The initial gateway to the comprehensive review of the 2024 Kia Telluride sets the stage for readers to delve into the details of this three-row crossover SUV. It begins by highlighting the significance of choosing the right trim level, with a specific emphasis on the Telluride EX trim for its commendable balance of features and value. This strategic approach aims to guide potential buyers towards a well-informed decision, recognizing that the right trim selection can greatly impact the overall ownership experience.
Features & Specs:
The 2024 Kia Telluride boasts a range of features and specifications across its three trims: EX AWD, EX FWD, and EX X-Line AWD. Let’s delve into the specifics:
- EX AWD:
- MPG: 18 city / 24 hwy
- MSRP: $43,790
- Notable for a good balance of features and value.
- EX FWD:
- MPG: 20 city / 26 hwy
- MSRP: $41,790
- Stands out for fuel efficiency while maintaining an attractive price point.
- EX X-Line AWD:
- MPG: 18 city / 24 hwy
- MSRP: $46,085
- Appeals to those seeking a more rugged appearance and enhanced off-road capabilities.
Additional Information:
- MPG Comparison: While the Telluride may not lead in fuel efficiency, its performance in various other family-oriented aspects remains exemplary.
- MSRP Overview: The pricing structure positions the Telluride as a competitive option in its segment, offering a balance between affordability and a rich feature set.
- Model Overview: It’s essential for potential buyers to consider their preferences, whether it’s prioritizing fuel efficiency, all-wheel drive capabilities, or a more rugged design, when choosing among the available trims.
The Features & Specs section provides a comprehensive breakdown of the 2024 Kia Telluride’s available trims, emphasizing their unique characteristics. This information serves as a valuable guide for consumers looking to align their preferences with the specific offerings of each trim level.
Performance
The 2024 Kia Telluride delivers a noteworthy driving experience, showcasing a balance between power and comfort.
- Engine Power: Fitted with a robust 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 engine, the Telluride exhibits a smooth and powerful performance. The engine is capable of towing up to 5,500 pounds, making it suitable for various hauling needs.
- Transmission: The 8-speed automatic transmission is meticulously tuned, ensuring the V-6’s power is well-managed. While it doesn’t execute rapid gear shifts, this contributes to a composed ride, earning the Telluride recognition for its overall performance.
- Ride Quality: One of the standout features is the Telluride’s luxury-grade ride, even with the largest 20-inch wheels. The SUV offers excellent ride control over bumps, providing a serene experience at highway speeds. The steering is responsive, offering a balanced feel on the road.
- Off-Road Capabilities: For those seeking off-road adventures, the X-Line trim level adds rugged enhancements like chunkier bumpers and a modest ride-height increase. While it may not compete with dedicated off-road vehicles, the Telluride with X-Line trim offers a capable option for light off-road excursions.
- Fuel Efficiency: However, it’s worth noting that the Telluride’s Achilles heel is its fuel efficiency, especially with the absence of electrification. The 3.8-liter V-6, while potent, contributes to a less-than-stellar fuel economy, rated at just 20 mpg combined with optional all-wheel drive.
The 2024 Kia Telluride excels in providing a comfortable and composed ride, offering a powerful V-6 engine for towing capabilities. The optional X-Line trim enhances its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for those who value both performance and comfort in their SUV.
Styling
The 2024 Kia Telluride stands out in the styling department, earning an impressive 8 out of 10 rating. With a clean and attractive design, it manages to avoid common SUV clichés, setting it apart from the competition. The exterior retains its SUV proportions while incorporating off-road styling cues and family wagon virtues, creating a timeless and visually appealing look. The Telluride’s simplicity, highlighted by its two-block shape, broad front grille, and substantial wheels, contributes to its aesthetic charm.
Notable Features:
- Amber daytime running lights (new for 2024).
- The X-Line trim introduces a heightened ride height, adding a more robust appearance.
- The X-Pro package enhances the exterior with blacked-out trim, elevating the Telluride’s swagger.
Moving inside, the Telluride’s interior design is a blend of functionality and elegance, drawing inspiration from GMC trucks and Range Rovers without mimicking them extensively. The cabin features a low horizontal theme with metallic trim, creating a visually organized layout with clusters of switches and knobs. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, now standard in every Telluride, adds a modern touch to the dash without compromising on user-friendly controls. Kia has successfully created an interior that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Interior Finishes:
- Base models offer synthetic leather, with real leather available as an upgrade.
- Higher-end Telluride models, particularly above the EX grade, boast convincing wood trim and soft quilted leather, achieving a luxurious feel.
- The Telluride’s cabin distinguishes itself from its Hyundai Palisade counterpart with its distinct yet friendly appearance.
In terms of styling, the 2024 Kia Telluride continues to uphold its reputation for a handsome exterior, a well-crafted interior, and a design that maintains its appeal even after a few years on the market. The X-Line trim and X-Pro package provide options for those seeking a bolder and more rugged appearance, enhancing the Telluride’s overall styling allure.
