2024 Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line AWD, still a great SUV

In the past I've been very effusive about the Telluride. I still think it is one of the nicest large SUVs (well large to me but not large like a Suburban). There is a saying that I think epitomizes every Kia of the past few years - "Sweat the small stuff."

Between '88-'90 I worked for a Japanese auto maker. We performed what was called "port inspections." We go to the port or railhead to inspect new models. Armed with our measuring devices we'd check paint thickness, panel gaps, nameplate alignment, the complete fit and finish. That was sweating the small stuff.

When you first approach a new vehicle, any model, your first impression is important. Every new Kia I've seen, and that includes our 2023 Rio 5, shows care of construction. If I see a nameplate that isn't perfectly placed I wonder if there was pride of assembly, and I wonder what else is not right. That's the value of a first impression. 

The test Telluride was a 2024 SX-Prestige X-Line V6 AWD. There are ten Telluride versions and the test one is one step below the top. It is a seven passenger vehicle (2-2-3).  To put the Telluride in perspective it is 196.9" long compared to a Suburban that is 225.7". For maximum storage space the third row seat should be folded flat leaving 46 cu. ft. of storage; with the third row up there is 21 cu. ft., and with the second and third rows down there is 87 cu. ft.

Take a look at the seat, that is attention to detail. Besides the Nappa leather the pattern draws your eyes to the seat. Everything just looked well made. But it isn't just looks, the seats were very comfortable and supportive.

The instrument cluster is straightforward and easy to read. The test Telluride had a heads-up display that kept my eyes on the road ahead and let me see my speed. When you use the turn signal, something many out there don't always do, one of the gauges shows behind the Telluride on the side you are turning. A nice feature to aid the view in your mirrors.

Even though the Telluride has a large screen (12.3") most of the controls were easy to use without distraction - two knobs for the sound system, dials for the temperature controls, switches for the seat heaters/cooling fans. This is how a vehicle should be, everything within reach.

Under the hood is a 291 hp, 262 lb-ft, 3.8-liter, DOHC V6. In the test Telluride it sends its power through an 8-speed automatic transmission to the On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive system. 

This powertrain is rated at 18-mpg city and 24-mpg on the highway. I didn't check this but in the past I have exceeded the highway mileage in other Tellurides. The test Telluride weighed just around 4,500 lbs., and testing by others shows it is fairly quick (0-60 in 6.7 seconds). Every Telluride will tow up to 5,000 lbs.

The least expensive Telluride is the LX FWD at $35,990, the most expensive is the SX Prestige X-Pro at $53,185. The SX Prestige X-Line starts at $52,185. As tested, with $990 in options, and $1,365 in delivery fees topped out at $54,540.

If you are considering a SUV in this size range I have no problem recommending a Telluride.