What You Get in Each 2024 Telluride Trim Level

The 2024 Kia Telluride comes in five trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. Each step up adds features and comfort items rather than changing the core vehicle. The LX is the entry point with cloth seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and six USB ports. The S adds heated front seats and a power liftgate. The EX brings leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The SX adds a head-up display, wireless phone charging, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The SX Prestige, the top tier, includes semi-aniline leather, a power-adjustable steering column, and upgraded interior trim.

Price differences between trims run roughly $3,000 to $4,500 per step, though this varies by dealer and market. The jump from LX to S is the smallest; the jump from EX to SX is larger because it introduces the premium audio and wireless charging. Most buyers choose between EX and SX because that's where the value-to-feature ratio shifts noticeably.

Key Takeaways

  • All 2024 Tellurides use the same 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower and eight-speed automatic transmission; there is no engine choice.
  • The LX and S come with front-wheel drive standard; EX and above offer all-wheel drive as an option that costs roughly $1,800 to $2,000.
  • Heated seats appear on the S trim and up; leather upholstery starts at EX; the panoramic sunroof is EX and above.
  • The SX Prestige is the only trim with semi-aniline leather and a power-adjustable steering column, making it the choice if those features matter to you.
  • Kia's warranty is identical across all trims: 10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain, 5 years or 60,000 miles on everything else.

Engine and Transmission: No Choices Here

Every 2024 Telluride has a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Kia does not offer a smaller or larger engine option. The transmission is an eight-speed automatic in all models. This simplifies your decision because you are not trading off power for fuel economy or vice versa—you get the same performance regardless of trim.

Real-world fuel economy sits around 21 miles per gallon city, 27 highway, and 23 combined for front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel-drive versions drop roughly one mile per gallon across the board. These figures are EPA estimates and will vary based on driving habits, terrain, and load.

Front-Wheel Drive Versus All-Wheel Drive

Front-wheel drive is standard on the LX and S trims. All-wheel drive is optional on the EX, SX, and SX Prestige, and costs between $1,800 and $2,000 depending on the trim. All-wheel drive improves traction in snow and wet conditions and provides slightly better handling on winding roads, but it reduces fuel economy by about one mile per gallon and adds weight to the vehicle.

For most buyers in moderate climates, front-wheel drive is sufficient. All-wheel drive makes sense if you live in an area with frequent snow, drive in mountains regularly, or want the extra security on wet pavement. The cost is straightforward—you pay it once at purchase, and there are no ongoing maintenance differences between the two systems on the Telluride.

Interior Materials and Comfort Features by Trim

The LX and S use cloth upholstery throughout. The EX and above switch to leather, with the SX Prestige using semi-aniline leather, which is more durable and easier to clean than standard leather but costs more. Heated front seats are standard on the S and up. Ventilated front seats appear on the SX and SX Prestige only.

The panoramic sunroof is available on EX and above and adds roughly $1,200 to the price. It spans most of the roof and can be opened partially or fully. The power liftgate, standard on S and up, opens and closes at the push of a button and is useful if you have your hands full or limited overhead clearance in your garage.

A third-row seat is standard on all trims. It is genuinely usable for children or shorter adults on short trips, though legroom is tight. The middle row slides and reclines, which helps when the third row is occupied.

Technology and Audio Systems

The LX and S come with a 10.25-inch touchscreen running Kia's infotainment system, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX and above get a larger 12.3-inch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the SX and SX Prestige; on lower trims, you use a wired connection.

Audio quality varies by trim. The LX and S have a standard six-speaker system. The EX adds an eight-speaker setup. The SX and SX Prestige include a Harman Kardon premium system with 12 speakers and a subwoofer, which is noticeably louder and clearer. If you spend significant time in the car and listen to music or podcasts, the Harman Kardon system is worth the upgrade cost.

All trims include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (the EX and above also have this as standard). Wireless phone charging is standard on the SX and SX Prestige. A head-up display, which projects speed and navigation onto the windshield, is exclusive to the SX and SX Prestige.

Safety Features Across All Trims

Kia's SmartSense safety suite is standard on every 2024 Telluride. This includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, and lane departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also standard. Adaptive cruise control is standard on the EX and above.

The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a "Good" rating in most Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests. These scores are consistent across all trims because the safety structure and standard features do not change.

Which Trim Makes the Most Sense

The LX is the lowest price but lacks heated seats and leather, making it feel less premium than competitors at the same price point. The S adds heated seats and a power liftgate for a modest increase and is a solid entry point if budget is tight.

The EX is where most buyers land. It includes leather, the panoramic sunroof, and a larger touchscreen. The jump in price from the S is noticeable, but the features justify it if you plan to keep the vehicle for several years. Adding all-wheel drive here costs roughly $2,000 and is worth considering if you live in a snowy climate.

The SX adds wireless charging, a head-up display, and the Harman Kardon audio system. These are nice-to-have features rather than need-to-have. The SX Prestige is the choice only if you want semi-aniline leather and the power-adjustable steering column, which are exclusive to that trim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Telluride with a smaller, more fuel-efficient engine?

No. The 3.8-liter V6 is the only engine available in the 2024 Telluride. Kia does not offer a four-cylinder or hybrid option. If fuel economy is a priority, the front-wheel-drive models achieve slightly better mileage than all-wheel-drive versions.

Is the third row actually usable for adults?

The third row has about 28 inches of legroom, which is tight for adults on trips longer than 30 minutes. It works well for children or as emergency seating. If you regularly need space for six adults, the Telluride is not the right vehicle.

What is the difference between the EX and SX besides price?

The SX adds wireless phone charging, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and the Harman Kardon audio system. The EX has a standard audio system and wired phone charging. If you use wireless charging and want premium audio, the SX is worth the cost; otherwise, the EX covers most needs.

Does all-wheel drive come standard on any trim?

No. All-wheel drive is optional on the EX, SX, and SX Prestige only. The LX and S come with front-wheel drive standard, and all-wheel drive is not available on those trims.

How much does the panoramic sunroof cost?

The panoramic sunroof is available on EX and above and adds approximately $1,200 to the vehicle's price. It is not available on the LX or S trims.