LOOKS

Coming off a design refresh for the 2023 model, the look of the 2024 model does not see major changes. And that’s OK because it’s an attractive ride that compares well to most competitors both inside and out.

My test vehicle featured an eye-catching Wolf Gray paint color, dual sunroofs, LED headlights, and power folding outside mirrors. It also included roof rails, and rear privacy glass.

The X-Pro model I tested featured a bold grille design, gloss-black exterior trim, as well as 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires.

Moving inside, the Telluride delivers above and beyond with a high-quality interior design that pushes it near luxury territory if you reach the upper trim levels.

Seats are extremely comfortable on both short and long rides, and they are easy to adjust to accommodate family and friends, or more cargo. All passengers in all three rows (up to 8 seats are offered if you stick to a bench seat in the second row) have plenty of leg room and head room, which few vehicles can legitimately claim.

My test vehicle featured Nappa Leather seating, heated and ventilated front and 2nd row seats, captain’s chairs in the 2nd row, and a heated steering wheel.

Cargo space is strong, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, and 87 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. And getting into the third row is a very simple process that even kids can handle without an issue.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

The Telluride features strength under the hood, as all trims are powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, which pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission to deliver 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.

I tested an all-wheel drive model, but front-wheel drive is standard on most trim levels, with the option to upgrade.

Some of the Telluride’s key rivals offer four-cylinder engines with less power, so the ride quality is very competitive.

Trim levels that include the X-Pro upgrades are also suited for more off-road activities and inclement weather conditions due to its suspension tuning. This suspension is also helpful on bumpy roads in the city.

In terms of overall speed, the three-row Telluride reached 0-to-60 miles per hour in just over 7 seconds. The handling was solid, and agility on twisty roads and braking was better than I anticipated for its size. While not necessarily a sporty ride, it’s accurate to say that the Telluride delivers a smooth driving experience that will please all passengers.

The Telluride’s ground clearance of more than 8 inches helps boost its off-road credentials further, and towing capacity reaches 5,500 pounds.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY 

The 2024 Telluride is a tech-savvy ride for the modern family, featuring advanced tech and safety options that will keep all passengers safe and entertained.

Voice commands worked impressively, and touch commands on the large, 12.3-inch infotainment screen were easy to master with a quick learning curve. There’s also a 12.3-inch display in front of the driver.

The tech experience is as good or better than most SUV competitors in both the nonluxury and luxury vehicle realms.

I also liked that some physical controls were included for climate control and radio volume and changing radio channels. Some vehicles go overboard with tech and put everything into the touchscreen, but I like the old-school feel of some of these controls to balance things out.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow for smartphone integration, you get wireless phone charging and multiple USB ports throughout the Telluride, and the navigation system is impressive. A 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system is featured, and there’s even an intercom feature that allows the driver to more directly communicate to the kids in the back row.

Safety is the name of the game on the Telluride with tons of helpful systems in place. I loved that the vehicle will stop itself if it senses traffic in your path when you are backing up. Other helpful features include the Surround View Monitor to navigate tight parking situations, and Head-Up Display to keep your eyes on the road.

The Telluride also has an excellent limited self-driving feature called Highway Driving Assist which will accurately keep the vehicle in your lane and slow for traffic via the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping systems. This should  prove extra helpful to drivers on longer trips.

Other safety systems include: Forward Collision Avoidance, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Safe Exit Assist, and airbags throughout the vehicle.

MPG 

The official fuel mileage numbers on the all-wheel drive Telluride are 18 city/24 highway/20 combined. In my real-world testing, I averaged 18 miles per gallon, a bit lower than the listed numbers.

Front-wheel drive Telluride vehicles are listed a bit higher at 20 city/26 highway/22 combined.

Due to the V6 engine, the Telluride slots in a bit lower than some SUV rivals that run on four-cylinder power, but it’s a worthy tradeoff for the improved ride quality you get.

PRICE

A wide price range is offered on the 2024 Telluride. My test vehicle was a loaded SX-Prestige model, and priced just over $55K; but the base price starts at a much more affordable $37K. So there are options for buyers with a variety of budgets.

Trim levels include LX, S, EX, SX and SX Prestige. Multiple trim levels offer X-Line and X-Pro versions to boost capability off-road and in inclement weather.

Higher trim levels will get you more luxurious design and high-end features, but even the lower trims are respectable in their offerings. It’s hard to go wrong no matter which level you choose, and it’s an excellent value compared to key SUV rivals.

Also helping the Telluride are its excellent warranties, including a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, 5-year/60,000 mile overall warranty, and 5 years/60,000 miles of roadside assistance. Only downside is the lack of complimentary maintenance.

BOTTOM LINE

The Kia Telluride has been one of best overall SUVs on the market since its arrival, and should continue to be very popular among SUV buyers for years to come.

Great for families and adventurers alike, it delivers plenty of room, drives smoothly, and features sharp, upscale styling and excellent tech. All together, this package makes the Telluride a step above the competition.

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