Room for More: Kia Telluride's Stellar Luggage Capacity Revealed

As the back-to-school season is coming quickly here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, many busy families are thinking about all that needs to be done! Meal planning, after-school activities, and options for weekend fun all require some sensible space for carry-ons. The Autoblog review team recognized that drivers sometimes need more than just performance specs, so a luggage test for the Kia Telluride had ranked high on their to-do list. 

Their first test a few years back rendered it an all-out luggage-hauling champion, and now the group eagerly pulled into their headquarters in Portland. The time had now come, with the prime focus being on the space behind the third row. 21 feet is the official claim, which measures up nicely to the 16-18 ft range that most of the competition boasts. The only vehicle that even comes close in the rival community is the Volkswagen Atlas, which resides at 20.6 feet. As every luggage test commands, the group used two midsize roller suitcases that had to be checked in at PDX.

This pair of roll-aboard suitcases were 26 inches long, 16 wide, and 11 deep, and they barely fit in the overhead. There was also a smaller roll-aboard that was 23L x 15w that fit easily. To add a real-world flair, there was also the writer’s wife’s overnight bag, which was 21L x 12W x 12D. The Telluride also boasts the ability to remove the floor, and the cargo cover underneath to increase capacity. Readers worldwide LOVE these tests, as they are an accurate representation of what to expect when it is vacation time, or simply shuttling around the lacrosse team. 

Even though the overnight bag did not fit at first, there was still room left above the two vertically stacked bags as well as in the lower left in front of the wall. It was also of note that the reclining third-row seatback was angled for comfort, which affected the final tally. With it positioned upright, there’s the ability to fit more. When the crew went eagerly to work with the Honda Pilot and VW Atlas, the Telluride remained the champion. As action sports have gained popularity and more people are enjoying going out, being aware of spatial capacity is a must.

The Edmunds.com review staff claimed that the Kia Telluride is an “impressive 3-row SUV with a quiet and upscale cabin, great tech features, and a satisfying driving experience. It has been a class leader for five years now, and this review team has a hard time recommending another SUV because it's just that good. On the inside, the panel gaps are tight, the material choices are top-notch, and everything is built quite solidly.

It's the best of both worlds, with the V6 providing an excellent acceleration response. The crew performed consistent stops from 60 mph in 123 feet, which is on the short end in its class. The Telluride's steering is light at parking lot speeds and then spans up naturally during turns. The engine's fuel-saving stop-start feature works smoothly and quietly.

The off-road-oriented X-Pro turned out to be great on the pavement as well while boasting a superior layer of ride comfort and absorption of rough roads. There are plenty of large windows which aid visibility, and the camera systems are very helpful extras. All Tellurides come with a variety of collision avoidance systems and incredibly well-functioning cruise control. A standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen provides all trim levels with a sweet XL display that is easily accessed from the driver's seat. 

Fortified, Efficient, and Fabulous: 2024 Kia Telluride Claims Top Safety Pick+ Accolade

Keeping up with all the positive media coverage can be quite the task here at Jim Butler Kia of Saint Louis, as the awards and accolades for excellence continue stacking up quickly during the first quarter! The 2024 Kia Telluride has now achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick+” rating, while the 2024 Sportage follows closely behind winning the IIHS "Top Safety Pick." Both SUVs were praised for “offering the highest level of protection for both vehicle and occupants and vulnerable road users." This winning announcement occurred after the IIHS tightened up their strengthened requirements last year.

This decision was geared towards offering better protection for back-seat passengers and improving pedestrian crash avoidance systems. Under the new terms for criteria, vehicles must nail down a “good” rating in the side protection test and an “acceptable” or “good” rating in a revised version of the pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation. Both day and night testing are now included during this evaluation, along with other modifications to the moderate front overlap test. To rigorously test resilient durability, there is now another dummy situated behind the driver’s seat. 

We were very supportive of IIHS’s new measures to enhance road safety and have constantly remained dedicated to making advancements in the name of premium protection every day. The 2024 Telluride SUV continues to win drivers over with its sophisticated appearance, and spacious 3-row cabin that can accommodate up to 8 passengers. The industry’s best technological features are on board to make any long trip more efficient and entertaining, with available upgrades such as dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screens. 

