The 2024 Kia Telluride remains a benchmark for three‑row family haulers even as the market moves toward 2026 model years. Its blend of bold styling, a spacious cabin that comfortably seats eight, and a long list of standard safety tech makes it a compelling choice for buyers who need both daily practicality and weekend adventure capability. Below we break down every facet — design, performance, technology, safety, ownership costs, and how it compares with the current competition — so you can decide whether a new or lightly used Telluride fits your driveway.
Design & Exterior Highlights
Kia’s “Opposites United” design language gives the Telluride a commanding presence without looking aggressive. The signature tiger‑nose grille stretches wide, flanked by LED headlights that incorporate a distinctive “star‑map” daytime running signature. Sculpted bodyside creases run from the front fender to the rear quarter, adding visual width while improving aerodynamic efficiency. A 20‑inch alloy wheel design is standard on the SX and SX‑Prestige trims, while the X‑Pro package adds exclusive 18‑inch all‑terrain tires and a matte‑black roof rack for a rugged look. Ground clearance sits at 8.0 inches (203 mm) on AWD models, enough for light off‑road trails without compromising on‑road ride quality. You can also read our guide on evaluation of suv.
Front three‑quarter view of the 2024 Telluride SX‑Prestige X‑Pro showing the tiger‑nose grille and LED lighting.
Interior Space, Comfort & Materials
Step inside and the first impression is breadth: the Telluride offers 114.2 cu ft of passenger volume, besting most rivals in the class. The second‑row captain’s chairs (standard on EX and above) slide and recline, granting a 3‑inch fore‑aft range that makes third‑row access surprisingly easy for adults. Third‑row legroom measures 31.4 inches — enough for two average‑height passengers on a cross‑country trip. Materials feel upscale: soft‑touch surfaces on the dash and door panels, genuine leather on the SX‑Prestige, and available quilted Nappa leather with contrast stitching. Ambient lighting with 64‑color customization adds a premium ambience after dark.
Key comfort features
- Tri‑zone automatic climate control with rear vents
- Heated and ventilated front seats (standard on SX)
- Heated second‑row outboard seats (SX‑Prestige)
- Power‑folding third‑row seats (all trims)
- Hands‑free smart power liftgate with adjustable height
Infotainment & Connectivity
The dashboard centers on a 12.3‑inch curved display that merges the instrument cluster and touchscreen into a single pane of glass. Kia’s latest ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit) software runs on a Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit Platform, delivering snappy response and over‑the‑air updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range, and a 4G LTE Wi‑Fi hotspot supports up to five devices. The optional Harman/Kardon 10‑speaker system (standard on SX‑Prestige) includes a subwoofer and Clari‑Fi music restoration for studio‑quality sound. Voice recognition now understands natural language commands such as “find a coffee shop with outdoor seating near me.”
Performance, Powertrain & Towing
Every 2024 Telluride uses a 3.8‑liter V6 producing 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 262 lb‑ft @ 5,200 rpm, mated to an 8‑speed automatic. Front‑wheel drive is standard; all‑wheel drive with a multi‑mode terrain selector (Snow, Mud, Sand) is a $2,000 option. The powertrain delivers smooth, linear acceleration — 0‑60 mph in roughly 7.5 seconds — and the transmission hunts less than earlier generations thanks to revised shift logic. You can also read our guide on history of suv.
| Spec | FWD | AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.8 L V6 | 3.8 L V6 |
| Horsepower | 291 hp | 291 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb‑ft | 262 lb‑ft |
| Transmission | 8‑speed auto | 8‑speed auto |
| Towing capacity | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| EPA city/hwy/combined (mpg) | 20 / 26 / 22 | 19 / 24 / 21 |
The 5,000‑lb tow rating (with the factory tow package) lets you pull a modest travel trailer or a pair of jet skis. Trailer sway control and a dedicated tow/haul mode are included, and the integrated brake controller is optional on lower trims.
Safety Ratings & Driver‑Assist Features
The Telluride earned a 5‑star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award (when equipped with LED headlights). Standard Kia Drive Wise suite includes:
- Forward Collision‑Avoidance Assist with pedestrian & cyclist detection
- Blind‑Spot Collision‑Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist & Lane Following Assist
- Rear Cross‑Traffic Collision‑Avoidance Assist
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Highway Driving Assist (level‑2 semi‑automated highway driving)
- Safe Exit Assist (prevents door opening into traffic)
Optional upgrades add a surround‑view monitor, remote smart parking assist, and a head‑up display. For the full NHTSA report, see the official safety rating page. You can also read our guide on best midsize suvs for.
Fuel Economy & Real‑World Costs
EPA estimates place the FWD model at 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined; AWD drops to 19/24/21 mpg. In mixed driving, owners typically report 21‑23 mpg, which is competitive for a V6‑powered three‑row SUV. Annual fuel cost (15,000 mi, $3.70/gal) runs roughly $2,400‑$2,600. Maintenance intervals follow Kia’s 7,500‑mile/6‑month schedule; the first three years/36,000 mi are covered by the complimentary maintenance plan. For the latest EPA fuel‑economy data, visit the fueleconomy.gov listing.
