The 2024 Kia Telluride arrives at a pivotal moment for three-row family haulers. While the segment shifts toward hybrid powertrains and flashy screens, Kia’s flagship sticks to a proven formula: a naturally aspirated V6, conventional eight-speed automatic, and body-on-frame-adjacent rigidity that still feels substantial at highway speeds. Since its 2020 debut, the Telluride has racked up more than 50 industry awards — but the 2024 refresh adds meaningful upgrades rather than chasing trends. Updated front fascia styling, standard LED lighting across all trims, and a new 12.3-inch dual-screen panel on higher grades address the most common owner complaints without inflating the starting price past $38,000. In practice, the Telluride remains the rare SUV that satisfies both the daily carpool grind and a loaded Thanksgiving road trip without demanding compromises. This review breaks down every trim, spec, and real-world observation you need before signing paperwork.
What’s New for the 2024 Model Year
Kia focused the 2024 update on visibility, technology, and trim simplification. The base LX now includes LED headlights, taillights, and 18-inch alloys — previously reserved for mid-grade trims. The S and EX grades gain a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with the existing 10.25-inch touchscreen, creating a widescreen look that matches pricier rivals. X-Line and X-Pro trims receive unique 20-inch wheels, revised bumpers with integrated tow hooks, and a 0.4-inch lift for modestly improved approach angles. Inside, every 2024 Telluride gets USB-C ports in all three rows and an available wireless charger relocated ahead of the shifter for easier phone placement. A new “Dark Moss” exterior color and two-tone interior options round out the visual refresh. Notably, mechanicals carry over unchanged: the 3.8-liter V6, eight-speed automatic, and available HTRAC all-wheel-drive system remain identical to 2023. You can also read our guide on history of suv.
Trim Walk: Which Telluride Fits Your Budget
Kia offers six trim levels for 2024, each with a clear step-up in equipment. Front-wheel drive is standard; HTRAC all-wheel drive adds $1,800 on LX through SX trims and is included on X-Pro. Destination charge is $1,375 across the board. The table below reflects MSRP before dealer fees — actual transaction prices in 2026 often sit $1,500–$3,000 above sticker depending on region.
| Trim | FWD MSRP | AWD MSRP | Key Additions Over Previous Trim |
|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $37,355 | $39,155 | LED lights, 18″ alloys, 8-passenger bench, 10.25″ screen, wireles Apple CarPlay/Android Auto |
| S | $40,155 | $41,955 | 12.3″ digital cluster, power driver seat, heated front seats, 3-zone climate, roof rails |
| EX | $43,555 | $45,355 | Leather seating, ventilated front seats, 12-speaker Harman Kardon, power liftgate, 20″ wheels |
| SX | $47,155 | $48,955 | Nappa leather, HUD, surround-view monitor, blind-view monitor, 2nd-row captain’s chairs (7-pass) |
| X-Line | $48,355 | $50,155 | Unique 20″ wheels, raised roof rails, tow hooks, bridge-type roof rack, 20″ all-terrain tires |
| X-Pro | N/A | $51,355 | X-Line content + AWD standard, 0.4″ lift, A/T tires, self-leveling rear suspension |
A common mistake is overbuying: the S trim delivers 90% of the daily-driver experience for $7,000 less than an SX. If you rarely tow or venture off pavement, the X-Pro’s all-terrain tires add road noise without tangible benefit. You can also read our guide on evaluation of suv.
Exterior Design: Evolution, Not Revolution
The 2024 Telluride’s front end adopts Kia’s latest “Opposites United” language — a wider tiger-nose grille framed by vertical LED daytime running lights that double as turn signals. Lower trims use reflector-type LED low beams; EX and above get projectors with dynamic bending. In practice, the high-beam assist reacts faster than most competitors, rarely blinding oncoming traffic on two-lane highways. Side profile remains clean: squared wheel arches, a subtle character line rising toward the D-pillar, and available 20-inch machine-finished alloys that hide brake dust well. Rear changes are minimal — updated LED taillight graphics and a reshaped lower bumper with integrated exhaust finishers. Ground clearance sits at 8.0 inches (8.4 on X-Pro), sufficient for rutted campground roads but not technical trails. Overall length (197.2 in), width (78.3 in), and height (68.9 in) remain class-average, meaning it fits standard garage doors with inches to spare.
