The 2024 Kia Telluride SX AWD remains one of the most compelling three-row SUVs on the market, even as the 2025 refresh approaches. Its blend of rugged styling, genuine all-weather capability, and near-luxury interior appointments makes it a default recommendation for families who need space without sacrificing driving enjoyment. Having spent considerable time behind the wheel of this generation, the SX trim hits a sweet spot: standard all-wheel drive, a distinctive 20-inch wheel design, and a feature set that covers 90 percent of what buyers actually use daily. Below is a thorough breakdown of what the 2024 model delivers, where it excels, and the few compromises worth knowing before you sign.
Powertrain, Performance, and Real-World Driving Dynamics
Every 2024 Telluride uses the same 3.8-liter Lambda II V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic. Output stands at 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque — figures that feel conservative on paper but translate to confident passing power and a 0-60 mph time in the low-7-second range. The SX AWD adds a torque-vectoring center differential that can send up to 50 percent of torque to the rear axle, plus selectable drive modes (Smart, Eco, Sport, Snow, Lock) that adjust throttle mapping, shift points, and AWD bias. You can also read our guide on history of suv.
In practice, the powertrain feels relaxed around town; the transmission hunts for top gear early to protect fuel economy, so a firm prod or a paddle pull is sometimes needed for quick merges. On the highway, the V6 settles into a quiet cruise at 2,000 rpm / 75 mph. The AWD Lock mode (below 25 mph) proved valuable on a snow-packed mountain pass last winter — front-end scramble disappeared, and the rear end helped push through deep ruts without drama. Towing capacity holds at 5,000 pounds with the factory tow package (included on SX), but tongue weight is limited to 750 pounds, so a weight-distributing hitch is mandatory for larger travel trailers.
| Specification | 2024 Telluride SX AWD |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.8L DOHC V6 (Lambda II) |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic w/ paddle shifters |
| Drivetrain | AWD w/ torque-vectoring center diff |
| EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined) | 19 / 24 / 21 mpg |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs (w/ tow package) |
| Curb Weight | ~4,480 lbs |
| Ground Clearance | 8.0 in |
EPA figures sourced from fueleconomy.gov; real-world mixed driving typically lands 1–2 mpg lower.
Exterior Design: Evolution Over Revolution
The 2024 model carries forward the 2023 facelift: revised tiger-nose grille with "star map" LED daytime running lights, reshaped front bumper with vertical air curtains, and new 20-inch alloy wheels exclusive to SX. Wolf Gray (shown above) and the new Cityscape Green replace outgoing colors. Dimensions are unchanged — 197 in long, 78 in wide, 69 in tall — so garage fitment remains identical to earlier models. You can also read our guide on invention of suv.
Wolf Gray SX AWD showing star-map DRL signature and 20-inch machine-finished alloys.
A practical detail: the hands-free smart power liftgate now opens higher (adjustable via infotainment), clearing low garage doors — a frequent complaint on pre-2023 units.
Interior Comfort, Packaging, and Material Quality
Step inside and the SX differentiates itself with quilted Nappa leather seating surfaces, a 12-way power driver’s seat (4-way lumbar), ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs (standard on SX, reducing capacity to seven), and a heated steering wheel. Third-row headroom measures 38.1 inches — adequate for adults on trips under two hours. Legroom back there is 31.4 inches; sliding the second row forward adds another 3 inches but compromises middle-row comfort. You can also read our guide on top luxury suvs of.
Cargo volume behind the third row is 21 cubic feet (enough for four carry-on suitcases), expanding to 46 cubes with row three folded and 87 cubes with both rear rows flat. The load floor is nearly flat when folded, but a 2-inch step remains at the seatback hinge — worth noting if you slide heavy boxes in regularly.
Quilted Nappa leather, 12.3-inch dual-screen layout, and panoramic sunroof on SX trim.
Seating configuration quick-reference
| Row | SX Standard | SX-Prestige Option |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heated/ventilated, 12-way driver, 4-way passenger power | Adds passenger memory, Ergo Motion bolstering |
| 2 | Heated captain’s chairs (7-pass) | Heated/ventilated captain’s chairs |
| 3 | 60/40 split-fold, manual recline | Power-fold (button in cargo area) |
Infotainment, Connectivity, and Driver-Display Tech
The centerpiece is a curved 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 12.3-inch touchscreen — a single-piece glass panel that looks modern and reduces glare. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard; a wireless phone charger (15 W) sits ahead of the shifter. Navigation uses TomTom map data with over-the-air updates for three years (then subscription). You can also read our guide on kia suv hybrid.
Notable SX tech features:
- 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio (QuantumLogic Surround)
- Dual USB-C ports front, two more in row two, one in row three
- Bluetooth multi-device pairing (two phones simultaneously)
- Digital Key 2 (phone-as-key via UWB/NFC on compatible Samsung/Apple devices)
- Over-the-air updates for cluster, infotainment, and vehicle control modules
The native voice assistant understands natural language ("I'm cold" → raises temp), but it still struggles with overlapping commands. A common workaround: use the steering-wheel voice button for CarPlay/Android Auto instead of the native system when you need complex routing.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Safety
Every 2024 Telluride ships with Kia Drive Wise — a comprehensive suite that earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS (when equipped with specific headlights) and a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. SX adds Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and automated lane changes (tap the turn signal at 40+ mph). In stop-and-go traffic, HDA 2 handles full-speed-range following smoothly, though it requires hands-on detection every 15–20 seconds. You can also read our guide on evaluation of suv.
