2024 Kia Telluride Configurations: Trims, Packages, and How They Stack Up

The 2024 Kia Telluride is a three-row midsize SUV offered in five trim levels, each adding features, technology, and capability over the one below it. Understanding how those configurations are structured — and what actually changes between them — helps buyers figure out which version matches what they need, and what they'd be paying for.

The Five Trim Levels at a Glance

The 2024 Telluride lineup runs from the base LX through the S, EX, SX, and top-tier SX Prestige. All five share the same powertrain: a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing approximately 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivetrain choice — front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) — is available across all trims, though AWD carries an additional cost on each.

What Changes as You Move Up the Lineup

LX — The Starting Point

The LX comes reasonably well-equipped for a base trim. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning. Seating is for eight across three rows. Interior materials are functional but straightforward.

S — Visual and Convenience Additions

The S trim adds items like roof rails, a blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and some exterior styling updates. It's a modest step that fills in safety tech gaps the LX leaves open.

EX — The Technology and Comfort Step

The EX is where the Telluride starts to feel notably more refined. It picks up a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a surround-view monitor, ventilated front seats, second-row captain's chairs (reducing capacity to seven), a power liftgate, and a Bose premium audio system. This trim is often considered the midpoint where comfort features become substantive rather than incremental.

SX — Sport Appearance and Feature Density

The SX builds on the EX with a sportier look, including 19-inch alloy wheels, a dark chrome exterior package, a head-up display, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 360-degree camera system. The SX also adds Highway Driving Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering for semi-automated highway use. Interior quality takes another step up here.

SX Prestige — The Flagship Configuration

The SX Prestige is the fully loaded expression of the Telluride. It adds Nappa leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, second-row sunshades, a rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens, and additional driver assistance features. This trim targets buyers who want near-luxury features in a mainstream SUV price bracket.

Packages and Optional Add-Ons 🔧

Several trims offer optional packages that let buyers customize within their tier. The most notable is the X-Pro package, available on the SX and SX Prestige, which adds off-road-oriented hardware: an AWD lock mode, all-terrain tires, underbody protection, and terrain-specific drive modes. This is the configuration for buyers who want genuine light off-road capability rather than just AWD on pavement.

The X-Line package (available on lower trims in some configurations) adds rugged styling cues without the full off-road mechanicals of the X-Pro.

It's worth noting that package availability, pricing, and exact feature bundling can shift during a model year and may vary by dealer inventory. Confirming exactly what a specific vehicle includes — via the Monroney sticker — is always worth doing before purchase.

AWD vs. FWD: What It Actually Changes

AWD on the Telluride uses a multi-plate clutch coupling system that can distribute torque to the rear axle when front wheel slip is detected. It isn't a true 4WD system with low-range gearing — except on X-Pro trims where terrain lock modes are added. For most buyers, AWD improves traction in rain, snow, or loose surfaces but doesn't dramatically change the vehicle's off-road ceiling unless paired with the X-Pro package.

Fuel economy takes a small hit with AWD. EPA estimates for the 2024 Telluride run approximately 20 city / 26 highway (FWD) versus 18 city / 24 highway (AWD) — figures that vary depending on driving conditions and individual driving habits.

Seating Configuration Varies by Trim 🪑

One structural difference buyers often overlook: standard bench seating in the second row (eight-passenger) versus second-row captain's chairs (seven-passenger). Captain's chairs come standard on EX and above but may affect which trim fits a family's needs. On some trims, both configurations may be available — though availability depends on inventory and regional allocation.

What the Right Configuration Actually Depends On

The Telluride lineup is straightforward in structure, but what makes sense for any given buyer isn't. Budget, climate, how often the third row gets used, whether highway driving assist is worth the step-up, and whether off-road capability matters at all — these factors all pull in different directions. So does the reality that dealer inventory rarely offers every trim in every configuration, and that transaction prices move based on market conditions, location, and timing.

The specs are fixed. How they match your situation is the variable the window sticker can't resolve for you.