2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Kia Telluride

During our time in Texas, we experienced the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, which showcased fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The new paint colours, including Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, added a vibrant touch, while the interior offered new hues like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a unique grille design, raised roof rails, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro took it further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the updates were subtle, with a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a curved 24-inch glass, pushing the Telluride into a modern era.

The 2024 Kia Telluride, available in Canada in EX, SX, SX Limited, X-Line, and X-Pro trims, maintained its attractive design with last year’s styling updates. The X-Line trim added 1 centimetre of ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, and a tow mode, while the X-Pro offered more off-road capability with 18-inch matte-black wheels and heavy-duty engine cooling. The Wolf Gray paint on the X-Line trim looked striking with the blacked-out styling. Inside, the test car featured a black interior with premium Nappa leather seats, although other colour options like Mahogany brown, Terracotta brown, and Sage Green were available, complementing the simulated open-pore wood trim. Despite some shiny plastic in the lower interior portions, the SX Limited trim nearly met luxury SUV standards with its soft leather, artificial suede headliner, and 24-inch dual-screen digital display panel.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for power distribution. The V6 provided ample motivation, averaging 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the X-Line during a mix of highway and twisty roads. The X-Pro, with its off-road capabilities, returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. The suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance to 21.3 mm, and the Downhill Brake Control system proved effective. The X-Pro, with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, increased towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride excelled off-road, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, ground clearance, and stability. On highways, it offered a smooth ride, though the steering in Sport mode felt overly firm.

The 2024 Kia Telluride also featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, with the X-Pro trim increasing it to 2,495 kilograms. The locking centre differential split power evenly at low speeds, and driving modes included Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. Ground clearance was 20.3 centimetres, rising to 21.3 centimetres in X-Line and X-Pro trims. The Telluride accelerated easily, though fuel efficiency was a concern, averaging 12.4 L/100 km on a mountainous loop and 13.4 L/100 km in city driving. The ride was firm at lower speeds but compliant at higher velocities, absorbing road undulations effectively. Off-road, the Telluride was capable, though not matching a Jeep, and on highways, it offered a refined driving experience with responsive steering and reliable brakes.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior was spacious, with a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row featured manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets, while a button on the captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third row. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, though not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas. Storage was plentiful, with a smart power tailgate and an automatic closing function. Cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered comfort, especially in higher trims with premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a third-row seat for adults. The dual sunroof added light to the interior. Controls were oriented horizontally, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and physical controls. Thoughtful details included a digital instrumentation panel with scenic landscapes and generous storage space. The hands-free power liftgate with automatic closing was standard, though the feature could be turned off. Cargo space was 594 litres behind the third row, 1,302 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,463 litres, with useful roof rails on X-Line and X-Pro trims.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system was effective, though climate control required manual adjustment. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported dual device pairing. Six USB ports provided power access, and features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode enhanced convenience. A wireless phone charger was standard, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available. Digital-key technology transformed smartphones into vehicle keys, and a Full Display rear-view mirror offered a video view. An optional head-up display provided additional information, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature.

The 2024 Kia Telluride also had a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable. A Kia Connect trial subscription was included, with three plans available post-trial. Satellite radio and wireless charging were standard, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was equipped on most trims. Thoughtful features included a blue-light filter, Quiet Mode, and a function to project the driver’s voice to rear passengers. A digital key function was available, and a camera-based rearview mirror offered a clear view. A 10-inch head-up display was helpful, and a 360-degree camera system provided comprehensive views.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a junction turning system. Blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and lane-keeping assist were standard, along with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, with Advanced Highway Drive Assist available on higher trims. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were unavailable.

The 2024 Kia Telluride also featured a robust collection of driver assistance features, with collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring as standard. Highway Driving Assist offered semi-autonomous driving, with Advanced Highway Driving Assist available on higher trims. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.