The Highway Driving Assist 2.0 feature combines adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lead-vehicle distance technology, and an amazing lane-centering assistance system. This offers the very useful and intuitive Level 2 semi-autonomous driving experience. The Motor Trend review team also had very high praise to offer for the Telluride post test-drive, as they loved its “smart interior packaging, excellent ride and handling, and large screens with responsive UI. Its rugged styling, segment-leading packaging, and abundant technology help it stand out in its segment. 

The Telluride just underwent a major overhaul for the 2023 model year, and review professionals are happy that they aren’t messing with the well-curated formula! The Telluride definitely looks the part of an adventure-ready crossover and has amazing handling characteristics for a vehicle its size. This IIHS-noted pick for 2024 is an excellent value proposition for any shopper in need of a spacious vehicle and doesn’t sacrifice practicality or style in its execution. The 3.8-liter V6 cranks out 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque and is nicely paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. 

During testing the Kia Telluride X-Pro accelerated to 60 mph in just 7.0 seconds, while also offering unique 18-inch wheels wrapped in very capable Continental all-terrain tires. The X-Pro offers 500 pounds more of towing capacity, along with unique badging and a sweet 110-volt charger for the cargo area. We also love the added goodies the Telluride X-line offers, with its special badging, bridge-type roof rails, 20-inch wheels, and radiator grille design that changes depending on trim selection. If the trails keep calling you in celebration of the coming of spring, it also sports a 0.4-inch lift for a total of 8.4 inches. 

Five USB-C charging ports come as standard, with six available depending on your selection. The Kia Drive Wise safety suite offers many of the features responsible for this IIHS safety win. Here you enjoy the consistent protection of rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assistance, lane keeping and following assist, safe exit assist, blind spot detection, sensor-assisted rear occupant alert, driver attention warning, and Highway Driving Assist. The 2024 Kia Telluride attained an overall Motor Trend score of 8.7/10 while also snatching up a 9/10 for tech innovation, and a consumer-base-pleasing 8/10 for value.

2024 Kia Telluride & EV9 Shine Bright on Car and Driver's 10Best Trucks List

It took nearly a hundred years for the internal combustion engine to change into the very spacious minivans of the 1980s! Passengers were happy here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis with the sense that they could now officially sprawl out and bring just a few monumental comforts of home such as books and study projects along. In barely ten years, EVS have become excellent at offering a space that is not just a means of accomplishing A to B. The EV9 is a 3-row SUV that is underpinned by the E-GMP platform, which is shared by the close sibling in the form of the Hyundai Ioniq 6. 

This meant that our hard-working engineers didn’t have to package the EV9 around the pressing need to make room for a combustion engine up front. It also allowed for the wheels to be pushed much further out, and the EV9’s characteristically out-front styling language has fantastically shown just how amazing and eye-catching the EVs of the future will be. An onboard 800-volt electrical architecture is the foundation for the modern miracle of ultra-fast DC charging, with the 99.8-kWh being the larger of the two battery pack choices.

The EV9 offers the option of all-wheel or rear-wheel drive, which we must admit that the “coming of the minivan” couldn’t even offer until its long-awaited second generation. The Car and Driver review staff were impressed with the 12.3-inch touchscreen’s easy-to-read and simple-to-operate demeanor, and space is incredibly generous for those counting the mile markers in the second row. The base-level rear-wheel drive EV9 Light cranks out 215 horsepower, with the all-wheel drive powertrain boasting the larger battery as standard. 

This setup allows for 370 horsepower, and up to 516 lb-ft of torque. Driving at a consistent 75-mph speed is quite telling when it comes to how range holds up, and the GT-line trim nailed down a satisfying 240 miles during this crew’s rigorous test. A 350kW DC fast-charger is where “something to write home about” truly originates regarding the future of efficiency. This allows for a battery to go from 10 to 90 percent in just 37 minutes, which equates to a much-needed lunch or extended stretch break.

