2024 Kia Telluride

Not only does the 2024 Kia Telluride tow up to 5500 pounds, but it also has plenty of room for cargo and is available in a rugged X-Pro guise that can handle moderately challenging off-roading. We’d love a little more driver engagement, but at least the Telluride rides beautifully and provides quiet cruising that reduces long-distance driving fatigue. If you ask us, the Telluride is the mid-size SUV that best meets the needs of those shopping in this segment—we like it so much that we included it on our 2024 10Best Trucks and SUVs and 2024 Editors’ Choice lists.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Under the hood of every 2024 Kia Telluride is a naturally aspirated V-6 that makes 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Its engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission that feeds the front wheels, though all-wheel drive is optional across the board. The Telluride X-Line we tested sped to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. However, the big Kia didn’t feel as responsive to throttle inputs at lower speeds as did some of its turbocharged rivals. The Telluride’s ride is on the firm side, with harsh pavement sometimes throwing the three-row SUV off its intended path. A self-leveling rear air suspension is also available. The brakes are excellent and the steering is precise with a nice heft to its feel. The Telluride boasts up to 8.4 inches of ground clearance for off-road excursions, and it can tow up to 5500 pounds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Unlike many rival three-row SUVs, the 2024 Kia Telluride is only offered with a gasoline V-6 powertrain. The EPA estimates the front-drive version is the thriftiest, with ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. All-wheel-drive models drop to 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The all-wheel-drive Telluride we tested on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route returned 26 mpg—exceeding its government highway rating. For more information about the Telluride’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Regardless of people’s opinions about the 2024 Kia Telluride‘s bold outward appearance, its interior is undeniably upscale and comfortable—especially in the top trims. The build quality is excellent, the materials are attractive, and features are plentiful. The SX trim tops them all with the fanciest options, which include driver’s seat memory settings, a head-up display, heated and ventilated rear seats, a rich-looking headliner, and nappa leather upholstery. Because the Telluride is several inches longer than the seven-passenger Kia Sorento, its cabin is even more spacious, especially for those in the wayback. There is room for eight with a second-row bench seat or seating for seven with the optional captain’s chairs. Along with ample interior storage throughout the cabin, we managed to fit four carry-on suitcases behind its third row and stuffed a total of 35 carry-ons with both back rows folded flat.