Kia Telluride Review: A Compelling Alternative to the Minivan
When friends and family ask for advice on buying a family car, I have a simple answer: buy a minivan. It’s the ultimate family hauler, period. Yet, the response is almost always the same: “But I don’t want a minivan. They’re lame.” To which I respond, “You are wrong.” I’ve had this conversation countless times. Eventually, though, I’ll relent and suggest alternatives to the minivan. After spending some quality time with the Kia Telluride SX Prestige, it’s shot to the top of that list.
Few vehicles on the market today offer such a well-rounded package as a mid-sized family car. It does nearly everything a minivan can (minus the awesome sliding doors), plus it can tow and haul more, and it’s got a bit more off-road capability. Considering the price difference compared to a fully loaded minivan, it really does offer a compelling alternative.
So, while I maintain minivans are superior for family transport, the Telluride is a serious contender. This conclusion comes after almost 500 miles behind the wheel of a gray Telluride, experiencing all it has to offer for families. This is where we’ll dive in.
I won’t bore you with how the Telluride drives. Frankly, who cares? It’s a 4,500-pound crossover with a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6, producing an adequate 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It gets the job done. What truly matters are the interior features designed to make the trials of parenthood slightly easier. Let’s explore what the 2024 Kia Telluride SX Prestige offers for families.
Full Disclosure: Kia generously loaned me this Telluride SX Prestige for about a week. It was a kind gesture by the automaker.
Family-Friendly Features
Passenger Talk
Passenger Talk is a clever feature that I expect to see in more cars. A microphone near the front seats projects sound to speakers in the third row, meaning you don’t have to yell at your kids in the back. In a vehicle the size of the Telluride, this is a lifesaver.
Quiet Mode
This is a thoughtful feature. It mutes the rear speakers so only the front ones are active. You can still listen to your favorite podcast without waking the kids. Simple, effective design.
Big and Comfy
The Telluride SX Prestige has second-row captain’s chairs that are both roomy and comfortable. Your little passengers will inevitably spill on the fine leather, but they will be comfortable while doing it.
Third Row Access
Kia makes it easy for third-row occupants to get to their seats. They can crawl through the middle aisle between the second-row seats, but a push of a button on the side of the seat or near the headrest rolls and folds the seat forward, making access much easier. Kia even includes a small step for those in the back.
Keeping Cool
I’ve driven cars costing much more than the Telluride that didn’t have front ventilated seats. That this car has rear ventilated captain’s chairs is impressive. Little things like that matter.
Climate Control
If the heated and cooled seats aren’t enough for your rear passengers, they have their own climate zone. It gives kids a bit of autonomy, so you don’t have to constantly adjust the temperature. Of course, you still have control from the front.
Space Considerations
A minivan will obviously offer more space, but the Telluride isn’t bad. With the large dual sunroofs, the cabin feels open and bright. The built-in sunshades are also a neat touch.
Cargo Space
Even with the third row in use, the Telluride provides a generous 21 cubic feet of cargo space. Need more? Pulling a strap folds the rear seats down, more than doubling the cargo volume to 46 cubic feet.
With all rear seats folded down, the Telluride offers an impressive 87 cubic feet of cargo space. You could practically move a small apartment.
Drive Modes
Families need to be prepared for anything, and the Telluride’s drive modes allow for just that. With various modes for different scenarios and even a locking center differential, it’s equipped to handle most situations.
The Verdict
In almost every way, the 2024 Kia Telluride SX Prestige is a great family crossover, with impressive tech and features at a reasonable price ($54,540 as tested). During my time with the car, it proved to be an excellent vehicle that could handle any task. But the minivan still exists. A minivan does 99% of what the Telluride can. It’ll be better off-road and tow more, but otherwise, the minivan wins. A smart person would get a minivan in this situation. However, I am not smart, and because of that, I’d also opt for the Telluride.
