The Telluride showed up a few years ago and immediately started stealing lunch money from other midsize SUVs. It looked good, drove better, and offered legit luxury touches without the luxury markup. Fast forward to 2024, and Kia didn’t mess with success—they just made the good stuff sharper.
Whether you’re hauling kids, camping gear, or just want something that makes your neighbor’s Highlander look tired, the Telluride’s still the one to beat.
💥 Powertrain Specs
There’s just one engine under the hood of every Telluride, and it’s a good one. It’s not turbocharged or hybridized—but it delivers smooth, consistent power and doesn’t mind working hard.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L V6 | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm | 8-speed automatic | FWD / AWD | 5,500 lbs (AWD w/ tow package) |
You won’t be snapping necks, but you will be merging with confidence—even fully loaded. The naturally aspirated V6 feels refined and torquey enough for most drivers, and the 8-speed shifts smoothly without hunting for gears.
Ride, Handling & Daily Drive
This is where the Telluride earns its reputation. It rides like a luxury SUV but doesn’t float or wallow. It’s composed, quiet, and just stiff enough to feel secure in corners without upsetting your coffee.
AWD models add an extra layer of confidence, especially if you’re in snow country. The steering is light but predictable, and road noise stays low—even at highway speeds. This thing was clearly built with road trips in mind.
And parking? For a three-row SUV, it’s shockingly manageable. Visibility’s solid and the cameras are crystal clear.
Interior: Punching Above Its Price Class
Step inside and you’ll forget you’re in a Kia. The cabin feels premium across the board—clean lines, good materials, and smart layout choices. Even the lower trims feel well-dressed.
The seats are all-day comfortable, and there’s actual adult space in the third row—something most competitors still can’t figure out. There are USB ports everywhere, and climate control for every row. It’s just… smart.
Higher trims like SX and SX Prestige add quilted Nappa leather, ventilated second-row seats, and a head-up display. But even the mid-level EX punches way above its price.
Dimensions & Practicality
Big without being bloated. That’s the Telluride’s thing. And it knows how to use every inch wisely.
| Spec | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 196.9 in |
| Width | 78.3 in |
| Height | 68.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.0 in |
| Cargo (behind 3rd row) | 21.0 cu ft |
| Max Cargo (2nd & 3rd rows folded) | 87.0 cu ft |
You can fit actual luggage behind the third row—rare in this class. And if you fold everything down, you’re basically in small cargo van territory.
Tech & Safety
Tech is where Kia really shows off. Every Telluride comes with a 12.3″ digital display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a solid suite of driver assists—even on the base LX trim.
Higher trims get a second 12.3″ digital cluster, a 360° camera system, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system. And everything actually works. No lag, no weird menus—just smooth, usable tech.
Every trim includes:
- Forward collision avoidance with junction assist
- Lane keeping + lane following assist
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
- Rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring
Plus, Kia’s Highway Driving Assist is genuinely impressive. It holds the lane smoothly and adjusts speed naturally—not jerky or overbearing like some others.
Trims & Pricing
There are 10 trims, but don’t let that scare you. The core builds are easy to navigate, and even the entry models are well-equipped.
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| LX | $37,355 |
| S | $39,255 |
| EX | $42,955 |
| SX | $47,155 |
| SX Prestige | $52,055 |
| X-Line & X-Pro variants | Add ~$2,000–$2,500 (off-road suspension, styling, AWD standard) |
If you want the best value? The EX is the sweet spot. Leather, big screen, power liftgate, heated seats—all without the premium price tag. Want the overland-ready vibe? Go X-Pro on the SX or SX Prestige.
Final Verdict: Jake’s Take
“The 2024 Telluride is what happens when a value SUV gets the luxury treatment—without losing its work ethic.”
There’s a reason everyone’s been chasing Kia since this thing dropped. It’s refined, versatile, tech-packed, and still thousands cheaper than its fully loaded rivals.
If you’ve got a family, a full calendar, and a brain—you buy the Telluride.