2024 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2024 Kia Telluride was offered in five core trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The X-Line treatment was available for all trims except the LX and S, while the X-Pro package was exclusive to the top two trims. The X-Line package enhanced the Telluride with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), a center locking differential, increased ground clearance to 8.4 inches, improved approach and departure angles, unique grille and 20-inch wheel designs, and roof rails. The X-Pro package added 18-inch matte-black wheels with all-terrain tires and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing the maximum towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. Prices ranged from $35,990 for the LX to $53,185 for the SX Prestige with the X-Pro package, excluding the destination charge. The SX Prestige with the X-Line package, featuring Wolf Gray paint and floor mats, had an MSRP of $54,270, including the $1,365 destination charge.

The Telluride's design attracted buyers with its appealing forms and proportions, despite mixed reactions to last year’s styling updates. The Wolf Gray paint complemented the blacked-out X-Line styling, including the grille surround and bumper details. The test car featured a black interior with premium Nappa leather seats, though other cabin color options like Mahogany brown, Terracotta brown, light gray over black or dark blue, and Sage Green were available, each complementing the simulated open-pore wood trim. The SX Prestige nearly met luxury SUV standards with its soft leather, artificial suede headliner, 24-inch dual-screen digital display panel, classy metallic accents, and thoughtful details, though the shiny plastic covering the interior's lower portions was a downside.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was available in four main trims: LS, LT, Z71, and RS. The Z71 was a new addition, designed for moderate off-roading. Chevrolet representatives emphasized that the Z71 was not intended for extreme off-roading like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco but was capable of handling reasonably rugged terrain. Pricing was competitive, with the Traverse LS starting at $38,995, excluding a $1,395 destination fee, and the RS model priced at $55,595. The RS came loaded with nearly every available feature. The Z71 model, starting at $47,795, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint, one of six available colors. The Jet Black interior was accented with "Torch Red" details, and synthetic leather seating upholstery was optional for an additional $1,000, though the standard cloth seats were comfortable and breathable.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which increased to 5,500 pounds with the X-Pro package. The AWD version included a locking center differential and a Snow driving mode, alongside Comfort, Sport, and Smart modes. The Telluride had a ground clearance of 8.0 inches, rising to 8.4 inches with the X-Line and X-Pro packages, and featured a self-leveling rear suspension. The SUV provided good acceleration and passing power but was not fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg in combined driving for AWD versions, though real-world testing showed lower figures. The Telluride's driving experience was refined, with responsive steering and brakes, and a firm ride at lower speeds that softened at higher velocities. It was capable off-road, though not on par with a Jeep.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered more power and torque than the discontinued V6. AWD was optional on every trim, with the Traverse Z71 featuring a dual-clutch system for better grip in slippery conditions. The Traverse provided acceptable acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust growl during acceleration. The steering was adequate, though the vehicle's length was noticeable. The ride was exemplary, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes were progressive, and the stop-and-start feature was seamless. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 18 mpg city, 26 highway, 21 combined for the Traverse Limited with FWD, to 17/25/20 for the Limited with AWD.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable interior, especially in higher trims. The SX Prestige X-Line test vehicle featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar massage, heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs, and a third-row seat suitable for adults. A dual sunroof panel added light to the interior. The controls were oriented horizontally, with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and physical controls. The Telluride included thoughtful details like a digital instrumentation panel with changing scenic landscapes, generous storage space, and a hands-free power liftgate. Cargo space was ample, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet. The X-Line and X-Pro offered useful roof rails for additional storage.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for eight in the base LS model, with second-row captain’s chairs available in the LT and standard in the Z71 and RS, which were seven-seaters. The third row was suitable for average-size adults, though taller passengers might need more legroom. The Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use, and a power-folding third row was available. The Autosense power liftgate was standard, opening automatically when the key fob was nearby. Cargo volume was 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to approximately 96 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The cabin featured numerous storage nooks, including a hidden area under the center console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay. Visibility was mostly positive, though the third row had limited views. The Z71 test vehicle had a power-operated driver’s seat, but the front passenger's seat was manually adjustable.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The system supported Bluetooth pairing and streaming, though the test vehicle's Kia Connect subscription was inactive. Kia Connect offered four plans, with features like 911 Connect, remote engine starting, and over-the-air updates. The test vehicle included satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Telluride featured a blue-light filter for the infotainment display, Quiet Mode, and a function to deliver the driver’s voice to rear passengers. A digital key function and a camera-based rearview mirror were available, along with a 10-inch head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was also included.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, standard on all models, with rapid response times and simple menus. An 11-inch digital instrument display was configurable and helpful for navigation. The system ran on Google-based software, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The wireless charging pad in the Z71 held the phone securely. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained, though the driving modes button was less prominent. Headlight functions were integrated into the infotainment system. The Traverse offered Super Cruise hands-free driving aid, expanding its functionality to over 750,000 miles of roads by 2025. Super Cruise could be activated on single-lane roadways, though it disengaged at intersections.

The 2024 Kia Telluride featured the Kia Drive Wise collection of driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear occupant protection. Highway Driving Assist was standard, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. Safety feature upgrades included front parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, evasive steering assist, lane-change assist, and automatic rear braking. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system was available, and Highway Driving Assist 2.0 added automatic lane changing. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not undergone crash tests by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of testing. However, it offered a wide range of standard driver aids, including automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, side-exit assist, rear pedestrian alert, and a surround-view parking camera.