Summary

• Kia Motors’ success within the U.S. stems from years of funding and analysis, in addition to attracting prime expertise from different manufacturers.
• The 2024 Kia Telluride continues the model’s worth proposition of providing premium options at a mainstream worth.
• Telluride stands out for its high quality, fashion, efficiency, design and practicality.

Any group fascinated with burnishing its picture want solely look to the success of Kia Motors within the United States. The marque’s first automobiles hit American roads in 1993 as 1994 fashions, with low price and excessive worth as their distinctive promoting proposition. Largely appeared down upon, the 1994 Kia Sephia and its Sportage sibling have been rated nowhere close to the highest by automotive pundits.

Thirty years later, the 2024 Kia Telluride we’re reviewing right here (as is true of a lot of the company’s other models) is taken into account among the many finest in its class. How’d they do it? A key facet of Kia’s success has been years of large funding and analysis. Well okay, that and hiring gifted engineers and designers away from BMW and Audi.

In order to give you an trustworthy and unbiased overview, I drove the automobile reviewed on this article every day all through the course of every day life for a interval of 1 week. For detailed perception into testing procedures and information assortment, please overview our methodology policy .

2024 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line V6 AWD First Impressions

The results of that technique is wholly evident in the company’s Telluride mid-size SUV. Handsome, nicely appointed and remarkably competent, the 2024 Kia Telluride does every thing the typical American household expects a crossover SUV to do—and does it nicely. A premium providing at a mainstream worth, the Telluride hews intently to the worth proposition that has been half and parcel of Kia’s advertising and marketing technique because it began delivery automobiles to the U.S. again within the Nineties.

Telluride was handled to a major makeover for the 2023 model year, so it got here into ’24 with solely minor beauty updates. These embrace the adoption of amber-colored daytime operating lamps and the implementation of shiny black exterior trim for Telluride’s X-Line and X-Pro trim packages. Minor touches true, however they do improve the Kia’s look.

Exterior Dimensions

Driving Impressions And Performance

Regardless of the trim degree you choose, you’ll get the marque’s 3.8-liter DOHC V-6. Tuned to supply 291 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 262 LB-FT of torque at 5,200, the engine is mated to an eight-speed computerized transmission. My SX-Prestige X-Line V6 AWD trimmed Telluride was additionally outfitted with all-wheel drive. I noticed seven-second runs to 60 with that powertrain.

Underway, the Telluride introduced a agency, although not uncomfortable, high quality of trip. The mannequin I drove was additionally outfitted with the corporate’s self-leveling rear suspension, which makes use of airbags. Directional stability was good on all however the roughest pavement. Throttle response might have been higher, however bear in mind I’m a efficiency nut. That trait would seemingly go unnoticed by most individuals. Braking was stable and reassuring, whereas steering response was correct, with simply the correct amount of weighting.

Offering a modicum of off-road functionality, the Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line I drove supplied 8.4 inches of floor clearance, which is greater than sufficient for reasonably difficult conditions. I’d keep away from attempting to deal with Moab within the Kia, however Telluride X-Line fashions are greater than able to dealing with something most “normal” individuals would ask them to do.

Performance Specifications

2024 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line V6 AWD Fuel Economy

In a mixture of freeway, metropolis, road and again street driving, I averaged 21 miles per gallon, in line with the Telluride’s journey pc. The EPA says you possibly can anticipate to see 18 MPG within the metropolis, 24 on the freeway and 20 general. Remember although, this was with the all-wheel drive powertrain. The numbers for the front-drive setup are 20 within the metropolis, 26 on the freeway and 22 general.

Interior Design And Comfort

Standard among the many options of the 2024 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line V6 AWD I reviewed are a dual-screen panoramic digital show, Nappa leather-based upholstery, in addition to warmth and air flow for each the primary and second row seats. The steering wheel was heated too. Looking across the inside, fashion and craftsmanship are wholly evident. Build high quality is first-rate, with match and end rivaling that of way more expensive product. The materials selections are pleasing to the attention, whereas the format of the controls and switchgear is reflective of appreciable thought.

Telluride is able to seating a most of eight individuals, except you go for the second row captain’s chairs with which my SX-Prestige Telluride was outfitted. This is enhanced by the spacious and ethereal nature of the Kia, even for many who are relegated to the Kia’s third row of seats. Ingress and egress are simply completed for the primary and second rows. Predictably, a level of agility is required of those that would occupy the third row.

Interior Dimensions

Technology And Ease Of Use

Among the options of my Telluride’s tech suite have been the aforementioned twin digital shows, in addition to a head up show able to exhibiting me the Kia’s blind spots to disclose the positioning of automobiles surrounding the Telluride. Navigation, satellite tv for pc radio and a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system have been additionally put in. Wireless smartphone charging, WiFi, CarPlay and Android compatibility have been included too.

Kia’s “Driver Talk” function makes use of the rear audio system to make it simpler for the youngsters to listen to you inform them to cease bothering one another. The digital rear-view mirror offers you a selection of digital camera or reflective viewing. Best of all, these options require no studying curve to make use of, every thing is easy and simple to make use of. In different phrases, you received’t spend hours thumbing the Telluride’s instruction guide to determine the best way to pair your smartphone.

Cargo And Storage Space

The capaciousness to which I referred earlier applies to the Kia’s propensity for accommodating cargo too. Carry-on baggage for 4 individuals will match behind the third row. Fold the second and third rows away, you’ll match carry-on baggage for each the offense and protection of an American soccer group—with house left over.

