The 2024 Kia Telluride remains a top pick for families who need three rows of seats and the ability to pull a 5,000-pound trailer without stepping up to a body-on-frame truck. Every trim — LX through SX-Prestige — carries the same 5,000-lb maximum when equipped with the factory tow package, but the real-world experience depends on drivetrain choice, payload budget, and how you load the trailer. Below we break down the numbers, the required hardware, the tech that keeps the combination stable, and the ownership costs that appear once you start putting miles on the hitch.
The Telluride’s 3.8 L V6 and standard 8-speed automatic handle a typical 4,500-lb travel trailer at highway speeds without hunting for gears.
2024 Telluride Towing Capacity by Trim & Drivetrain
| Trim | Drivetrain | Max Towing (lbs) | Tow Package Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| LX | FWD / AWD | 5,000 | Yes |
| S | FWD / AWD | 5,000 | Yes |
| EX | FWD / AWD | 5,000 | Yes |
| SX | FWD / AWD | 5,000 | Yes |
| SX-Prestige | AWD | 5,000 | Yes (standard on Prestige) |
All trims share the same 3.8 L V6 and 8-speed automatic. The only hardware difference is the factory tow package (order code “Towing Package” on the window sticker), which adds a Class III receiver, 7-pin/4-pin wiring harness, heavy-duty radiator, transmission-oil cooler, and revised shift logic. Without it, the rating drops to 1,650 lbs — barely enough for a lightweight utility trailer. You can also read our guide on what is an suv.
Engine, Transmission & Drivetrain Details
The 3.8-liter Lambda V6 produces 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm. Peak torque arrives relatively high in the rev range, so the 8-speed transmission downshifts early when grades steepen. In practice, the gearbox holds 5th or 6th gear on moderate inclines at 65 mph with a 4,500-lb trailer, keeping engine speed near 2,800 rpm — loud but not strained.
FWD vs. AWD impact: All-wheel drive adds roughly 150 lbs curb weight, which comes directly out of payload. A fully loaded SX-Prestige AWD leaves only ~1,350 lbs for passengers, cargo, and tongue weight. If you regularly tow near the limit, front-wheel drive preserves 150 lbs of payload margin — a meaningful difference when a family of four plus gear boards the SUV. You can also read our guide on history of suv.
Required Equipment for Maximum Towing
- Factory tow package (dealer-installed receiver does not unlock the 5,000-lb rating).
- Class III hitch ball — 2-inch shank, rated ≥ 5,000 lbs GTW / 500 lbs TW.
- Weight-distribution hitch (WDH) — mandatory by Kia when trailer GVWR exceeds 3,500 lbs or tongue weight exceeds 350 lbs. A WDH restores front-axle load, improving steering feel and headlight aim.
- Trailer brake controller — required for any trailer over 1,650 lbs GVWR. The Telluride’s integrated controller (part of the tow package) supports up to 3 axles and displays gain/sync on the 12.3-inch cluster.
- Extended mirrors — factory tow mirrors are not offered; aftermarket slip-on extensions or replacement units are necessary for legal visibility with wide trailers.
Towing-Specific Features & Technology
| Feature | Function | Real-World Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tow Mode (center console button) | Holds lower gears longer, raises shift points, increases fan speed, activates trailer-sway logic | Reduces hunting on rolling hills; fuel penalty ~1–2 mpg |
| Trailer Sway Control (TSC) | Applies individual wheel brakes & reduces engine torque when yaw sensor detects oscillation | Works well with proper WDH; cannot fix an improperly loaded trailer |
| Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) | Radar sensors cover adjacent lanes and trailer length when trailer wiring is detected | Requires 7-pin connection; aftermarket 4-pin adapters disable it |
| Smart Cruise Control (SCC) w/ Stop & Go | Maintains set gap to vehicle ahead | Gap defaults to “long” in Tow Mode; does not account for extended stopping distance |
| Surround View Monitor (SVM) | 4-camera birds-eye view | Trailer obstructs rear camera; side cameras still useful for lane positioning |
A common mistake is assuming SCC will manage following distance for the combined rig. It does not — the radar sees the trailer as part of the vehicle, so braking intervention triggers later than physics demands. Leave at least four seconds to the vehicle ahead when towing above 3,000 lbs.
Payload, GVWR & Real-World Limits
| Spec | FWD | AWD |
|---|---|---|
| GVWR | 6,030 lbs | 6,180 lbs |
| Curb Weight (avg.) | 4,300 lbs | 4,450 lbs |
| Max Payload | ~1,730 lbs | ~1,730 lbs (same GVWR, higher curb) |
| Max Tongue Weight (10–15% of 5,000 lbs) | 500–750 lbs | 500–750 lbs |
Example: A family of four (650 lbs) + cargo (150 lbs) + 600-lb tongue weight = 1,400 lbs. That leaves only 330 lbs margin before exceeding GVWR — and you haven’t added a weight-distribution hitch (50–80 lbs) or firewood, bikes, cooler, etc. In practice, keep loaded trailer weight under 4,500 lbs on AWD models to stay comfortable within payload. You can also read our guide on invention of suv.
Safety Systems & Driver Aids While Towing
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) — detects vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists; does not reliably detect the trailer itself. Junction-turning assist remains active.
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) — nudges steering if you drift; torque override is light, so it won’t fight crosswinds on a high-profile trailer.
- Highway Driving Assist (HDA) — combines SCC + LKA on mapped highways; disabled when Tow Mode is active (cluster shows “HDA Off”).
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) — sensors mounted in rear bumper; trailer blocks coverage. Treat as non-functional while hitched.
