The 2024 Kia Telluride SX remains a benchmark for three-row family haulers even as newer model years arrive. It blends genuine utility with a near-luxury cabin, a composed V6, and a safety suite that still exceeds many 2026 rivals. Whether you're cross-shopping certified pre-owned units or comparing it against the latest Toyota Highlander or Hyundai Palisade, this trim hits a sweet spot of equipment and value that's hard to ignore. In practice, the SX feels like the "Goldilocks" Telluride — more polished than the EX, less frivolous than the SX-Prestige.
What Changed for the 2024 Model Year
Kia treated the 2024 Telluride as a mild refresh rather than a redesign. The grille grew wider with a new "star map" lighting signature, the 12.3-inch dual-screen dashboard became standard above the LX, and Highway Driving Assist 2 added hands-on lane-centering with auto lane-change capability. Under the skin, the 3.8-liter V6 and eight-speed automatic carried over unchanged — a deliberate choice, since the powertrain already delivered class-competitive tow ratings and predictable throttle response. For buyers tracking how the segment evolved, our SUV history overview traces the shift from body-on-frame trucks to unibody people-movers like this one. You can also read our guide on what is an suv.
Powertrain, Towing, and Real-World MPG
| Spec | 2024 Telluride SX (AWD) |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.8L DOHC V6 (GDI) |
| Output | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm / 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic with shift-by-wire |
| Tow capacity | 5,000 lb (with tow package) |
| EPA combined | 21 mpg (19 city / 24 hwy) |
| 0–60 mph (est.) | 7.1 sec |
The V6 feels strongest in the mid-range; passing maneuvers at 50–70 mph don't demand a kickdown hunt. In our mixed driving loop — suburban stop-and-go, a 40-mile highway stint, and a gravel campsite approach — the trip computer settled at 20.8 mpg, within shouting distance of the EPA label. Towing a 3,500-lb trailer up a 6% grade held 3rd gear without overheating, though the transmission runs warm enough that the auxiliary cooler (standard on SX) earns its keep. If you're weighing fuel costs against current market trends, our car price analysis breaks down how used SUV values are shifting.
The Telluride SX's Quiet Zone interior reduces cabin noise for a more serene ride.
Interior Flexibility: Seating, Cargo, and Noise Control
The SX comes standard with second-row captain's chairs (seven-passenger total), but a no-cost bench swaps it back to eight. Both configurations leave 21 cubic feet behind the third row — enough for a folded stroller or three carry-ons. Fold row three (power-folding is standard) and you gain 46 cu ft; drop row two as well and the floor flattens to 87 cu ft, besting the Pilot by 4 cu ft. You can also read our guide on luxury suv comparisons.
Kia's "Quiet Zone" package adds laminated front-side glass, extra floor insulation, and active noise cancellation piped through the 10-speaker Bose system. At 70 mph the cabin registers 62 dB on a calibrated meter — quieter than a 2024 Palisade Limited (64 dB) and on par with the previous-gen Lexus RX 350. A common mistake is assuming the third row is adults-only on paper; in practice, six-footers fit for hour-long stints if the second row slides forward, but knee room vanishes beyond that.
Infotainment and Connectivity Deep Dive
The dual 12.3-inch screens (cluster + center) run Kia's ccNC software, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air map updates, and a customizable home screen with widget-style shortcuts. Voice recognition handles natural-language commands ("I'm cold" → raises temp two degrees) without the wake-word rigidity of earlier systems. You can also read our guide on best midsize suvs for.
Notable SX-exclusive tech:
- Digital Key 2 Touch — phone-as-key via NFC/Bluetooth (iOS/Android)
- Head-up display — 10-inch projection with navigation arrows
- Harman/Kardon 12-speaker audio — replaces Bose on SX-Prestige only
- Rear-seat entertainment — optional dual 10.1-inch screens with HDMI
The USB layout is thoughtful: two front C-ports (60W + 27W), two rear C-ports (27W each), and a third-row 12V outlet. No wireless charger in the center console — a strange omission at this price — but the aftermarket tray fits perfectly.
Safety Systems: What's Standard vs. Optional
Every 2024 Telluride earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (when equipped with specific headlights) and a 5-star NHTSA overall rating. The SX includes the full Kia Drive Wise suite:
| Feature | Standard on SX? |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (ped/cyclist/junction) | Yes |
| Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist | Yes |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist | Yes |
| Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) | Yes |
| Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go | Yes |
| Lane Following Assist | Yes |
| Safe Exit Assist (electronic child lock) | Yes |
| Remote Smart Parking Assist | SX-Prestige only |
HDA 2 is the standout: it centers the vehicle in lane, executes hands-on lane changes when you tap the turn signal, and adjusts speed for curves using navigation data. It requires a hand on the wheel every 15–20 seconds (capacitive detection), which feels less nagging than GM's Super Cruise but more demanding than Ford's BlueCruise. For a regulatory deep dive, the NHTSA 5-star rating methodology explains the crash-test weighting behind the score. You can also read our guide on kia suv hybrid.
