2024 Kia Telluride
When consumers shop for a three-row mid-size SUV, they have plenty of choices. However, they have also gravitated to the Kia Telluride as one of their choices.
The reasons are many. They all point to the Kia’s multitude of awards and accolades based on how well it accommodates families and satisfy drivers.
Even with a slew of new vehicles occupying this competitive space, the 2024 Kia Telluride continues to be strong choice for consumers. Let’s find out why…
On the outside, the exterior is aggressive and quite masculine. Kia continues to make this a brawny SUV that has an air of masculinity and toughness. The front end is bold with vertical headlamp units – now including new amber daytime running lights - that flank its bold grille.
The side profile remains upright with some special trim at the glass line with a crease line below running from end to end. The rear end is dictated by a set of vertical taillights flanking a very large liftgate. The taillights are integral to the crease line making the Telluride one of the boldest statements in its segment.
Our SX Prestige X-Line tester adds 20-inch bold black finished wheels and trim all around. In all, the Telluride draws you in with its bold look that continues to stand out in a crowd.
Stepping inside the Telluride and you are greeted with a flat panel instrument cluster/infotainment screen that stretches two-thirds of the dashboard. It is all digital, even with an analog look. The left screen is highly customizable, while the right one handles everything from navigation to smartphone mirroring.
Also, when you turn on your turn signals, the “dials” will show you a view from a camera behind the corresponding mirror.
An updated center console houses a tactile gear lever that is surrounded by plenty of controls located around it. The controls in other places work logically and offer great control. In all, the Telluride offers the driver an improved cockpit to drive from.
Front seating in the Kia is big, supportive, and quite comfortable. They also offer plenty of bolstering and support without fatigue. Second row captain’s chairs are as comfortable as the front row ones. They offer plenty of adjustments for rake and recline. The biggest surprise continues to be the third-row access and space, with one-touch access made life easier for adults to get into the third row and have plenty of space back there.
All Tellurides are powered by the 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine. This engine does a great job hauling the Telluride with absolute ease. It is connected to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive connected to a drive mode system. As for fuel economy, we averaged 22.8 MPG.
The ride quality is very good with its suspension system absorbing everything in its way. Handling and cornering also produced great results. We also love how the steering system created tight turns while providing good feedback from the road for a vehicle in its class. The brakes were superb, with solid pedal feel and great response at the wheels. Stopping power was there for good stops in normal and panic situations.
Pricing for the 2024 Telluride starts at $36,190 with a choice of 10 trim levels. Our SX Prestige X-Line all-wheel-drive tester came with a sticker price of $54,540.
As the Kia protects its award case by continuing improving the Telluride, it is still up against some formidable competition. Its rivals include the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Honda Pilot, Subaru Ascent, Volkswagen Atlas, Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Palisade, Mazda CX-90, Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander.
There are still plenty of vehicles in its size class that claim they can take your family of six – or more – in comfort across three rows. The Kia Telluride can still claim this and back it up. Just check the trophy case at Kia’s headquarters. If that’s not enough proof of the Telluride’s credentials for being your next family hauler, please take one for a test one. It might just change your mind.
Credits: CarSoup Editors