For regulatory context on trailer lighting and brake requirements, the NHTSA towing safety portal publishes federal standards that apply in all 50 states.
Preparing Your Telluride for Towing: Step-by-Step
- Confirm tow package — verify “Towing Package” on Monroney or dealer invoice.
- Check fluids — transmission fluid (SP4-RR) at correct level; coolant 50/50 mix.
- Set tire pressures — 36 psi front / 38 psi rear (door placard) cold; add 4 psi rear if rear axle load > 2,800 lbs.
- Install WDH per manufacturer instructions; adjust spring bars until front fender height returns to unloaded measurement.
- Connect 7-pin harness — verify all lamps, electric brakes, and battery charge line on cluster “Trailer” menu.
- Load trailer 60/40 front/rear — target 10–12% tongue weight; scale at CAT scale if unsure.
- Adjust mirrors — add extensions so you see 200 ft behind trailer sides.
- Test brakes — at 25 mph on empty road, apply manual override; trailer should tug noticeably without locking.
- Enable Tow Mode — before moving, every trip.
- Re-check — after 50 miles, stop and verify hitch bolts, WDH tension, tire temps, brake controller gain.
Fuel Economy & Range When Towing
| Condition | EPA Combined | Real-World Towing (4,500 lbs, 65 mph) |
|---|---|---|
| FWD | 22 mpg | 11–13 mpg |
| AWD | 21 mpg | 10–12 mpg |
Expect a 45–50% drop versus solo driving. With the 18.8-gal tank, plan for 200–230 mile range between fills. The cluster’s “Distance to Empty” algorithm learns solo driving; reset it after hitching (Trip Computer → Reset) for a more accurate estimate. You can also read our guide on kia suv hybrid.
2024 Telluride vs. Key Competitors
| Model | Max Towing | Engine | Payload (max) | Starting MSRP (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Telluride | 5,000 lbs | 3.8 L V6 | 1,730 lbs | $37,355 |
| Honda Pilot (TrailSport) | 5,000 lbs | 3.5 L V6 | 1,535 lbs | $41,300 |
| Ford Explorer (Class III) | 5,600 lbs | 2.3 L EcoBoost | 1,480 lbs | $38,940 |
| Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 5,000 lbs | 2.5 L Hybrid | 1,435 lbs | $40,670 |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 5,000 lbs | 2.5 L Turbo | 1,635 lbs | $37,595 |
The Telluride matches the segment’s best tow rating while offering more payload than every rival except the Traverse. Its naturally aspirated V6 also avoids the heat-soak issues some turbo competitors exhibit on long grades. If you’re cross-shopping Toyota’s hybrid approach, our review of the latest Highlander hybrid alternative details the trade-offs.
Ownership Costs & Value Proposition
- Maintenance intervals — Kia recommends transmission fluid change every 60,000 miles or 30,000 miles under “severe” use (towing qualifies). Rear differential fluid (AWD) every 30,000 miles severe.
- Brake wear — trailer brakes handle ~70% of stopping energy; Telluride pads often last 60k+ miles with proper controller gain.
- Warranty — 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage (original owner) remains class-leading; towing does not void it if limits are respected.
- Resale — 3-year ALG residual ~58%, helped by strong demand for tow-capable three-row SUVs.
For broader market context on whether SUV prices are softening, see our analysis of current pricing trends. You can also read our guide on top luxury suvs of.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the 2024 Telluride tow a 5,000-lb travel trailer all day in summer heat?
Yes, provided you have the factory tow package, run Tow Mode, and keep coolant 50/50. Expect the transmission to run 210–225 °F on 6% grades — within design limits.
Does Tow Mode disable any driver aids?
Highway Driving Assist turns off; SCC, LKA, FCA, BCA, and TSC remain active. The cluster shows a trailer icon when Tow Mode is engaged. You can also read our guide on best midsize suvs for.
What hitch class is the factory receiver?
Class III (2-inch opening, 5,000 lbs GTW / 500 lbs TW). Do not use a Class II ball mount.
Can I add the tow package after purchase?
Dealer-installed receiver + wiring does not raise the rating to 5,000 lbs per Kia’s 2024 order guide. The heavy-duty cooling and revised TCM calibration are port-installed only.
Is the integrated brake controller proportional or time-delayed?
Proportional — it uses the vehicle’s yaw/acceleration sensors. Set gain initially at 4.0, then adjust ±0.5 until trailer brakes “just tug” during a 25 mph manual override test. You can also read our guide on evaluation of suv.
How does tongue weight affect third-row comfort?
500 lbs tongue weight (with WDH) compresses rear springs ~0.75 in. Third-row passengers feel firmer ride; consider air helper springs if you tow frequently.
What’s the steepest grade the Telluride can start on with max load?
SAE J2807 requires a 12% grade start (both directions) at GCWR. The Telluride passes this test, but real-world traction on wet grass or gravel may be the limiting factor — AWD helps here.
Where can I find the official towing guide?
Kia’s 2024 Towing Guide PDF is downloadable from the owner’s portal; it mirrors the data above and includes wiring diagrams.
Conclusion
The 2024 Kia Telluride delivers on its 5,000-lb promise when you spec the factory tow package and respect payload arithmetic. Its naturally aspirated V6, standard 8-speed, and comprehensive sway-control logic make it one of the least stressful tow vehicles in the three-row class — provided you stay under ~4,500 lbs loaded trailer weight on AWD models to preserve payload for people and gear. Pair it with a quality weight-distribution hitch, set the brake controller correctly, and the Telluride will haul your family’s adventures for years without drama.
Ready to compare the Telluride with other tow-ready three-row SUVs? Browse our full SUV resource hub for head-to-head tests and buying guides.