While the Kia Telluride hasn’t changed dramatically since its launch in 2020, it’s still one of the best three-row midsize SUVs you can buy. It offers handsome looks inside and out, premium trim packages, and a long list of standard features that make it a great value. This time, I tested the 2024 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro, the most adventure-ready configuration available, which offers suspension and towing upgrades, as well as wheels and tires better suited to off-road trails.
Both the X-Line and X-Pro trims offer 8.4 inches of ground clearance, 0.4 inches more than other Tellurides. They also have black lower body panels, a black grille frame, tall roof rails, and LED fog lights with black bezels. The X-Pro rides on black 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires that provide additional sidewalls—a must for driving on rocky trails. The SX Prestige trims are the most luxurious versions, with features like premium leather seats and heated/ventilated second-row seats. The SX Prestige X-Pro I drove is the best of both worlds, offering off-road capability and luxurious interiors.
Every Telluride sold in America has the same 3.8-liter dual overhead cam V6 engine. It produces 291 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque and works with an 8-speed automatic transmission to send power to all four wheels. For added safety on rough terrain, a limited-slip center differential ensures torque is evenly distributed between the front and rear wheels. Most Tellurides can tow 5000 pounds, while the X-Pro increases that number to 5000 pounds and also has a self-leveling rear suspension that can improve driving stability when hauling heavy loads or towing.
If there’s a downside to the naturally aspirated engine at all, it’s better fuel economy than smaller turbocharged engines. The EPA rates this Telluride at 18 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined. The powertrain offers confident acceleration and passing power, and the independent suspension makes for a smooth ride with minimal vibration. The cabin is well-insulated and does a good job of blocking road and wind noise. Road trips are a dream thanks to Highway Driving Assist 2, which automatically controls throttle, braking, and lane centering on most highways. It does a pretty good job of keeping the SUV in its lane, though you have to keep your hands on the wheel to use the system. It can also automatically change lanes if you use the turn signal stalk and conditions are safe.
The SX Prestige’s luxurious cabin includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather gear shift boot, plus plush and comfortable Nappa leather seats, stainless steel pedals and door sills, and 64-color mood lighting. Above the dashboard is a subtly curved 12.3-inch dual display module with driving information on the left screen and multimedia controls on the right touchscreen. This dual-display approach is becoming more common in modern vehicles, reducing the reliance on mechanical gauges and controls. That said, I appreciate that Kia continues to offer physical controls for things like climate, media modes, and volume.
The center console contains a traditional mechanical shifter and switches for heated and ventilated seats, parking sensors, cameras and other vehicle settings. There are also a pair of cupholders, a small tray for a phone or wallet, a glossy piano black flap that hides a wireless phone charger, and a pair of USB-C charging ports. It’s also where you can choose between Comfort, Sport, Smart, Eco and Snow drive modes and activate the center locking differential. Most of the time we drove in Smart mode, which automatically adjusts to driving conditions and driver inputs. While the X-Pro grade is touted for its off-road prowess, our experience was limited to some rutted dirt and gravel roads. The Telluride performed admirably on these uneven surfaces as well as on paved roads.
The multimedia system is the same one found in other Kia/Hyundai/Genesis vehicles, meaning it has a quick and intuitive interface. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although these require a wired connection, which somewhat defeats the purpose of the wireless charger. Wireless phone connectivity has arrived in other vehicles from the Korean trio, so I think it will likely be found in the 2025 Telluride as well. The tech wizardry on display includes a 10-inch head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view parking cameras, parking sensors and blind-spot monitors that display live video on the instrument cluster. There’s also a premium Harman Kardon audio system on board. It’s a clean-sounding system, although you’ll have to crank up the bass and treble settings to enjoy the most dynamic sound.
There are stitched soft-touch finishes and dark wood grain on the dashboard and doors that look like the open-pore wood found on more expensive luxury vehicles. It’s plastic, but I could have sworn it was real until I tapped it with my knuckle. Another upscale detail is the SynTex suede headliner, which is velvety soft to the touch. There are also independent sunroofs front and rear.
The second-row captain’s chairs are just as comfortable as the front seats and offer excellent head and knee room for tall passengers. These seats feature two cup holders, a 12V DC outlet and a 110V AC outlet on the back of the center console. There are also USB-C ports on the front seatbacks. There are also pockets in the seatbacks for phones, tablets or other items. You’ll find independent air conditioning units above. Since this is a vehicle based on the SX Prestige, second-row passengers also enjoy heated and ventilated seats.
The third-row seats aren’t as luxurious as the others, and leg and knee room are limited. However, it’s enough for a couple of kids or smaller adults. There’s a middle seat, but the width of the wheel arches means it can be tight to fit three people there. There are plenty of cupholders and USB-C charging ports on both wheel arches. Getting into the back is easy – either by using the power tilt and slide function of the captain’s seats or squeezing in between them if you’re agile enough.
Storage is plentiful in the Telluride, offering 87 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. There’s a generous 46 cubic feet when using the captain’s seats and an above-average 21 cubic feet behind the third row. There’s another 110V AC outlet back here, which is handy for plugging in plug-in devices when cross-country driving or tailgating. A smart power liftgate opens automatically as you approach the back of the Telluride with the key fob in your pocket, so you don’t have to worry about having a free hand while carrying a bunch of grocery bags.
The Kia Telluride continues to be an exceptional SUV and offers the best value in terms of features and finish. While you can get the base Telluride LX FWD for $36,190, the top-of-the-line SX Prestige X-Pro model starts at $53,185 before freight and handling charges. The test vehicle tested here had a list price of $55,540, including those charges as well as optional Wolf Gray paint, carpet floor mats, a cargo cover and a carpet cargo mat.
