We spent a full week living with a 2024 Kia Telluride SX Prestige AWD as a family of four, loading it with strollers, sports gear, and groceries to see how it handles real-world cargo needs, seating comfort, and the grind of daily parenting life.
Our test vehicle was a three-row 2024 Kia Telluride SX Prestige AWD, powered by a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 (291 hp, 262 lb-ft) paired to an 8-speed automatic. EPA ratings for the AWD model are 18/24/21 mpg city/highway/combined. With seating for seven (captain’s chairs) or eight (bench), a robust suite of driver assists, and available all-wheel drive, it’s a strong contender for family duty. We covered roughly 400 miles of mixed city and suburban driving, plus a 180-mile highway run.
Testing included weekday school drop-offs, two Costco hauls, soccer practice shuttles, and a weekend overnight trip. We also performed repeated cargo reconfigurations, car-seat installs, parallel parking in tight curbs, and measured load-in/out times with a double stroller and cooler to gauge real-world usability. On paper, cargo capacity is a strength: 21.0 cu ft behind the third row, 46.0 cu ft with the third row folded, and 87.0 cu ft max. The tailgate opening is wide and square, and our tester’s hands-free power liftgate was consistent and quick.
The floor is nearly flat with the third row folded (60/40 split), and there’s a useful underfloor bin for straps and small bags. With the third row up, we fit a full-size stroller sideways plus a week’s groceries; with Row 3 down, two large suitcases, a folded wagon, and sports duffels slid in with room to spare. Seat comfort is excellent for the second row: generous legroom, supportive cushions, and recline/slide adjustment make long rides easy. Our captain’s chairs offered armrests and ventilation, and access to the third row via the center aisle is convenient for buckling kids.
The third row is child-friendly and tolerable for smaller adults on short trips; thigh support is average for the class. Car-seat installation is straightforward thanks to clearly marked anchors and wide-opening rear doors. A rear-facing seat behind the passenger still left good legroom for a 5'11" front occupant. Daily usability shines.
Cabin storage is abundant—large door bins, a deep center console, and a dedicated spot for a diaper bag ahead of the second row. There are USB-C ports in all three rows and a wireless charging pad up front; smartphone integration is quick and stable. The ride remains composed even when loaded, and the V6 delivers smooth, predictable power for merging. We averaged 21.3 mpg over the week, with 24–25 mpg at 70 mph on the highway segment.
Parking is stress-free with the surround-view camera, front/rear sensors, and well-weighted steering. Overall, the Telluride nails family fundamentals: usable cargo space with smart packaging, comfortable seating for everyone, and hassle-free daily operation. If you prioritize maximum mpg, a Toyota Highlander Hybrid or Grand Highlander Hybrid will sip less fuel; if you need even more space behind the third row, consider a Chevy Traverse. For most families, though, the Telluride’s blend of capacity, comfort, and thoughtful features makes it an easy top-tier recommendation.
