We put the 2024 Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Line AWD through a full weekend road trip—nearly 700 miles of interstates, mountain grades, and small-town detours—with four occupants and luggage to assess comfort, efficiency, and driver-assistance performance over long stints.
Our test Telluride packs a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 (291 hp, 262 lb-ft) and an 8-speed automatic feeding an on-demand AWD system. Curb weight pushed past 4,500 pounds with passengers and cargo, yet the X-Line’s slightly taller ride height and 8.4 inches of ground clearance didn’t compromise stability at highway speeds. Conditions ranged from 52°F dawn starts to 94°F afternoon heat, with moderate crosswinds and several sustained 6–7% grades. We ran a 690-mile loop mixing I-10 and two-lane mountain roads, averaging 69 mph according to the trip computer.
With the third row folded (about 46 cu ft of space), we loaded two medium suitcases, a stroller, a soft cooler, and daypacks—no Tetris required. The cabin’s many storage cubbies and large door bins kept clutter under control; the underfloor compartment behind the third row swallowed loose items and still left the compact spare accessible. Seat comfort is a highlight. The Nappa leather thrones offer broad cushions, long thigh support, and effective multi-stage ventilation; after three- to four-hour stints, no hot spots or lower-back complaints.
Road and wind noise are well isolated for the class—coarse-chip asphalt introduces a low rumble, but conversation in row three remained easy without raising voices. The ride is tuned for long-haul compliance: 20-inch wheels relay some sharp expansion joints, yet body motions settle quickly, and the Telluride resists porpoising over undulating pavement. The V6 is smooth and unobtrusive at a cruise, turning low revs in eighth gear. Passing power is adequate rather than urgent; plan an extra second at altitude or on steep grades.
The transmission is decisive on gentle inclines but can hunt between 6th and 7th under heavier loads; tapping the shifter into manual mode to hold 4th on descents kept brake temps in check. We observed 23.8 mpg indicated (22.9 mpg calculated at the pump) overall—close to the AWD EPA highway rating of 24 mpg—yielding 430–450 miles per tank from the 18.8-gallon reservoir. Driver assistance eased fatigue. Adaptive cruise with lane centering tracked naturally without ping-ponging, though it leaves a conservative gap in heavy traffic even on the closest setting.
Lane-keeping nudges are smooth, and the Blind-Spot View Monitor’s camera feed in the cluster proved valuable when merging with bikes and trucks. LED headlights cast a broad, even beam on dark two-lanes; auto high-beams responded promptly without blinding oncoming traffic. Brakes stayed consistent on extended downhill sections, showing no fade. Tech and usability are road-trip friendly.
The dual 12.3-inch displays are bright, and while Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are wired, the USB-C ports in all three rows kept devices charged. The Harman Kardon audio remains clear over road noise, and tri-zone climate control maintained even temps to row three in 90°F heat. The third row is adult-capable for a couple of hours, but the cushion is low; teens fit best. Overall, the Telluride blends comfort, space, and confidence-inspiring manners.
If you value brisk passing or maximum range, a turbocharged competitor or a hybrid three-row will do better; for family road-tripping, this Kia hits the sweet spot.