11Oct
Many always look out for these annual reports not just because it helps them make an informed decision when shopping for a new vehicle but also because understanding the features, performance, safety, and reliability factors helps auto buyers choose one that meets their specific needs and preferences. Determining the best midsize SUV can also help consumers assess the value they will get for their money by balancing price with the features they desire.
Plus, a highly-rated vehicle is likely to retain its value better over time. So, this article compares the top-scoring midsize SUV with its top rivals to help our readers make informed decisions. The 2024 Kia Telluride has once again emerged as the overall winner. With a starting price of $35,990, it not only offers affordability but excels in all the crucial aspects that resonate with discerning buyers.
Multiple consumer intelligence resources, most notably the KBB (Kelley Blue Books), have chosen the Telluride as the best of the best in the midsize SUV class for 2023 and 2024. The Telluride’s impressive track record is exemplified by its consecutive KBB Best Buy Awards since its 2020 debut, and even in the face of newer rivals like the Honda Pilot, it continues to garner widespread acclaim.
Related Reading: How Much Bigger Is The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander and How Does It Compare To The Highlander?
The KBB's Expert Analysis On The Best Midsize SUVs For 2023/24
Kelley Blue Book is proud of its Expert Ratings which it says are the result of thorough analysis and hands-on experience with every new vehicle released to the US market. The KBB assesses SUVs, cars, trucks, and minivans comprehensively, comparing them to their competitors to arrive at accurate ratings.
They further update these ratings for all-new vehicles and when existing models undergo a mid-cycle refresh, typically around the 2-3-year mark. This approach is far from arbitrary but instead places each vehicle within its class based on actual performance and features.
Perhaps, more important is that the KBB’s team of editors lives with and drives each vehicle, examining aspects such as the interior, exterior, powertrain, ride, features, comfort, and pricing. This lets them evaluate the vehicle's capacity for its intended purpose in terms of daily commuting, family safety, status, or lifestyle compatibility.
What’s New With The 2024 Kia Telluride?
As we delve into the details of what's in store for the 2024 model, it's clear that while there might not be significant overhauls, Kia's attention to detail shines through.
Notably, the daytime running lights now sport an amber hue, and the X-Line and X-Pro variants have undergone a transformation, trading last year's dark metallic exterior accents for sleek gloss black equivalents.
Now, let’s compare the front-runner in the midsize SUV segment, the 2024 Kia Telluride, with its top rivals Hyundai Palisade and Acura RDX.
2024 Kia Telluride Engine And Performance vs. The Competition
| Engines And Performance Comparison | |||
| Models | Engine | Power | Acceleration |
| 2024 Kia Telluride | 3.8-Liter V6 Engine | 291 | 7.0 Seconds 0–60 MPH |
| 2024 Hyundai Palisade | 3.8-Liter V6 Engine | 291 | 6.4 Seconds 0–60 MPH |
| 2024 Acura RDX | 2.0-liter 4-Cylinder Engine | 272 | 6.2 Seconds 0–60 MPH |
The Telluride SUV boasts a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower, providing efficient acceleration without compromising family comfort. Comparatively, the Chevy Traverse offers 310 horses, while an optional Mazda CX-90 engine reaches 340 horsepower.
The Palisade features a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offers smooth acceleration and optional manual shifting with steering-wheel paddles. Owners can upgrade Palisade's standard front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
On the other hand, the RDX employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It delivers quick acceleration and the choice of front- or all-wheel drive, though some may desire hybrid options for increased efficiency.
2024 Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade vs. Acura RDX Fuel Economy
| Fuel Economy Comparison | |
| 2024 Kia Telluride | 20 MPG combined city/highway |
| 2024 Hyundai Palisade | 21 MPG combined city/highway |
| 2024 Acura RDX | FWD: 24 MPG combined city/highway AWD: 23 MPG combined city/highway |
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Telluride stands out among three-row SUVs, offering a gasoline V-6 powertrain with impressive EPA estimates. The front-drive Telluride achieves a thrifty 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while all-wheel-drive models still deliver respectable ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. In real-world testing, an all-wheel-drive Telluride exceeded its government highway rating by returning an impressive 26 mpg.
Moving to the Palisade, an all-wheel-drive model is estimated to achieve 21 mpg in combined city/highway driving, a figure test drivers were able to match during a 115-mile real-world evaluation. Notably, you can use regular gas in the Palisade's V6 engine, a cost-saving advantage compared to rivals that demand premium unleaded for optimal performance and fuel economy.
