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Kia is producing one of the most popular midsize SUV nameplates of the last few years. The Kia Telluride is a force to be reckoned with in its segment. It eclipses nearly all of its rivals and wins several awards annually. The 2024 Kia Telluride is arguably the best iteration thus far, thanks to mild updates. Here are two reasons why you need one in your life and two reasons to avoid it.

Get the 2024 Kia Telluride for its affordability

A blue 2024 Kia Telluride midsize three-row SUV is parked.
The 2024 Kia Telluride | Kia

Living in America heading into 2024 is expensive. Our economy has been a rollercoaster over the last three years due to a global pandemic and inflation. The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates several times, and the price of many popular goods in America has skyrocketed over the past few years. Consumer spending remains high, but wages aren’t keeping up with the ever-growing prices of rent, mortgages, and vehicle prices.

The Kia Telluride first hit the scene in 2020. So, it’s no surprise that such an affordable midsize three-row SUV rose to the top of its segment during the peak of the global pandemic. Consumers were actively searching for an affordable midsize SUV with plenty of seats that provides great value. They are finding that value in the Telluride. Though its starting price has hit new highs after the last few model years, it remains relatively affordable for its segment.

The 2024 Kia Telluride has a starting MSRP of $35,990. Most midsize two and three-row SUVs have starting prices closer to and above $40K. The affordability of the Telluride is just one of the many reasons to get one. Another is its long list of standard features.

Get the 2024 Kia Telluride because of its great standard features

A blue 2024 Kia Telluride midsize three-row SUV is parked (side-view).
The 2024 Kia Telluride | Kia

Base model SUVs rarely come with the creature comforts that upper trim level models include. The Kia Telluride nameplate is a rare exception. Secondly, get a 2024 Telluride because of all the great standard features that come with the LX base model.

2024 Kia Telluride LX standard features

  • Navigation-based smart cruise control with stop & go
  • SynTex seat trim
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

The Telluride comes standard with plenty of upgrades like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and SynTex seat trim. It also has excellent driver assistance features like navigation-based smart cruise control. Ultimately, the 2024 Telluride’s value proposition makes it worth considering for most drivers in need of a three-row SUV.

That said, there are a few reasons drivers avoid it.

Avoid the Telluride because it’s still working out the kinks

A blue 2024 Kia Telluride midsize three-row SUV is parked (side-view).
The 2024 Kia Telluride | Kia

There have only been a handful of Kia Telluride model years thus far. That isn’t necessarily a negative, but the Telluride still has a lot to prove to many consumers. It lacks the long production history and reputation for reliability that rivals from brands like Toyota have.

The Toyota Grand Highlander may be a new nameplate, but its close relation to the Highlander is earning many driver’s trust. Although the Telluride is many things, drivers aren’t can’t be sure if it’s reliable or not yet. Why? It hasn’t been around for long enough.

Avoid Kia’s midsize SUV because of new competitors

Midsize three-row SUVs.
Midsize three-row SUVs | (L) Mazda, (R) Toyota

Brands have to constantly be willing to evolve to truly compete in the automotive industry. The Kia Telluride nameplate ignited an interest in three-row SUVs for thousands of consumers. The end result is brands like Toyota and Mazda producing three-row midsize SUVs of their own.

New rivals aren’t a reason to avoid the Telluride entirely, but they are certainly a reason to weigh your options. Furthermore, rivals like the Grand Highlander are closely associated with dependability and longevity due to their brand.

The Kia Telluride may have been able to dominate the three-row midsize SUV space easily in previous years. Now, it’ll be a lot tougher to retain so much market share while competing with Mazda and Toyota.

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