2024 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro AWD Review: Rugged and Luxurious in One SUV

While the Kia Telluride hasn’t changed dramatically since it first arrived at dealerships in 2020, it’s still one of the best mid-size 3-row SUVs you can buy, offering appealing looks inside and out, premium trim packages and a long list of standard features that help make it a great value. This time, I tested the 2024 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro, the most adventure-capable configuration available, which offers suspension and towing upgrades and wheels and tires that are more appropriate for off-road trails.

Both the X-Line and X-Pro grades offer 8.4″ of ground clearance, 0.4″ more than other Tellurides. They also have black lower body trim, a black grille surround, tall roof rails, and LED fog lights with black bezels. The X-Pro rides on black 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires that provide extra sidewall – a must for riding on rocky trails. The SX Prestige grades are the most luxurious versions, with features like premium leather seats and heated/ventilated second-row seats. The SX Prestige X-Pro I drove is the best of both worlds, offering off-road ruggedness and luxurious interior accouterments.

Every Telluride sold in America has the same 3.8-liter, dual overhead cam V6 engine. It produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of torque and works in concert with an 8-speed automatic transmission to send power to all four wheels. For added confidence on uneven terrain, a locking center differential ensures torque is distributed evenly between the front and rear wheels. Most Tellurides can tow 5000 pounds, while the X-Pro bumps that to 5500 pounds and also sports a self-leveling rear suspension, which can help with ride stability when carrying a lot of cargo or towing.

If there’s any downside to the naturally aspirated engine, it’s that fuel economy isn’t as good as smaller, turbocharged engines. The EPA rates this Telluride at 18 MPG in the city, 24 MPG on the highway, and 20 MPG combined. The drivetrain offers confident acceleration and passing power, and the independent suspension system provides a smooth ride with minimal vibrations. The cabin is well insulated, keeping out road and wind noise nicely. Road trips are a dream thanks to Highway Driving Assist 2, which automatically manages throttle, braking, and lane centering on most interstate highways. It works quite well keeping the SUV in its lane, though you need to keep your hands on the wheel to use the system. It can also automatically change lanes when you flick the turn signal lever, and conditions are safe.

The luxurious SX Prestige cabin includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather shift boot, along with rich and comfy Nappa leather seating, stainless steel pedals and door sills, and 64-color mood lighting. Sitting atop the dash is a subtly curved dual 12.3-inch display module with driving information on the left screen and multimedia controls on the right touchscreen. This dual display approach is becoming increasingly common in modern vehicles, reducing the reliance on mechanical gauges and controls. That said, I appreciate that Kia continues to provide physical controls for things like climate, media modes, and volume.

The center console includes a conventional mechanical shift lever and switchgear for the heated and ventilated seats, parking sensors, cameras, and other vehicle settings. In addition to a pair of cupholders, a small tray for a phone or wallet, a shiny piano black door that hides a wireless phone charger, and a pair of USB-C charging ports. This is also where you can choose between Comfort, Sport, Smart, Eco, and Snow driving modes, as well as engage the locking center diff. For the most part, we drove in Smart mode, which automatically adjusts based on driving conditions and driver input. While X-Pro grade is touted for its off-road capabilities, our experiences were limited to some rutted dirt and gravel roads. The Telluride performed admirably on these uneven surfaces as well as paved roads.

The multimedia system is the same one found in other Kia/Hyundai/Genesis vehicles, which means it’s got a fast and intuitive user interface. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though those require a wired connection, which somewhat defeats the purpose of the wireless charger. Wireless phone connectivity has started appearing in other vehicles from the Korean trio, so I think it’s also likely to appear in the 2025 Telluride. Tech wizardry on display includes a 10-inch head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, surround-view parking cameras, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitors that display live video on the instrument cluster. There’s also a Harman Kardon premium audio system on board. It’s a clean sounding system, though you need to crank up the bass and treble settings in order to enjoy its most dynamic sound.

There are stitched, soft-touch surfaces and dark woodgrain trim on the dash and doors that looks like the open pore wood found on more expensive luxury vehicles. It’s plastic, but I swore it was the real deal until I knocked on it with my knuckle. Another upscale touch is the SynTex suede headliner, which feels velvety smooth to the touch. There are also independent front and rear sunroofs.

The second-row captain’s chairs are as comfy as the front seats, offering excellent headroom and kneeroom for taller passengers. These seats have access to a pair of cupholders, a 12V DC outlet, and a 110V AC outlet on the rear of the center console. There are also USB-C ports on the front seatbacks. There are also seatback pouches for phones, tablets, or other items. Overhead, you’ll find independent climate controls. Since this is an SX-Prestige-based vehicle, second-row passengers also enjoy heated and ventilated seats.

The third-row seats aren’t as luxurious as the others, and legroom and kneeroom are limited. However, it’s sufficient for a couple of kiddos or shorter adults. There is a middle seat back here, but fitting three people back here can be tight because of the width of the wheel wells. There are plenty of cupholders back here and USB-C charging ports on both wheel wells. Getting into the back is easy – either by using the electric tilt and slide feature on the captain’s chairs or squeezing between them of you’re agile enough.

Storage space is plentiful in the Telluride, offering 87 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. With the captain’s chairs in use, there’s an ample 46 cubic feet and an above-average 21 cubic feet behind the third row. There’s another 110V AC outlet back here, which is handy for connecting plug-in gear while overlanding or tailgating. A smart power liftgate automatically opens when you approach the back of the Telluride with the key fob in your pocket, so you don’t have to worry about freeing up a hand while carrying a bunch of grocery bags.

The Kia Telluride continues to be an exceptional SUV and offers some of the best bang for the buck when it comes to features and finishes. While you can get into a base Telluride LX FWD for as little as $36,190, the top-of-the-line SX Prestige X-Pro starts at $53,185 before freight and handling fees. The test vehicle reviewed here had a sticker price of $55,540, including those fees, as well as optional Wolf Gray paint, carpeted floor mats, a cargo cover, and a carpet cargo mat.