Conversely, the RDX's fuel efficiency estimates are slightly lower, with 24 mpg combined for front-wheel drive and 23 mpg combined for all-wheel drive. However, it's important to note that all three SUVs, including the RDX, require premium fuel for optimal performance. In real-world mixed driving, the RDX achieved a bit over 20 mpg. Achieving the advertised 23 mpg might necessitate being particularly gentle with the accelerator.
Related Reading: 2024 BMW X1: The Best Subcompact Luxury SUV For 2023/2024 – A Comprehensive Comparison With The Closest Rivals
2024 Kia Telluride's Interior And Cargo Space vs. The Competition
| Cargo Volume Comparison | |
| 2024 Kia Telluride | 87 cu-ft behind 1st row 46 cu-ft behind 2nd row 21 cu-ft behind 3rd row |
| 2024 Hyundai Palisade | 86.4 cu-ft behind the 1st Row 45.8 cu-ft behind 2nd row 18 cu-ft behind 3rd row |
| 2024 Acura RDX | 58.9 cu-ft behind 1st row 29.5 cu-ft behind 2nd row 79.8 cu-ft of max cargo volume 104 cu-ft passenger space |
The 2024 Telluride received a modernized dashboard featuring a dual-screen unit with a digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.
It comfortably seats up to eight with stadium seating and ample headroom. Some variants have second-row captain's chairs for enhanced comfort. There's a spacious 21 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 87 cubic feet. Innovative features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode add to its appeal.
The 2024 Palisade offers abundant cabin space, with the third-row seat being snug but still competitive. Cargo space is sufficient but not class-leading.
Comparatively, the RDX has a busy center stack with numerous buttons and a touchpad. While it lacks a luxurious feel, it compensates with a sporty driving experience. The cabin is well-built with desirable features. It uses a handle to release the back row and ample storage, improving its practicality.
2024 Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade vs. Acura RDX Tech Features
The Kia Telluride boasts advanced tech features, including navigation-based smart cruise control for precise speed adjustments, Connected Routing for enhanced navigation, and a Smart Power Liftgate with Auto Close for added convenience. The Telluride's SX trim and higher offer a Digital Key and a Dual-screen dashboard with two 12.3-inch displays. The SX Prestige features a Head-up display.
The Hyundai Palisade offers advanced driver assist features with smooth adaptive cruise control and lane centering. It includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and multiple USB-C ports across three rows. The Limited and Calligraphy trims provide a Head-up display and a rear-seat intercom feature.
The Acura RDX comes with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, operated via a touchpad or wirelessly through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Technology package adds built-in navigation, rear-seat USB ports, and a 12-speaker ELS Studio audio system.
2024 Kia Telluride's Safety And Warranty Package vs. Hyundai Palisade And Acura RDX
The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade both excel in safety, with Top Safety Pick+ ratings from the IIHS and 5-Star overall scores from the NHTSA. They also share class-leading warranties, offering five years or 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage, including roadside assistance, and 10 years or 100,000 miles for powertrains.
The 2024 Palisade should maintain its impressive safety ratings. It comes with standard driver assist features like automatic -high-beams, emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trim levels add advanced safety tech.
The Acura RDX offers a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features. Additional options, like front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, are available with the Technology package. Acura matches luxury competitors in warranty coverage but falls slightly short in complimentary scheduled maintenance compared to BMW and Jaguar.
2024 Kia Telluride vs. Hyundai Palisade vs. Acura RDX Trims And Pricing
| Trims And Pricing (MSRP) | 2024 Kia Telluride | 2024 Hyundai Palisade | 2024 Acura RDX |
| LX – $35,990 S – $37,890 EX – $41,590 EX X-Line –$45,885 SX – $45,790 SX X-Line – $49,285 SX X-Pro – $50,285 SX Prestige – $50,690 SX Prestige – X-Line $52,185 SX Prestige X-Pro –$53,185 | SEL – $39,150 XRT – $41,550 Limited – $47,700 Calligraphy – $50,100 Calligraphy Night Edition – $53,600 | RDX – $44,050 Technology Package – $46,700 A-Spec – $49,700 Advance Package – $51,850 A-Spec with Advance Package – $53,850 |
The 2024 Kia Telluride starts at $35,990 for the base LX trim level, which, thankfully, still offers a lot of technology, convenience, and safety features.
In other words, most of us will be perfectly happy with the base LX, and just top it off with the optional all-wheel drive costs $2,000. Note that the above are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) and do not include the $1,365 destination charge.
Sources: KBB, Fueleconomy.gov
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