Trim Levels & Pricing Overview (2024 MSRP)
| Trim | Starting MSRP* | Notable Standard Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| LX | $35,890 | 18‑in wheels, 8‑in touchscreen, Drive Wise suite |
| S | $38,690 | 20‑in wheels, roof rails, heated front seats |
| EX | $42,190 | Leather, captain’s chairs, power liftgate, 12‑spk audio |
| SX | $45,690 | Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, Harman/Kardon, HUD |
| SX‑Prestige | $49,690 | Quilted Nappa, 20‑in alloys, premium headlamps, surround view |
| X‑Pro (AWD only) | $47,690 | All‑terrain tires, matte black accents, tow package |
*Prices exclude destination ($1,295) and optional packages. In 2026 the used market typically sees 2024 models priced $3,000‑$5,000 below original MSRP depending on mileage and condition. You can also read our guide on best suvs with rows for.
Ownership Experience: Reliability, Maintenance & Resale
Kia’s 10‑year/100,000‑mile powertrain warranty (5‑year/60,000‑mile basic) remains one of the industry’s strongest. J.D. Power’s 2024 Vehicle Dependability Study ranked the Telluride above the segment average for reported problems per 100 vehicles. Routine service costs are modest — oil changes ($70), tire rotations ($40), and brake pads (~$300 per axle) — and parts availability is excellent through the extensive dealer network. Resale values after three years hover around 60 % of MSRP, outperforming many rivals thanks to high demand for three‑row SUVs.
How the Telluride Stacks Up Against Rivals
| Competitor | Starting MSRP | Max Towing | Third‑Row Room | Standard Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Palisade | $36,300 | 5,000 lb | 31.0 in | Similar suite |
| Ford Explorer | $36,760 | 5,600 lb (V6) | 30.5 in | Co‑Pilot360 |
| Toyota Highlander | $37,420 | 5,000 lb | 28.0 in | Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ |
The Telluride’s advantage lies in its more generous third‑row space, a richer standard feature set at each price point, and a warranty that exceeds most competitors. If you prioritize a hybrid powertrain, the Highlander Hybrid delivers better fuel economy but sacrifices towing capacity and third‑room comfort. You can also read our guide on top luxury suvs of.
Buying Advice for 2026 Shoppers
Because the 2024 model year is now two cycles old, you’ll find certified pre‑owned (CPO) units with the remaining 10‑year powertrain warranty — an excellent value proposition. When evaluating a used Telluride:
- Verify the CPO inspection checklist (160‑point) and request the vehicle history report.
- Confirm the tow package is present if you plan to trailer; it adds a heavy‑duty radiator and wiring harness.
- Check for any open recalls (e.g., the 2023‑2024 fuel‑pump recall) and ensure they’ve been remedied.
- Test‑drive both FWD and AWD versions; the AWD system adds weight and slightly lower mpg but improves confidence in snow.
- Negotiate based on current market data — tools like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds show average transaction prices for your ZIP code.
If you prefer a brand‑new vehicle, the 2025 refresh adds a standard 12.3‑inch cluster across all trims and a new X‑Line appearance package. However, the 2024’s equipment level remains highly competitive, especially on the EX and SX trims where the price‑to‑feature ratio peaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the standout features of the 2024 Kia Telluride?
The Telluride combines a 291‑hp V6, standard all‑wheel‑drive availability, a 12.3‑inch curved display, wireless smartphone integration, and a comprehensive Kia Drive Wise safety suite — all backed by a 10‑year/100,000‑mile powertrain warranty. You can also read our guide on toyota highlander hybrid suv.
How much does a 2024 Telluride cost today?
New 2024 inventory is scarce; expect to pay within $1,000‑$2,000 of the original MSRP listed above. Certified pre‑owned examples typically range from $33,000 (LX) to $44,000 (SX‑Prestige) depending on mileage and condition.
What engine and transmission does the Telluride use?
Every trim uses a 3.8‑liter V6 paired with an 8‑speed automatic. No turbo‑four or hybrid variant exists for the 2024 model year. You can also read our guide on invention of suv.
What safety ratings has the Telluride earned?
It received a 5‑star overall NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (with LED headlights). Standard driver‑assist features cover forward collision, blind‑spot, lane‑keeping, rear cross‑traffic, and adaptive cruise control.
Is the Telluride good for towing?
Yes. With the factory tow package, all trims tow up to 5,000 lb. The integrated trailer sway control and tow/haul mode make it suitable for small travel trailers, boats, or utility trailers. You can also read our guide on kia suv hybrid.
How does fuel economy compare to rivals?
EPA combined estimates of 22 mpg (FWD) / 21 mpg (AWD) are on par with the Ford Explorer V6 and slightly better than the Toyota Highlander V6. Real‑world averages of 21‑23 mpg are typical.
Conclusion
The 2024 Kia Telluride continues to set the standard for family‑focused three‑row SUVs: spacious, well‑equipped, safe, and backed by one of the industry’s most generous warranties. Whether you’re shopping new old‑stock, a certified pre‑owned unit, or simply benchmarking against the latest 2025‑2026 entrants, the Telluride’s blend of luxury‑grade interior appointments and proven V6 reliability makes it a smart, future‑proof choice. Ready to experience the cabin space and tech firsthand? Schedule a test drive at your local Kia dealer today and see why the Telluride still leads the segment.