The GT-Line crushes the 60-mph benchmark in just 4.5 seconds, with the EV9’s very compliant suspension rallying for the win over the 10Best testing loop’s most challenging intervals. Drivers concerned with the everyday task of shuttling to and from will most definitely find exhilaration in the EV9’s pioneering spirit. Thrilled to state that “The EV9’s moment is now”, the Car and Driver team agreed that this is an appealing choice for families ready to transition to electric, without having to compromise on a single crucial element. 

The 2024 Kia Telluride also made an appearance on the 10Best collection of well-performing royalty and was praised for being “gracefully and smartly designed.” Its naturally aspirated V6 and 8-speed automatic are so great together that you hardly notice them going about their day during a perfect pairing. Multiple Car and Driver writers and editors have chosen the Telluride to be the primary resident in their garage, which is as luxurious inside as many premium-priced competitors. Dutifully checking all the necessary boxes and alleviating any need for lofty claims or gimmicks, the Telluride stands apart this holiday season as a shining holiday star in a sea of unintentionally mundane!

Your Guide to the Noteworthy Upgrades in Kia's 2024 Lineup

The holiday season here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis offers an excellent opportunity to take a pause and reflect on how thankful we are for what we have while enjoying the many sights and sounds around us. Customers are eagerly wondering what the future has in store for our lineup, as the excitement of wrapping gifts and New Year's anticipation calls for a sneak peek at the dazzling SUVs coming soon! Here are some of the bough-and-holly rich details about what will be on tap for next year: 

The 2024 Kia Soul embodies a very affordable compact SUV, with the EX trim level gaining an available Designer package that offers 18-inch alloy wheels, cloth and faux-leather-trimmed seats, and the very cool Umber interior color scheme. All models with a Smart Key will now offer a sleep mode that will keep dangerous hackers from finding their way into the key’s frequency. The Motor Trend crew praised the incoming model for its “spacious cabin and very pleasant drive.”

The 2024 Kia Seltos enjoys its annual refresh this year, beginning with a larger grille on the front fascia, and slightly tweaked headlights. There is also the added convenience of an optional power liftgate, along with Fusion Black, Valais Green, and Pluton Blue joining the color lineup. The X-Line trim is primed and prepped to tackle the trail, featuring 18-inch tires, a gunmetal-finish front grille, black roof rack, gloss-black door accents, and unique X-line branding. 

The 2024 Kia Niro underwent a second-generation redesign last year. All trim levels of the Niro EV and standard hybrid except the LZ base model will now offer a standard dual-level cargo floor. This dynamic Kia offering has been praised for its handsome exterior, 3 excellent powertrains, and slightly larger size. The Edmunds.com review staff praised it for its “helpful driving aids, smooth ride quality, and excellent value for the money.”

The 2024 Kia Sportage now features LED projector headlights as standard, along with lifesaving second-row airbags directly integrated into the seats. Drivers are immediately sold on the Sportage’s eye-catching exterior, 3 great powertrains, and well-equipped cabin. Busy families love the spacious second row and the equipment offered with the X-Pro that helps tackle the rougher stuff. The Sportage makes an excellent first impression thanks to its snazzy design, very modern dashboard, and eye-catching demeanor. 

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent plenty of changes for the year with a very rugged and boxy design. The X-Pro trim boasts a 4,000-lb towing capacity, which is the highest in the segment. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is now standard, and the interior was given the holiday gift of updated controls along with new upholstery. Amber LED daytime running lights and new vertical taillights bring a much more striking look, and there are some other awesome elements borrowed from the EV9. New for this year is a machine learning-based adaptive cruise control that effectively adapts to your style of braking and accelerating. 

The 2024 Kia Telluride was just refreshed this year, with 2024’s updates focusing heavily on the exterior. On 2024 X-Pro and off-road trims, black gloss exterior accents are now standard. Drivers immediately notice that the Telluride drives like something much smaller, and it is known for its segment-leading technology features. The Edmunds.com team praised the Telluride for its “extensive standard features, satisfying drive, and very upscale cabin. As many vehicles in the segment are quickly overtaken by newer rivals, the Telluride has remained relevant and trendsetting.

