating. In practice, the blind-spot intervention can tug the wheel abruptly on narrow rural lanes — most owners dial sensitivity to "Early" in the menu.
Regulatory note: All 2024 models meet FMVSS 208/214/301 standards. For the latest recall status, check NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Trim Levels Compared
| Trim | Starting MSRP (2024) | Key Additions Over Previous |
|---|---|---|
| LX | $37,355 | 18″ alloys, 8-pass bench, cloth, 6-speaker, FWD |
| S | $40,155 | 20″ alloys, roof rails, smart power liftgate, heated front seats, 12.3″ cluster |
| EX | $44,255 | Captain's chairs, leather, ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon, wireless charging, power-folding 3rd row |
| SX | $47,355 | 20″ dark alloys, LED headlights, HUD, self-leveling suspension, surround-view monitor, Highway Driving Assist 2 |
| SX-Prestige | $51,155 | Nappa leather, quilted door panels, 2nd-row ventilation, rain-sensing wipers, premium interior lighting |
Value sweet spot: EX AWD ($46,055) delivers the captain's chairs, ventilated seats, and premium audio most buyers want without the SX's $3,100 premium for styling and HUD. You can also read our guide on kia suv hybrid.
Fuel Economy & Running Costs
EPA combined ratings: 22 mpg (FWD) / 21 mpg (AWD). Real-world mixed driving typically lands 19–21 mpg. At 15,000 miles/year and $3.50/gal regular, expect $2,500–$2,750 annual fuel cost. Maintenance follows Kia's 7,500-mile/12-month schedule; the first three services are complimentary. The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (transferable to subsequent owners) remains a segment standout — see how it compares to Toyota's premium-brand coverage philosophy.
Exterior Colors & Wheel Options
Ten exterior colors for 2024:
| Color | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Everlasting Silver | All trims | Metallic, hides dust well |
| Gravity Gray | All trims | Darker metallic, popular resale |
| Wolf Gray | S, EX, SX, SX-P | Exclusive to mid/upper trims |
| Dark Moss | EX, SX, SX-P | Green-teal shift, unique |
| Black Cherry | SX, SX-P | Deep red-metallic, premium feel |
| Snow White Pearl | All trims | $395 extra, crisp contrast |
| Ebony Black | All trims | Standard non-metallic |
| Sangria | LX, S only | Bright red, no-cost |
| Jungle Juice | LX, S only | Yellow-green, rare on lots |
| Pacific Blue | LX, S only | Muted blue, no-cost |
Wheel sizes: 18″ (LX), 20″ machine-finish (S, EX), 20″ dark-painted (SX, SX-P). All-season tires standard; no factory all-terrain option.
How It Stacks Up Against Key Rivals
| Competitor | Base Price | 3rd-Row Room | Tow Max | Hybrid? | Notable Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Kia Telluride | $37,355 | Best in class | 5,000 lb | No | Value, warranty, standard features |
| 2024 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium | $44,620 | Tight | 5,000 lb | No | Body-on-frame durability, off-road cred |
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE Premium | $34,850 | None (2-row) | 1,750 lb | Yes | 39 mpg combined, lower entry price |
| 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport | $42,990 | Good | 5,000 lb | No | Torque-vectoring AWD, trail tuning |
| 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy | $50,895 | Comparable | 5,000 lb | No | Slightly richer interior, longer warranty |
The Telluride remains the family-hauler value leader. If you need body-on-frame towing confidence, the 4Runner's platform justifies its premium. If fuel economy trumps space, the RAV4 Hybrid cuts running costs dramatically.
Pricing, Value & 2026 Market Context
As of early 2026, the 2024 model year is no longer in new-stock production. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) examples with 15,000–30,000 miles list $34,000–$42,000 depending on trim — a 15–20 % depreciation drop from original MSRP. Kia's CPO program adds 1-year/12,000-mile platinum coverage atop the remaining factory warranty.
New-car inventory has shifted to the redesigned 2025 Telluride (larger, turbo-2.5 L standard, hybrid coming 2026). If you want the proven V6 and a discount, a leftover 2024 or low-mile CPO is the play. For broader market trends, see whether SUV prices are softening this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2024 Kia Telluride use?
A 3.8 L naturally aspirated V6 producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft, paired exclusively with an 8-speed automatic.
Can the 2024 Telluride tow 5,000 pounds?
Yes — only with the factory tow package (standard on SX/SX-Prestige, optional on LX/S/EX). Without it, the limit is 3,500 lb.
How many people does it seat?
Seven with captain's chairs (EX and up) or eight with the second-row bench (LX/S). Third row fits two adults for short trips.
What safety ratings did it earn?
IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (best headlights on SX/SX-P) and NHTSA 5-star overall.
Does it require premium fuel?
No. Regular unleaded (87 octane) is specified — unlike some German luxury SUVs that mandate premium.
What is the cargo space behind the third row?
21 cubic feet — enough for a double stroller or four carry-on suitcases.
Is there a hybrid version?
Not for 2024. A hybrid powertrain arrives with the redesigned 2026 model year.
What warranty coverage applies?
5-year/60,000-mile basic, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain (transferable), 5-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation, and 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance.
Conclusion
The 2024 Kia Telluride exits its generation as the most complete three-row value proposition on the market — spacious, safe, well-equipped, and backed by an industry-leading warranty. Its naturally aspirated V6 avoids turbo complexity, and the available AWD system handles snow and boat ramps competently. The main compromises: mediocre fuel economy, no hybrid option yet, and a third row best reserved for kids.
If you're shopping a 2024 (new leftover or CPO), target an EX AWD for the optimal feature-to-price ratio. Cross-shop the Palisade Calligraphy if you prefer a slightly plusher cabin, or the 4Runner if body-on-frame durability ranks higher than daily comfort. Whichever you choose, schedule a long test drive with your family and typical cargo — the Telluride's ergonomics either click immediately or they don't.
Ready to compare real-world pricing? Check current CPO listings at your local Kia store and bring your trade-in for an on-the-spot appraisal.