Missing Features Should Set the 2024 Kia Telluride Back
Sometimes you don’t change the recipe for success because it continues dominating the competition. For years, the Kia Telluride hasn’t been able to stop winning awards as the top option. Even though the 2024 Kia Telluride is missing crucial options, it’s still flying off the lot.
Where does the 2024 Kia Telluride fall short?
The 2024 Kia Telluride still doesn’t have a hybrid powertrain option. It uses the same old 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque that’s been around since its debut back in 2019.
It gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and up to 26 mpg on the highway. Adding AWD reduces these figures to 19 and 24 mpg.
But the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 34 mpg on the highway and up to 37 mpg in the city. This makes it much more efficient than the Telluride.
Also, the Mazda CX-90 PHEV gets up to 53 MPGe on the highway and up to 56 MPGe in the city with a range of 26 miles on a single charge.
Plus, the Kia Telluride is missing special performance editions. The Dodge Durango Hellcat is a family vehicle that races from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Telluride can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which is average for the class.
The Ford Explorer Timberline is ready to tackle the wild with 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, a limited-slip differential, protective skid plates, off-road suspension tuning, a suspension lift, recovery points, and the trailer towing package.
The Kia Telluride X-Pro is off-roading oriented but doesn’t have as much extra equipment. It rides on 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, a 0.4-inch suspension lift, raised roof rails, off-road suspension tuning, a 110-volt outlet, and the towing capacity is increased from 5,000 to 5,500 lbs.
However, the Kia Telluride SX Prestige does come with special edition luxury comfort thanks to heated seats, ventilated seats, a surround-view camera, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, sound-absorbing glass, and a wireless phone charging pad.
But the Telluride is still rated as the top SUV to buy without hybrid powertrain options and super performance-oriented options. It’s due for a redesign in 2025, so it may gain efficiency, off-roading power, and more muscle.
