Changes coming, but current edition is tough to beat.
Text by Tom Appel
2024 Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Line V6 AWD
Specs
Class: Midsize Crossover
Color: Wolf Gray
Seating Capacity: 7
Miles driven: 189
Real-world fuel economy: 21.2 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | A |
| Power and Performance | B+ |
| Fit and Finish | A- |
| Fuel Economy | B+ |
| Value | A |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | A |
| Tall Guy | A |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 291-horsepower |
| Engine Type | 3.8-liter V6 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving mix: 65% city, 35% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 18/24/20 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Regular
Base price: $52,185 (not including $1365 destination charge),
Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($495), floor mats ($225), cargo cover ($155), cargo mat ($115)
Price as tested: $54,540
Pros and Cons
The great: Premium experience for popular price, refined ride and handling
The good: Decent fuel economy, roomy cabin, ample power
The not so good: Pricey in top trim levels
Overview
Regarding the 2025 Kia Telluride midsize crossover, we have good news, and bad news. The bad news: Telluride is almost unchanged for 2025. Good news? Telluride is almost unchanged for 2025. And in defense of Kia, why mess with a good thing?
Kia even held the line on prices for ’25, with most trim levels coming in only $200-300 higher for the new year. Now, there is some news for 2026, which will bring a complete redesign of the popular crossover, along with a likely hybrid powertrain option. And while that’s all pretty exciting, we see no reason to wait a year for the new Telluride, as the currently example is so darn good and family friendly.
For those not well acquainted with the Telluride lineup, prepare to be shocked. Kia’s popular crossover is offered in ten trim levels. This is in stark contrast to the recently updated Ford Explorer, which can be had in just four configurations.
For 2025, Kia’s largest crossover, which is closely related mechanically to the Hyundai Palisade, ranges in base price from $37,585 for the entry-level front-wheel-drive SX, to the $54780 for the loaded and off-road themed SX Prestige X-Pro with standard AWD.
Prices and Trim Levels
LX: $37,585
S: $40,485
EX: $43,185
EX X-Pro: $48,480
SX: $47,285
EX X-Line: $47,480
SX X-Line: $50,880
SX Prestige: $52,485
SX Prestige X-Line: $53,780
SX Prestige X-Pro: $54,780
And for the record, X-Line models are outfitted to look off-road ready, X-Pro models enjoy wheels, tires, and some additional equipment that actually improves off-road prowess.
Like last year, the Telluride is again fitted with a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6. All Tellurides come with an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available on LS, S, and EX models, standard on all other trim levels.
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2024 Telluride in topline SX Prestige X-Line trim in Wolf Gray. You can read our full review of this same vehicle here. Today we’d like to share five cool things about the 2024 and 2025 Kia Telluride.
Cool Things
Roomy (in all three seating rows)
Though not the longest vehicle in the midsize 3-row crossover class, Telluride is among the most spacious. Importantly, adults can be (relatively) comfortably stashed in the way-back seating area. Kids and agile teens will have no problem in the 3rd-row.
Refined (by luxury standards)
In top trim levels, the Telluride easily qualifies as a luxury vehicle, and this includes the smooth powertrain, compliant ride, and overall quietness. And let’s not forget the classy cabin. On long trips, the Telluride should provide hours of low-stress, easy motoring.
Powerful (around town, and on the road)
The Telluride’s large 3.8-liter engine doesn’t produce big horsepower numbers, but does deliver plenty of low-speed power for quick moves from a stop, and ample passing and merging muscle. The refined sounding V6 contributes to the Kia’s overall sense of luxury, and is nearly silent at highway speed. And in driving that favored city errands, our test truck averaged 21 mpg, not bad given the crossover’s size and power.
Value Priced (not cheap, but worth the money)
Kia held the line on Telluride prices for 2025, which is impressive considering that the popular crossover is still reasonably priced. Yes, you can spec one out to nearly $60,000, but you can also get one out the door for a little over $40,000. However much you choose to spend on a Telluride, consider it money well spent.
Maneuverable (really, it’s not that long)
Owners of small garages fear not, though generously sized overall, the Telluride is actually not all that long from front to back. Though it looks larger, the 2025 Telluride comes in at 197 inches in overall length. That’s one inch shorter than the Ford Explorer, and fully four inches more compact than the Toyota Grand Highlander. Combine the Kia’s tight turning radius with its trim profile, and even maneuvering through parking garages is a little easier than it you might imagine.
Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast
2024 Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Line Pictures
Click below for enlarged images
2024 Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Line: Review, Prices, and Specs