The 2024 Kia Telluride continues to set the benchmark for three‑row family haulers, blending bold styling, a refined cabin, and a long list of standard safety tech. Whether you’re hauling kids to soccer practice or loading gear for a weekend getaway, the Telluride delivers space and composure without demanding a luxury‑brand price tag. Below is a detailed look at every facet that matters to buyers in 2026.
Exterior Design
Kia’s “Tiger Nose” grille grows wider for 2024, flanked by LED headlamps that incorporate a distinctive daytime‑running‑light signature. Sculpted bodyside creases give the SUV a planted stance, while the available 20‑inch alloy wheels add visual weight without hurting ride quality. The rear features a full‑width light bar and integrated roof‑spoiler that improve aerodynamics. You can also read our guide on what is an suv.
- Wider Tiger Nose grille with chrome accents
- Full‑LED headlights with sequential turn signals
- 20‑inch machined‑face alloy wheels (SX‑Prestige)
- Hands‑free power liftgate with adjustable height
The Telluride’s front fascia showcases the updated grille and LED lighting package.
Interior Comfort & Versatility
Inside, the Telluride offers up to eight seats across three rows. The second row can be specified as a 60/40 split bench or as captain’s chairs, which open a pass‑through to the third row and add a premium feel. Materials range from durable cloth on the LX to quilted Nappa leather on the SX‑Prestige, and every trim receives soft‑touch surfaces on the dash and door panels.
Cargo capacity (behind third row) measures 21 cu ft, expanding to 46 cu ft with the third row folded and 87 cu ft with both rear rows flat — enough for a full‑size stroller plus luggage. The load floor is low and flat, and a hidden under‑floor bin keeps valuables out of sight. You can also read our guide on invention of suv.
- Tri‑zone automatic climate control with rear‑vent controls
- 10‑way power driver’s seat with lumbar support (standard on EX+)
- Heated/ventilated front seats and heated second‑row outboard seats (SX‑Prestige)
- 12‑speaker Harman/Kardon audio (optional on EX, standard on SX‑Prestige)
Infotainment & Connectivity
A 12.3‑inch curved display houses both the instrument cluster and the central touchscreen, running Kia’s latest ccNC software. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the system supports over‑the‑air updates. A 10.25‑inch head‑up display projects speed, navigation arrows, and safety alerts onto the windshield.
Key tech highlights
- Dual‑Bluetooth for simultaneous phone and media connections
- Built‑in navigation with real‑time traffic and POI search
- Kia Connect app for remote start, climate preconditioning, and vehicle health reports
- Six USB ports (four USB‑C) distributed across all rows
For a deeper dive into modern SUV infotainment trends, see our latest SUV insights.
Performance & Powertrain
All 2024 Tellurides use a 3.8‑liter V6 paired with an 8‑speed automatic and a choice of front‑ or all‑wheel drive. The engine produces 291 hp and 262 lb‑ft of torque, delivering confident passing power and a 5,000‑lb towing rating when properly equipped. The AWD system features a multi‑mode terrain selector (Snow, Mud, Sand) that adjusts torque split and throttle response. You can also read our guide on best suvs with rows for.
| Drivetrain | EPA City | EPA Highway | EPA Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| FWD | 20 mpg | 26 mpg | 23 mpg |
| AWD | 19 mpg | 24 mpg | 21 mpg |
Real‑world driving typically lands 1–2 mpg below the combined figure, especially with a full passenger load.
If you’re cross‑shopping a hybrid alternative, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers a higher combined rating but less towing capacity.
Safety & Driver‑Assist Systems
Every Telluride ships with Kia Drive Wise, a suite that includes forward collision‑avoidance assist (with pedestrian and cyclist detection), blind‑spot collision‑avoidance, lane‑keeping assist, and rear cross‑traffic collision‑avoidance. The 2024 model adds highway driving assist 2.0, which can center the vehicle in its lane and manage speed based on navigation data. You can also read our guide on kia suv hybrid.
The NHTSA awarded the 2024 Telluride a 5‑star overall rating, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ when equipped with the optional LED headlights. For the official crash‑test details, visit the NHTSA vehicle page.
Side view of the range‑topping SX‑Prestige X‑Pro showing 20‑inch wheels and roof rails.
Trim Levels, Pricing & Value
Kia offers four well‑equipped trims. All prices below are 2024 MSRP before destination; current dealer pricing may vary. You can also read our guide on toyota highlander hybrid suv.
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Notable Standard Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| LX | $35,900 | 8‑passenger seating, 12.3″ display, Drive Wise, 18″ alloys |
| S | $38,200 | 20″ wheels, roof rails, heated front seats, wireless charger |
| EX | $41,000 | Leather seating, power‑folding third row, Harman/Kardon, HUD |
| SX‑Prestige | $46,000 | Nappa leather, ventilated front/2nd‑row seats, 360° camera, premium paint |
Compared with rivals, the Telluride undercuts the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade on base price while matching or exceeding standard safety content. For a broader market view, check the 2024 price‑trend analysis on car price movements. You can also read our guide on best midsize suvs for.
Ownership Costs & Resale Outlook
Kia’s 10‑year/100,000‑mile powertrain warranty and 5‑year/60,000‑mile basic coverage remain class‑leading. Routine maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations) averages $600‑$800 annually for the first five years. Depreciation data from major auction houses shows the Telluride retaining roughly 58 % of its original value after three years — stronger than the segment average of 52 %.
A practical tip: schedule the first major service (spark plugs, transmission fluid) at the 60,000‑mile mark to keep the powertrain warranty intact. Many owners report that the V6’s timing chain is maintenance‑free for the life of the vehicle. You can also read our guide on evaluation of suv.
How It Stacks Up Against Rivals
| Competitor | Base MSRP | Seating | Towing (max) | Combined MPG (AWD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Pilot | $37,500 | 8 | 5,000 lb | 22 mpg |
| Hyundai Palisade | $36,800 | 8 | 5,000 lb | 21 mpg |
| Toyota Highlander (V6) | $38,000 | 8 | 5,000 lb | 21 mpg |
| Kia Telluride | $35,900 | 8 | 5,000 lb | 21 mpg |
The Telluride’s advantage lies in its standard feature count and warranty length. If you prefer a more car‑like ride, the Pilot’s independent rear suspension edges it out; for a plusher interior, the Palisade’s top trim feels marginally richer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key features of the 2024 Kia Telluride?
Standard three‑row seating, a 12.3‑inch dual display, wireless smartphone integration, and a full suite of active safety aids.
How much does the 2024 Kia Telluride cost?
Starting at $35,900 for the LX FWD; the range‑topping SX‑Prestige AWD begins near $49,000 with options.
Which trim offers the best value?
The EX delivers leather, a power‑folding third row, and the head‑up display for a modest step up from the S.
What is the fuel economy of the 2024 Telluride?
EPA estimates 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway (FWD) and 19/24 mpg (AWD). Real‑world combined figures typically sit around 21‑22 mpg.
Can the Telluride tow a travel trailer?
Yes — up to 5,000 lb when equipped with the factory tow package and AWD.
Conclusion
The 2024 Kia Telluride remains a compelling blend of space, technology, and peace‑of‑mind safety at a price that undercuts most direct rivals. Its generous warranty, strong resale numbers, and flexible seating make it a pragmatic choice for growing families and adventure‑ready households alike.
Ready to experience the Telluride’s versatility firsthand? Schedule a test drive at your local Kia dealer and compare the cabin quietness and ride quality against the competition. You’ll quickly see why this SUV continues to define the modern family hauler.