The 2024 Kia Telluride Black Edition blends a stealthy, all‑black exterior with a spacious, tech‑rich cabin and a proven V6 powertrain. It targets buyers who want three‑row versatility without sacrificing style or safety. Below is a deep dive into every aspect that matters — design, performance, efficiency, safety, ownership costs, and how it compares to the competition.
The Telluride X‑Line shows the black‑out grille, 20‑inch wheels, and darkened badging that define the Black Edition.
Exterior Design and Black‑Edition Details
The Black Edition starts with Kia’s signature “tiger‑nose” grille finished in gloss black, flanked by LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights. Body‑color cladding, black roof rails, and 20‑inch machine‑finished alloy wheels complete the monochrome look. The result is a presence that feels both rugged and refined — ideal for city streets or trailheads. You can also read our guide on evaluation of suv.
- Paint: Midnight Black Pearl (standard) with optional Wolf Gray or Everlasting Silver accents.
- Lighting: Full LED headlights, LED taillights, and LED fog lights.
- Aerodynamics: Active grille shutters and a rear spoiler help manage airflow, contributing to highway stability.
Interior Comfort, Space, and Technology
Inside, the Telluride offers up to eight seats (seven with second‑row captain’s chairs). Materials include soft‑touch surfaces, available Nappa leather, and genuine wood trim on higher trims. The dashboard centers on a 12.3‑inch touchscreen that runs Kia’s latest ccNC infotainment system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi‑Fi hotspot.
Front three‑quarter view highlights the blacked‑out grille, LED lighting, and 20‑inch wheels.
Key interior highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Seating | 8‑passenger bench or 7‑passenger captain’s chairs; 3rd‑row folds flat for 87 cu ft cargo |
| Climate | Tri‑zone automatic with rear‑seat vents and heated/ventilated front seats |
| Audio | 10‑speaker Harman Kardon system (standard on SX‑Prestige) |
| Connectivity | Dual USB‑C ports (front & rear), wireless charging pad, 4G LTE hotspot |
| Driver‑Assist Display | 12.3‑inch digital instrument cluster with configurable layouts |
The cabin feels more like a definition of an SUV than a utilitarian people‑mover, thanks to the quiet NVH tuning and premium switchgear. You can also read our guide on kia suv hybrid.
Powertrain, Performance, and Towing
Every 2024 Telluride uses a 3.8‑liter V6 delivering 291 hp and 262 lb‑ft of torque, paired with an 8‑speed automatic. Front‑wheel drive is standard; all‑wheel drive (AWD) adds a multi‑mode system (Snow, Mud, Sand, Smart) that distributes torque up to 50 % rearward.
- 0‑60 mph: ~7.5 seconds (AWD)
- Towing capacity: 5,000 lb (properly equipped) — enough for a midsize trailer or boat.
- Off‑road aid: Hill‑descent control and a locking center differential (AWD models) give confidence on loose surfaces.
The V6’s linear power delivery makes highway merging effortless, while the 8‑speed keeps revs low for cruising comfort.
Fuel Economy and Real‑World Efficiency
EPA estimates for the AWD model sit at 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined. In mixed driving, owners typically report 21‑23 mpg, which is competitive for a three‑row V6 SUV. The front‑drive version gains 1‑2 mpg across the board. For the latest official numbers, consult the EPA fuel‑economy data. You can also read our guide on best suvs with rows for.
Safety Suite and Driver‑Assistance Features
Kia’s “Drive Wise” package is standard across the lineup and includes:
- Forward Collision‑Avoidance Assist (with pedestrian & cyclist detection)
- Blind‑Spot Collision‑Avoidance Assist
- Lane‑Keeping Assist & Lane‑Following Assist
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop‑&‑Go
- Rear Cross‑Traffic Collision‑Avoidance Assist
- Safe Exit Assist (warns rear occupants of approaching traffic)
The 2024 Telluride earned a 5‑star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. See the NHTSA safety ratings for the full breakdown.