The rear hatch is power-operated and will be programmed to cease at completely different heights. Third-row passengers get cupholders, as does each different occupant of the Kia. Generously proportioned door cubbies are equipped for first and second row occupants. Maximum towing capability is 8,500 kilos.

2024 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line V6 AWD Vs. Its Competitors

Telluride is most immediately in comparison with Toyota’s Grand Highlander and Mazda’s CX-90. In true Kia trend, Telluride undercuts each of them worth sensible. The Kia’s beginning worth is $36,190, whereas the Toyota’s base worth is $43,320 and the Mazda’s base worth is $39,595. All three SUVs are equally outfitted, and all three take pleasure in stable reliability.

How Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line V6 AWD Compares To Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum

• 	2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum	2024 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line V6 AWD
  Trim	Platinum	SX-Prestige X-Line V6 AWD
  Model	Grand Highlander	Telluride
  Engine/Motor	2.4L Turbo I-4	3.8L V-6
  Horsepower	265 @ 6,000 RPM	291@ 6,000 RPM
  Torque	310 LB-FT @ 1,700 RPM	262 LB-FT @ 5,200 RPM
  Drivetrain	Front Engine / FWD, AWD	Front Engine / AWD
  Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
  MSRP	$53,795	$52,185
  0-60 MPH	7.0 Seconds	7.0 Seconds
  Towing Capacity	5,000 Pounds	5,000 Pounds

While there exists a Toyota Highlander, the mannequin doesn’t evaluate on to the Telluride. That honor goes to the marque’s Grand Highlander, which is an all-new addition to Toyota showrooms for the 2024 mannequin yr. Grand Highlander’s fundamental function set features a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and energy adjustable heated entrance seats.

To get nearer to the function set provided by the Kia SX-Prestige, you’d be Grand Highlander Platinum, which requires an expenditure of a minimum of $53,795, in comparison with $52,185 for the Kia. This would get you a 265-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged 4, in comparison with the Kia’s 291 horsepower V6. On the opposite hand although, the Toyota’s engine does ship extra torque, 310 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm, which makes it faster off the road than the Kia.

With all of that mentioned, the Kia is a better-looking trip to my eye. I additionally like the way in which the Kia drives greater than I do the Toyota. However, the Toyota nameplate is synonymous with reliability and longevity, the place Kia remains to be constructing its rep in that regard. Bumper to bumper guarantee protection is three years or 36,000 miles bumper to bumper. The powertrain is roofed for 5 years or 60,000 miles and Toyota will cowl scheduled upkeep prices for the primary two years or 25,000 miles.

How Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line V6 AWD Compares to Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S

• 	2024 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line V6 AWD	2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S
  Trim	SX-Prestige X-Line V6 AWD	3.3 Turbo S
  Model	Telluride	CX-90
  Engine/Motor	3.8L V-6	3.3L Turbo I-6
  Horsepower	291@ 6,000 RPM	340 @ 6,000 RPM
  Torque	262 LB-FT @ 5,200 RPM	369 LB-FT @ 2,000 RPM
  Drivetrain	Front Engine / AWD	Front Engine / AWD
  Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
  MSRP	$52,185	$56,450
  0-60 MPH	7.0 Seconds	6.0 Seconds
  Towing Capacity	5,000 Pounds	5,000 Pounds

Anyone who’s learn greater than a few of my reviews will in all probability assume my favourite is the Mazda, due to the marque’s emphasis on driver enjoyment. And yeah, they might be proper. However, the Mazda additionally does a superb job of emulating extra expensive luxurious SUVs. I’ve mentioned it earlier than and I’ll repeat it right here, Mazda might ask a further $10,000 for the CX-90 and the mannequin would nonetheless be a believable consideration. So yeah, Mazda is horning in on Kia’s worth proposition—large time.

The model of Mazda’s CX-90 that comes closest to the SX-Prestige is the three.3 Turbo S Premium, which has a base worth of $56,450. While that’s the tallest quantity right here, it additionally will get you a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that’s good for 340 horsepower and 369 LB-FT of torque. And sure, that engine configuration does sound remarkably just like that of a sure Bavarian producer. Frankly, that reference isn’t too far off the mark: After all, the CX-90, just like the choices of that German automaker, locations the fanatic driver’s needs entrance and heart within the equation. The Mazda is the straightforward selection right here should you wish to drive.

What’s extra, the CX-90’s’s styling is extra extroverted and its inside remedy borders on the palatial. In truth, the Mazda’s passenger lodging would look proper at residence utilized to the choices of sure British producer, recognized for mixing luxurious environment with sporting traits. On the sensible aspect of the equation, Mazda offers bumper-to-bumper protection for 3 years or 36,000 miles. The powertrain is warranted for 5 years or 60,000 miles.

Our Recommendation For Which Model You Should Buy

Anyone who’s learn greater than few of my evaluations will in all probability assume my favourite is the Mazda, due to the marque’s emphasis on driver enjoyment. And yeah, they might be proper. However, there isn’t a improper selection right here. And no, I’m not equivocating; all three of those automobiles are excellent in their very own proper. In my view, the selection will come down as to whether you’re extra fascinated with resale worth, which the Toyota will present; driving enjoyment, which the Mazda will present; or splitting the distinction, which the Kia will handily accomplish. The selection, as they are saying, is as much as you.