Telluride Answers Buyer’s Desires

CHATHAM, Mass. – Kia is a brand which has never rested on its laurels or considered leaving well enough alone, at least where sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) were concerned. Nothing exemplified this more than the introduction in 2019 of the three-row, mid-size Telluride SUV alongside its smaller three-row, mid-size SUV sibling, the Sorento, to capture even more of the American consumers’ demands for an SUV sized just for them.

And it seems to have been the correct marketing decision. Since the April 2019 launch of the Telluride as a 2020 model, Kia has sold 432.455 in the U.S. During the same period, the company has sold 445,309 Sorento SUVs – Americans obviously like the choice between the 197-inch Telluride and the 186-inch Sorento.

I can understand the overall appreciation of Kia’s SUV prowess following periods in virtually all of the variants; 23 years of ownership of a 2011 Sorento, and a recent week in a comprehensively equipped 2024 Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Line.

V6 motivates, all-wheel drive puts the power down

The 3.8-liter V6 engine powering the Telluride SX Prestige X-Line features gasoline direct injection, 24 valves, double overhead camshafts, and aluminum engine block and heads. The naturally aspirated powerplant puts out 291 horsepower and 262 pounds-feet of torque.

The power flows through an eight-speed automatic transmission into a standard full-time active all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Active means the system determines the amount of power to send to the front or rear wheels dependent upon road conditions and driver input.

According to Kia: The system utilizes electro-hydraulic AWD coupling to precisely activate the multi-plate clutch, constantly redistributing the amount of power transferred to the front and rear wheels. During normal driving, power is distributed according to the drive mode selected. “Eco” and “Comfort” modes can deliver up to 20 to 35 percent of the power to the rear wheels, respectively. “Sport”, “Smart” and “Snow” modes can deliver up to 50 percent of the power to the rear wheels. “AWD Lock” mode delivers power evenly to all four wheels.

This powertrain provides excellent performance (Car and Driver tests returned 0-to-60 times of 6.8 seconds) and solid fuel economy for a 4,524-pound, gasoline-fueled SUV. My heavy foot resulted in 22 miles per gallon overall, besting the federal Environmental Protection Agency rating of 20 (18 urban, 24 highway).

X-Line ups the platform

Kia introduced the X-Line (and X-Pro) trim levels with the 2023 model year to provide a bit more capability for the more adventurous Telluride buyers. Beyond a new grille, badging, unique 20-inch wheels and raised roof rails; the SUV’s ground clearance was increased by 10mm, the traction-control system was upgraded; the tow mode enhanced for trailering performance (by adjusting the powertrain settings – a 5,000-pound trailer capacity for the Prestige X-Line), and improved approach and departure angles.

The basic chassis pieces remained for a fully independent setup with MacPherson-type struts, coil springs and stabilizer bar up front and multi-link with stabilizer bar in the rear.

The dual-diagonal, split-circuit, power-assisted braking system has 13.4-inch vented rotors up front and 12-inch solid ones in the rear.

The tires adorning the 20×7.5-inch wheels are P245/50 R20 all-season ones.

No major off-road opportunities arose during my week behind the wheel of the Kia Telluride, except across a couple of muddy, uneven parking fields. I also ventured out during a couple of mid-summer rainstorms (which on Cape Cod came with the not uncommon heavy fog) and the Telluride acquitted itself without any drama or concerns.

This was both a comfortable and comforting vehicle to drive and in which to transport my (summer-expanded) family.

Expanded ADAS for Telluride

Kia included a long list of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) when it introduced the Telluride then added to this group during a 2023 model-year refresh (which carried over to the 2024s like I drove).

The new systems include intelligent speed-limit assist; navigation-based smart cruise control; Highway Driving Assist 2 (which helps to maintain a predetermined distance from the vehicle in front, keeps the vehicle within detected lane markers on certain highways, and also assist in lane changes under certain conditions); forward-collision avoidance–junction turning; forward-collision avoidance—lane-change oncoming (Is designed to provide steering input to help prevent collisions if the system detects oncoming vehicles while passing other vehicles); forward-collision avoidance—lane-change side, and forward-collision avoidance—evasive steering assist.

Carry-over ADAS brings forward collision warning; forward-collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian & cyclist detection; high-beam assist; lane-departure warning; lane keeping assist; blind-spot collision warning; blind-spot view monitor; driver-attention warning; smart cruise control with stop & go; rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist; parking-distance warning – forward and reverse; surround-view monitor; lane-following assist, and safe-exist assist.

Comfort, convenience and technology grace the spacious cabin

The Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line is the penultimate trim in the Telluride range, but the interior boasts so many technological and luxury features it comes across as top-of-the-range.

Nappa leather covers the front and second-row captains’ chairs, all with heating and ventilation (the leather-covered steering wheel is also heated). Power adjustment for the front buckets, with the driver’s having two-person memory (which also includes the outside rearview mirrors).

An automatic three-zone climate control system helps keep the environment cozy (but opening the dual moonroofs can quickly change that mood).

Speaking of mirrors, the driver has a choice of a conventional inside rearview mirror or a digital one utilizing an external camera, thus turning the inside mirror into a display. I chose this method to allow complete rearview vision regardless of how many people and child car seats I had on board. A great feature for those who travel with a crowd or haul a lot of stuff which blocks a conventional mirror.

A yard of screen sits on top of the left two-thirds of the dash comprised of two 12.3-inch screens. The left one incorporates the customizable instrument/information cluster while the right is a touchscreen providing vehicle-system controls and those which operate the infotainment system.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, Bluetooth streaming audio and SiriusXM satellite radio are part of the infotainment system which plays sounds through the 10-speaker Harman/Kardon Premium Audio System.

This is a very comfortable and luxurious interior for up to seven passengers. Even the third-row passengers have adequate leg room and there is a generous amount of space behind the raised third seat.

Another Kia SUV hit

The Korean brand offers U.S. consumers nine SUVs/crossovers from subcompact ones like the Soul to the compact Sportage to all electrics like the EV6 compact SUV and the EV9 three-row mid-size one.

The Telluride sits as the brand’s flagship and buyers have a choice of 14 variants from the front-wheel-drive LX (starting at $36,190) to the fully equipped SX-Prestige AWD X-Pro (at $53,385).

The penultimate 2024 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige AWD X-Line I reviewed had a base price of $52,385. The options were Wolf Gray paint ($495), carpeted floor maps ($225), a cargo cover ($155 which has a clever, under-the-floor storage area when not in use) and carpet cargo mat with seatback protection ($115). Inland freight and handling added $1,365 bringing the as-tested price to $54,540.

The choices mean a buyer can easily tailor a Telluride to their needs, budgets and desires. And Kia offers a lot of different functionality within those choices. All told, an excellent example of a modern SUV for family, for travel, for fun.