Pricing
When it comes to deciding on the perfect 2024 Kia Telluride for your needs, understanding the pricing structure is crucial. The Telluride lineup offers various trims, each catering to different preferences and budgets. Let’s delve into the pricing details:
- Base Model: Telluride LX
The entry-level Telluride LX comes with a competitive starting price of $37,355, which includes a $1,365 destination fee. This trim offers a range of standard features, such as LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather seats, a generous 12.3-inch touchscreen, and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. - Mid-Level Option: Telluride S
For those seeking a bit more luxury and additional amenities, the Telluride S is priced at $39,225. This trim adds a power driver’s seat, larger 20-inch wheels, heated front seats, and the convenience of wireless smartphone charging. The inclusion of second-row captain’s chairs further enhances the comfort and versatility of the S trim. - Recommended Choice: Telluride EX
Positioned at $42,955, the Telluride EX trim represents a balanced combination of features and value. Buyers opting for the EX trim benefit from heated front seats, genuine leather upholstery, a hands-free power tailgate, and elegant wood trim. These added features make the slight price increase worthwhile for those who prioritize a more refined driving experience. - Top-of-the-Line: Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro
For those desiring the pinnacle of luxury and advanced features, the fully-loaded Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro is priced at $54,450. This top-tier trim includes premium elements like nappa leather trim, a Harman Kardon audio system, a sunroof, heated and cooled second-row seats, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.
The pricing structure ensures that buyers can choose a Telluride model that aligns with their budget while enjoying the desired features and amenities. The versatility in pricing caters to a wide range of preferences, making the 2024 Kia Telluride accessible to a broad spectrum of buyers.
Fuel Economy:
Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for many potential car buyers, and the 2024 Kia Telluride presents a mixed picture in this regard. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the front-wheel-drive Telluride at 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and a combined 22 mpg. However, these figures decrease slightly when opting for the all-wheel-drive configuration, where the Telluride achieves 18 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined.
- EPA Ratings:
- Front-Wheel Drive: 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined.
- All-Wheel Drive: 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 20 mpg combined.
Despite these fuel efficiency ratings not being exceptional, it’s essential to note that the Telluride competes in a segment where larger SUVs often prioritize space and performance over fuel economy. Buyers looking for a more eco-friendly option may consider hybrid alternatives like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which boasts a significantly higher combined fuel efficiency of 35 mpg.
- Comparison with Alternatives:
- Telluride vs. Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 22 mpg (Telluride) vs. 35 mpg (Highlander Hybrid).
It’s worth mentioning that Kia has future plans to introduce an electric SUV, the EV9, next year. This signals a commitment to expanding their lineup with more sustainable options for consumers concerned about fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Future Electric SUV:
- Kia’s upcoming EV9: An electric SUV set to launch next year.
While the 2024 Kia Telluride might not be the most fuel-efficient option in its class, it aims to address this concern with the promise of an electric SUV in the near future, catering to a broader audience with varying preferences in energy efficiency.
Conclusion:
In wrapping up the comprehensive review of the 2024 Kia Telluride, it becomes evident that this three-row crossover SUV stands out in the competitive market, offering a compelling blend of features, performance, and design. Here’s a breakdown of the key points discussed throughout the review:
- Overall Impression: The Kia Telluride impresses with its spacious cabin, chiseled exterior, and a range of available trims catering to different preferences.
- Trim Recommendation: While each trim level has its merits, the Telluride EX emerges as the recommended choice for buyers seeking a well-balanced combination of features and value.
- Performance and Handling: The 291-hp 3.8-liter V-6 engine provides ample power, delivering a luxurious ride quality that stands out in its class. The Telluride handles admirably, offering a comfortable and controlled driving experience.
- Design Aesthetics: The Telluride’s styling, both inside and out, earns it high marks. The clean SUV proportions and thoughtful interior design, including the 12.3-inch touchscreen, contribute to its visual appeal.
- Safety Features: Kia’s commitment to safety is evident in the Telluride’s excellent crash-test ratings. Standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, enhance the overall safety profile.
- Comfort and Quality: With an exceptional score of 9 out of 10 for comfort and quality, the Telluride excels in providing a well-proportioned and spacious interior. Luxurious finishes in higher-end trims elevate the overall driving experience.
- Pricing Strategy: A detailed pricing breakdown reveals a reasonable starting point for the base model, with a commendable value proposition as buyers move up the trim ladder. The Telluride EX, though slightly higher in price, justifies the added cost with enhanced features.
- Fuel Efficiency Considerations: While the Telluride might not be the most fuel-efficient option in its category, its 3.8-liter V-6 engine ensures a powerful performance. However, consumers seeking higher fuel efficiency might explore hybrid alternatives.
- Future Prospects: A glimpse into Kia’s future plans mentions an upcoming electric SUV, the EV9, indicating the brand’s commitment to staying at the forefront of evolving automotive technologies.
In conclusion, the 2024 Kia Telluride emerges as a standout choice for those in search of a reliable and stylish three-row crossover. Whether navigating city streets or embarking on off-road adventures, the Telluride’s well-rounded features and safety measures make it a compelling option in its segment. Prospective buyers are encouraged to delve into the detailed specifications and visit Kia dealerships for a firsthand experience behind the wheel.