The 2024 Kia EV6 brings back the base Light trim, now offered with either the 58.0-kWh battery or the 77.4-kWh pack with the other models in the lineup. The top-tier GT model is now upgraded to a 218-mile range, and every 2024 EV6 model boasts new charge port lighting and a much more clearly designated charge port door. If you are constantly mesmerized by vehicles from the future, the EV6 is going to strike your fancy immediately! The GT Model cranks out 576 horsepower, and the EV6’s charging speeds and alluring interior have caught the attention of the auto industry’s high-tech-enamored reviewers. 

The 2024 Kia EV9 comes from the same very high-tech vein of the brand we love to provide and support so much. With a DC fast charger, Kia says the EV9 should recover 10 to 80 percent charge in a mere 20 minutes. The EV9 has also stood out with the eco-conscious crowd, as it has employed vegan materials and many forms of recycled plastic to embrace sustainability. Dual 12.3-inch screens along with a 5.0-inch screen for HVAC are on board to aptly keep up with the Joneses, the EV9 promises to be very interesting and engaging at every drive.

Safety First, Style Always: The 2024 Kia Telluride's Bold New Look and Features!

 

Consistently raking in the awards and accolades and existing as one of our absolute best “fully-fledged family excursion” vehicles here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, the Kia Telluride is large-sized, always trip-ready, and the 2024 model will be ready to roll on tap here soon. It has been gaining high praise and consumer satisfaction since it was introduced 3 years ago, and has excelled greatly with its very roomy interior, good number of standard features, and rugged styling elements. 

Last year’s model saw the completely reworked and signature “tiger nose” front grille, a brand-new dashboard, and side-by-side 12.3-inch touchscreens. The X-Line and X-Pro trims both debuted on last year’s model, offering a higher ground clearance for off-road tasks, 18 or 20-inch wheels, smartphone connectivity, and up to 5,500-lb towing capacity. These two trims now come with a gloss black exterior outer trim addition, and the entire lineup now offers amber daytime running lamps. Under the hood is the capable and always-prepped naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 that cranks out 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. 

The stock transmission is an 8-speed automatic, and the Telluride’s active AWD system features the very game-changing electro-hydraulic coupling that is a complete boss at redirecting torque between the front and rear wheels as needed. We listened closely as St Louis area consumers told us what their ideal vehicles consisted of, and abundant safety features across all trim levels ranked high on the list. Each 2024 Telluride comes with forward collision avoidance, highway driving assist, lane-keeping assist, navigation-based cruise control, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. 

The SX and Prestige trims have newly updated junction-turning features for tricky junction crossings, lane changing, and life-saving evasive steering maneuvers. The EX trim is a sweet spot in the lineup for anyone who has long admired the Telluride and is ready to pull the trigger: it adds 2nd row bench seats, genuine cowhide upholstery, ventilated front seats, and the very useful hands-free liftgate. The SX trim steps things up a notch inside with A 10 speaker audio system, a power driver seat with memory, and the all-weather added fun of dual sunroofs.

The CarConnection.com auto review team eagerly claimed after their test drive that “the 2024 Kia Telluride aces every family hauler test”, while greatly appreciating its two-box shape and broad front grille. The NHTSA gives the Telluride a 5-star overall rating, while the IIHS also deems it a Top Safety Pick +. Other features that keep the Telluride in such high regard industry-wide are its user-friendly infotainment system, its massive value, and its segment-leading 5-year/60,000-mile warranty. The esteemed Motor Trend crew gave the Telluride a hearty thumbs-up for its “adventure-ready and user-friendly design.”

Other awesome available driver assistance features include a blind spot view monitor, a 360-degree camera, a digital rearview mirror, and Highway Driving Assist 2 technology. The Driving Assist 2 offers autonomous control over steering on select highways, acceleration, braking, and even automated lane changes. Keyless entry, push-button start, and remote start are standard across the range, and all Telluride models come equipped with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Edmunds.com auto review crew “Fell in love with the Telluride the moment they set foot in the cabin”, and it leads a field of very popular contenders while offering plush third-row comfort.