2024 Telluride X-Pro showcases the revised grille, vertical DRLs, and model-specific 20″ wheels.
Interior Space: Three Real Adult Rows
Telluride’s party trick remains third-row accommodations for six-foot adults — a claim few rivals honor. Second-row captain’s chairs (standard SX and above, optional on EX) slide and recline, leaving 31.4 inches of third-row legroom. With the bench seat (LX, S, base EX), that figure drops to 28.1 inches but enables eight-passenger capacity. Headroom stays above 38 inches in all rows thanks to the boxy roofline. Cargo volume measures 21 cubic feet behind row three, 46 cubes with row three folded, and 87 cubes with both rear rows flat — best-in-class for non-extended-length SUVs. The load floor sits low (30.5 inches off ground), and a 12-volt outlet plus cargo nets come standard. A minor gripe: the third-row seatbacks don’t fold completely flat, leaving a 1.5-inch step that complicates sliding heavy boxes. You can also read our guide on invention of suv.
Infotainment & Connectivity: Dual Screens Done Right
The 2024 dual-screen setup (standard S trim and up) merges a 12.3-inch configurable instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch center touchscreen under a single glass pane. Software runs Kia’s latest ccNC platform — responsive, logically layered, and supports over-the-air map updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work across all trims; a second Bluetooth device can pair simultaneously for passenger media control. The Harman Kardon 12-speaker system (EX+) delivers clean separation at highway volumes, though bass extension trails premium European setups. Physical climate knobs remain below the screen — a deliberate choice Kia retained after customer clinics. Voice recognition handles natural commands (“I’m cold,” “find coffee near me”) without the wake-word delay common in rival systems. Two USB-C ports per row (2.4A each) keep tablets charged on long hauls.
Performance: V6 Smoothness in a Turbo World
The carryover 3.8-liter Lambda V6 produces 291 hp at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb-ft at 5,200 rpm. Paired with the eight-speed automatic, 0–60 mph arrives in 7.3 seconds (FWD) / 7.5 seconds (AWD) — respectable for a 4,400-lb vehicle. Power delivery is linear; the transmission holds gears confidently on grades and downshifts promptly for passing. HTRAC all-wheel drive splits torque 50:50 front/rear in Snow mode, otherwise biasing rearward up to 70% during acceleration. X-Pro’s self-leveling rear shocks maintain ride height under 500-lb tongue weight, reducing headlight aim shift while towing. Steering is light on-center with a 2.7-turn lock-to-lock ratio — easy in parking lots, slightly vague at 80 mph. Brake pedal feel is consistent; 12.6-inch front / 11.9-inch rear discs stop 70–0 mph in 178 feet, average for class. You can also read our guide on top luxury suvs of.
Fuel Economy: Honest Real-World Numbers
EPA ratings: 20/26/22 mpg (FWD) and 19/24/21 mpg (AWD) city/highway/combined. Our 300-mile mixed loop (suburban, highway 75 mph, two mountain passes) returned 21.4 mpg in an AWD EX — within 5% of combined estimate. The 18.8-gallon tank yields ~400-mile highway range. A common mistake: expecting hybrid-rival efficiency. The V6 drinks regular 87-octane, a cost advantage over turbo-four competitors requiring premium. For buyers prioritizing fuel savings, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE Premium delivers 38 mpg combined but sacrifices third-row space and towing capacity.
Safety: Top Scores Across the Board
The 2024 Telluride earns IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (with LED projectors on EX+) and NHTSA 5-star overall. Standard driver-assist suite (Kia Drive Wise) includes forward collision-avoidance with pedestrian/cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance, safe-exit assist, and rear occupant alert. Surround-view monitor and blind-view monitor (camera feed in cluster when signaling) arrive at SX trim. In practice, lane-following assist centers the vehicle confidently on marked highways but ping-pongs on faded lines — typical for camera-only systems. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go handles traffic jams smoothly, though it accelerates more aggressively than some drivers prefer. For official crash-test details, see NHTSA’s 2024 Telluride rating page. You can also read our guide on luxury suv comparisons.
Towing & Payload: Know the Limits
Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 lbs (all trims, requires 7-pin harness and brake controller — dealer-installed $450). Payload ranges 1,367–1,543 lbs depending on trim and drivetrain. X-Pro’s self-leveling rear suspension and standard AWD make it the most composed tow vehicle in the lineup. Real-world observation: at 4,500 lbs (typical dual-axle travel trailer), the V6 operates near 3,500 rpm on 6% grades at 60 mph — loud but stable. Trailer sway control activates early and unobtrusively. A weight-distributing hitch is recommended above 3,500 lbs to maintain front-axle load for steering authority.