Trim Levels, Pricing, and Value Proposition
| Trim | MSRP (USD) | Notable Standard Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| LX | $38,690 | 8‑passenger cloth, 12.3″ touchscreen, Drive Wise, 18″ alloys |
| S | $41,690 | 7‑passenger captain’s chairs, heated front seats, 20″ wheels, power liftgate |
| EX | $44,690 | Leather‑trimmed seats, Harman Kardon audio, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging |
| SX | $48,690 | Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, head‑up display, 20″ black alloys |
| SX‑Prestige | $52,690 | All SX features + 2nd‑row captain’s chairs, 360° camera, premium wood trim |
All trims include Kia’s 10‑year/100,000‑mile powertrain warranty and a 5‑year/60,000‑mile basic warranty — among the strongest in the segment. You can also read our guide on best midsize suvs for.
Ownership Costs: Warranty, Maintenance, and Resale
- Scheduled maintenance: Oil changes every 7,500 mi (synthetic), tire rotations every 7,500 mi, brake fluid every 30,000 mi.
- Extended coverage: Kia offers a 10‑year/100,000‑mile limited warranty on the powertrain, transferable to subsequent owners — a strong resale lever.
- Depreciation: Three‑year residual values hover around 55‑58 % (industry average ~50 %). The Black Edition’s exclusive styling tends to hold a slight premium over base colors.
How It Stacks Up Against Rivals
| Competitor | Starting MSRP | Seating | Towing | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium | $38,000 | 5 | 3,500 lb | 3‑yr/36k basic, 5‑yr/60k powertrain |
| Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium | $44,000 | 5‑7 | 5,000 lb | 3‑yr/36k basic, 5‑yr/60k powertrain |
| Honda Pilot Touring | $48,000 | 7‑8 | 5,000 lb | 3‑yr/36k basic, 5‑yr/60k powertrain |
| Kia Telluride Black | $48,690 (SX) | 7‑8 | 5,000 lb | 5‑yr/60k basic, 10‑yr/100k powertrain |
The Telluride’s combination of top three‑row models for 2025 space, a longer powertrain warranty, and a more upscale interior gives it an edge over the leading midsize options this year. For a deeper side‑by‑side look, see our premium SUV rankings and side‑by‑side luxury SUV analysis.
Buying Tips and Next Steps
- Test‑drive both FWD and AWD — the AWD’s extra traction is worth the $2,000 premium if you face snow or gravel.
- Negotiate the destination charge — it’s often $1,295 but can be waived on dealer‑stock units.
- Check for regional incentives — Kia frequently offers $500‑$1,000 loyalty or conquest bonuses.
- Secure financing pre‑approval before visiting the showroom to strengthen your bargaining position.
Ready to experience the Black Edition? Schedule a test drive at your nearest Kia dealer today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What distinguishes the 2024 Telluride Black Edition from other trims?
It adds gloss‑black exterior accents (grille, wheels, badging, roof rails), unique 20‑inch black alloys, and interior black‑themed stitching — purely aesthetic upgrades over the SX‑Prestige. You can also read our guide on top luxury suvs of.
How much does the 2024 Kia Telluride Black cost?
MSRP starts at $48,690 for the SX trim with the Black package; the fully loaded SX‑Prestige Black reaches $52,690 before dealer fees.
What is the real‑world fuel economy?
Most owners report 21‑23 mpg combined in mixed driving, closely matching the EPA’s 22 mpg combined rating for AWD models. You can also read our guide on luxury suv comparisons.
Which safety features are standard?
All trims include forward collision‑avoidance, blind‑spot assist, lane‑keeping assist, smart cruise control, rear cross‑traffic alert, and safe‑exit assist.
Can the Telluride tow a travel trailer?
Yes — up to 5,000 lb when equipped with the factory tow hitch and AWD, sufficient for most midsize campers.
Conclusion
The 2024 Kia Telluride Black Edition delivers a rare blend of head‑turning style, three‑row practicality, and class‑leading warranty coverage. Its V6 powertrain provides confident power for towing and highway passing, while the comprehensive Drive Wise suite keeps occupants protected. Against rivals like the Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium overview and Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium overview, the Telluride offers more interior volume, a longer powertrain warranty, and a more premium feel at a competitive price. You can also read our guide on invention of suv.
If you value a bold, all‑black aesthetic without compromising family‑friendly functionality, the Telluride Black deserves a spot on your shortlist. Visit a Kia showroom, compare the trims side‑by‑side, and take one for a spin — you’ll likely find the elegance and performance live up to the name.