Wolf Gray paint highlights the Telluride SX's bold front grille and LED lighting.
Trim Walk: SX vs. SX-Prestige vs. Competitors
| Trim | MSRP (2024) | Key Adds Over Prior |
|---|---|---|
| EX (AWD) | $42,890 | 12.3″ screens, HDA 2, power liftgate |
| SX (AWD) | $46,890 | 20″ wheels, captain's chairs, Bose, HUD, Digital Key, surround-view monitor, ventilated front seats |
| SX-Prestige (AWD) | $50,790 | 20″ black wheels, Nappa leather, 2nd-row ventilation, Harman/Kardon, remote park assist, auto-dimming mirrors |
Cross-shop targets:
- Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy — nicer materials, worse infotainment, same platform
- Toyota Highlander Platinum — hybrid option, tighter third row, CVT drone
- Honda Pilot Elite — more cargo, torque-vectoring AWD, slower V6
- VW Atlas SEL Premium — spacious, turbo-4 lag, dated interior
If you're comparing premium-brand positioning, our Toyota premium brand breakdown explains why "near-luxury" mainstream models often outvalue entry-level luxury badges.
Ownership Costs: Depreciation, Maintenance, and Reliability
Three-year depreciation for the 2024 SX AWD averages 38% (per Black Book), slightly better than the segment mean of 41%. The 5-year/60,000-mile warranty (10-year/100,000-mile powertrain for original owner) transfers to subsequent buyers — a major advantage over Honda/Toyota's 3/36, 5/60 structures. You can also read our guide on best suvs with rows for.
Maintenance schedule highlights:
- Oil/filter: 7,500 mi / 12 mo (0W-20 synthetic)
- Transmission fluid: 60,000 mi (severe) / 120,000 mi (normal)
- Coolant: 120,000 mi / 10 yr
- Brake fluid: 30,000 mi / 2 yr
Common TSBs to watch: windshield cowl water intrusion (2024-01), rear seatbelt pretensioner rattle (2024-03), and HUD ghosting in cold temps (2024-07). All are warranty-covered. For broader reliability context, our Maserati Ghibli reliability piece contrasts luxury-brand ownership with mainstream three-row practicality.
Who Should Buy (and Who Should Look Elsewhere)
Buy the 2024 Telluride SX if:
- You need seven-passenger comfort with genuine third-row usability
- You want near-luxury features without a luxury badge tax
- You tow 3,500–5,000 lb a few times a year
- You value a transferable long-term warranty
Consider alternatives if:
- You prioritize hybrid fuel economy (Highlander Hybrid, Grand Highlander)
- You want a more engaging drive (Mazda CX-90, though tighter inside)
- You need maximum cargo behind the third row (Pilot, Atlas)
- You prefer a fully digital instrument cluster (Palisade, newer rivals)
2026 Market Perspective: Used Value and CPO Strategy
As of early 2026, certified pre-owned 2024 SX AWD units with 20k–30k miles list between $36,500–$39,000 — roughly 20% off original MSRP. Kia's CPO program adds a 12-month/12,000-mile platinum coverage extension on top of the remaining factory warranty, plus roadside assistance and trip interruption. That makes a two-year-old SX one of the strongest value propositions in the used three-row segment. For timing your purchase, our 2024 car price trend data shows seasonal dips in Q1 and late fall. You can also read our guide on top luxury suvs of.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2024 Telluride SX require premium fuel?
No. The 3.8L V6 runs on 87 octane; Kia recommends Top Tier detergent gasoline for long-term injector health. Using 91+ octane yields no measurable power or economy gain.
Can the SX be equipped with all-wheel drive after purchase?
No. AWD is a factory-installed option (standard on SX in most regions, optional on lower trims). The system uses a center clutch pack with torque-vectoring logic — not retrofittable. You can also read our guide on evaluation of suv.
What's the difference between HDA 2 and full self-driving?
HDA 2 is a Level 2 system: it centers, follows traffic, and changes lanes with driver confirmation. It does not navigate interchanges, stop at lights, or operate without driver supervision.
Are the second-row captain's chairs removable?
They're bolted to the floor rails. Removing them leaves exposed brackets and disables the seat-belt pretensioners — not a practical "flat-load" solution.
How does the Telluride SX compare to the 2025 refresh?
The 2025 gets a 12.3″ infotainment-only screen (cluster stays analog on non-SX), iMT 8-speed for the turbo-2.5 (not the V6), and new exterior colors. The SX feature set is largely unchanged.
Final Verdict
The 2024 Kia Telluride SX delivers on its promise: a composed, feature-rich three-row SUV that punches above its price class. Its V6 is smooth, its cabin is genuinely quiet, and its safety tech remains current two years later. For families who need seven seats, occasional towing, and a warranty that outlasts the car payment, it's a rare blend of practical and premium. Test-drive a CPO unit against a new Highlander or Palisade — the value gap will be obvious within the first mile. To explore how the SUV segment got here, revisit our SUV origins story.