Telluride vs. Direct Competitors
| Spec | Kia Telluride S AWD | Hyundai Palisade SEL AWD | Honda Pilot TrailSport | Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP (AWD) | $41,955 | $42,750 | $44,895 | $52,475 |
| Engine | 3.8L V6 | 3.8L V6 | 3.5L V6 | 2.5L PHEV |
| Horsepower | 291 | 291 | 285 | 323 |
| 3rd-row legroom | 31.4″ | 30.7″ | 32.3″ | 29.7″ |
| Cargo behind 3rd | 21 cu ft | 18 cu ft | 22.4 cu ft | 14.9 cu ft |
| Towing max | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| EPA combined | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 22 mpg | 56 MPGe / 25 mpg gas |
The Palisade shares architecture but prioritizes softer ride tuning and a more upscale dashboard. Pilot TrailSport adds genuine off-road hardware (torque-vectoring AWD, steel skid plates) but costs more. CX-90 PHEV offers electric-only commuting yet sacrifices third-row space and towing. For most families, the Telluride S AWD hits the value sweet spot.
Ownership Experience: Costs, Reliability & Warranty
Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper) remains class-leading. First-year maintenance is complimentary (one oil change, tire rotation, multi-point inspection). Scheduled service intervals: 7,500 miles / 12 months. RepairPal reliability rating: 4.0/5.0 (above average). Common issues reported on 2020–2023 models — windshield stress cracks, infotainment freezes, rear AC blower noise — appear largely resolved in 2024 production per dealer bulletins. Depreciation: 3-year retained value ~58% (KBB), on par with Palisade, better than Pilot. Insurance costs run 5–8% below segment average due to strong safety scores. For broader market context on used SUV pricing trends, see recent analysis on whether car prices are declining.
Who Should Buy — And Who Should Look Elsewhere
Buy the 2024 Telluride if: you need three usable adult rows, tow up to 5,000 lbs occasionally, want a V6 without turbo complexity, value long warranty coverage, and prefer physical climate controls. The S AWD trim delivers maximum utility per dollar.
Consider alternatives if: you prioritize fuel economy above all (see hybrid/PHEV rivals), demand true off-road capability (Pilot TrailSport, 4Runner), want a plug-in hybrid tax credit (CX-90 PHEV, Grand Cherokee 4xe), or need maximum cargo behind the third row (Expedition, Suburban).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2024 Telluride require premium fuel?
No. The 3.8L V6 is calibrated for 87-octane regular. Using premium provides no measurable power or economy gain per Kia’s owner manual.
Can the Telluride fit three car seats across the second row?
With the bench seat (LX, S, base EX): yes, three narrow-profile seats fit. With captain’s chairs (standard SX+): only two seats possible. Measure your specific models before purchase.
Is the X-Pro worth the $3,200 premium over X-Line?
Only if you regularly drive unmaintained gravel roads or tow in wet/snowy conditions. The all-terrain tires increase cabin noise by ~2 dB at 70 mph and reduce wet-braking performance slightly.
How does the 2024 infotainment differ from 2023?
The ccNC platform adds wireless CarPlay/Android Auto to all trims (previously wired on LX), OTA map updates, faster processor, and a redesigned home screen with customizable widgets. Existing 2023 vehicles cannot be upgraded.
What’s the real-world range on a full tank?
Expect 380–420 miles highway, 320–350 miles mixed, 280–310 miles city. The low-fuel warning illuminates at ~2.5 gallons remaining (~50 miles reserve).
Final Verdict: Still the Family Benchmark
Three model years in, the 2024 Kia Telluride refuses to chase fads — and that’s exactly why it keeps winning comparison tests. The V6-plus-eight-speed powertrain delivers predictable, low-stress performance whether you’re merging onto I-95 or climbing a gravel forest-service road. Interior versatility remains unmatched at this price: genuine three-adult seating, class-leading cargo volume, and a control layout that doesn’t require a tutorial. Updates for 2024 address the previous generation’s weak spots (dim halogen lights, small screens, scarce USB ports) without inflating cost. If your checklist includes space, towing, reliability, and value — in that order — the Telluride S AWD at ~$42,000 is the rational choice. Schedule a 30-minute test drive with car seats and a stroller loaded; the proof is in the parking lot.
Ready to compare numbers? Explore current inventory and local incentive offers on Kia’s official Telluride page or cross-shop against the 2025 RAV4 XLE Premium for a hybrid alternative.
Top-trim interior highlights the dual-screen layout, ventilated Nappa seats, and ambient lighting. Beyond the spec sheet, the Telluride earns loyalty by solving the daily friction points that wear down families: doors that open wide enough for rear-facing seats, cupholders that actually hold 32-ounce bottles, and a cargo cover that stores under the floor instead of cluttering the garage. That attention to lived-in detail — not just launch-day headlines — is why it remains the default recommendation in group chats and parking lots alike.