| System | Function | SX Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) | Pedestrian, cyclist, junction-turning detection | Std |
| Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) | Active braking if lane change detected | Std |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance (RCCA) | Braking for cross-traffic while reversing | Std |
| Safe Exit Assist (SEA) | Locks rear doors if approaching vehicle detected | Std |
| Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) | Lane centering + auto lane change | Std (SX) |
| Navigation-based Smart Cruise (NSCC) | Curve/speed-limit anticipation | Std (SX) |
| Surround View Monitor (SVM) | 360° camera w/ 3D view | Std (SX) |
IIHS Top Safety Pick+ applies to 2024 Telluride built after January 2024 with LED projector headlights; earlier builds receive standard Top Safety Pick. Verify build date on Monroney label.
Trim Walk: SX vs. SX-Prestige vs. X-Pro
The 2024 lineup includes LX, S, EX, X-Line, X-Pro, SX, and SX-Prestige. SX AWD starts at $46,790 (including $1,325 destination). SX-Prestige adds $4,500 for Ergo Motion driver seat, ventilated second row, power-folding third row, head-up display, and 20-inch black-painted wheels. The X-Pro (also AWD) swaps 20s for 18-inch all-terrain tires, adds a roof rack with 165-lb capacity, and unique styling — but loses the torque-vectoring differential, reverting to a simpler AWD system. For most families, SX AWD is the value anchor: you get the upgraded differential, captain’s chairs, and Harman Kardon audio without the Prestige surcharge.
Ownership Costs: Warranty, Maintenance, and Depreciation
Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile basic coverage remain class-leading. First scheduled service (oil change, tire rotation, inspection) at 7,500 miles or 12 months. Synthetic oil capacity is 6.4 quarts; dealer price ~$120–$150. Brake pads typically last 45,000–55,000 miles in mixed driving. Depreciation has been strong: three-year-old Tellurides retain ~60 percent of original MSRP, outperforming most rivals. For broader market context on where SUV values are heading, see current pricing trends.
Competitor Comparison at a Glance
| Model | Starting AWD Price | 3rd-Row Legroom | Towing | Cargo Behind 3rd Row | Notable Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Kia Telluride SX AWD | $46,790 | 31.4 in | 5,000 lbs | 21 cu ft | Torque-vectoring AWD, warranty |
| 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD | $49,245 | 31.4 in | 5,000 lbs | 18 cu ft | More upscale interior materials |
| 2024 Honda Pilot TrailSport AWD | $46,485 | 32.1 in | 5,000 lbs | 22 cu ft | Slightly roomier third row |
| 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Limited AWD | $49,015 | 33.5 in | 5,000 lbs | 21 cu ft | Hybrid max option (362 hp) |
| 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus | $54,295 | 28.7 in | 3,500 lbs | 15 cu ft | PHEV efficiency, driver engagement |
Cross-shopping the Pilot TrailSport is worthwhile if third-row adult comfort is paramount; the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max makes sense for buyers prioritizing fuel economy over towing. The Telluride’s torque-vectoring AWD and warranty remain its structural advantages.
Buying Advice: Timing, Negotiation, and Must-Check Items
- Inventory timing: 2025 models (minor refresh: new CCNC infotainment, digital key standard, updated grille) arrive late summer 2024. Expect 2024 clearance incentives by June — 3–5 percent off MSRP is realistic on SX AWD.
- Dealer adds: Watch for mandatory appearance packages (paint protection, nitrogen tires) that inflate out-the-door price. Request an itemized buyer’s order before visiting.
- Test-drive checklist: Verify HDA 2 lane-change actuation, check third-row access with a child seat installed in row two, and confirm wireless CarPlay connects within 15 seconds.
- Color/trim availability: Wolf Gray and Cityscape Green are constrained; order early if either is preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real-world fuel economy of the 2024 Telluride SX AWD?
Mixed driving typically returns 19–21 mpg. Highway trips at 70–75 mph with AWD engaged average 23–24 mpg. Cold-weather short trips can drop combined average below 18 mpg.
Does the SX AWD require premium fuel?
No. The 3.8L V6 is calibrated for 87-octane regular. Using 91+ octane yields no measurable power or economy gain per Kia engineering documentation.
Can the second-row captain’s chairs be swapped for a bench?
Not factory-orderable on SX. EX and X-Line trims offer an 8-passenger bench; SX and above are 7-passenger only.
Is the panoramic sunroof standard on SX?
Yes — dual-pane, tilt/slide front section, fixed rear glass with power sunshade.
How does the torque-vectoring AWD differ from the X-Pro system?
SX uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch pack that can vary torque split 50:50 front-to-rear and vector across the rear axle. X-Pro uses a simpler mechanical center coupling without active vectoring.
Final Verdict
The 2024 Kia Telluride SX AWD delivers a rare combination: genuine all-weather traction, a quiet and upscale cabin, and a warranty that outlasts most ownership cycles. Its V6 isn’t the most powerful in the segment, but it’s smooth, reliable, and paired with a transmission that prioritizes longevity. For families who tow occasionally, haul gear regularly, and want a daily driver that doesn’t feel like a compromise, the SX AWD remains the benchmark. Schedule a test drive this month while 2024 inventory is still deep — and bring the car seats.