Are you dreaming of weekend getaways with your boat or camper? The 2024 Kia Telluride might be just what you need.
This big, comfy SUV isn’t just for cruising around town. It’s got some serious muscle when it comes to towing.
How Much Can a 2024 Kia Telluride Tow?
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Telluride‘s towing abilities.
We’ll use simple words and explain things clearly, so even if you’re not a car expert, you’ll understand what this SUV can do.
Why Towing Matters in an SUV?
Before we dive in, let’s talk about why towing is a big deal for SUV buyers:
- Versatility: A good towing capacity means you can haul boats, campers, or trailers.
- Adventure: It opens up possibilities for outdoor fun and road trips.
- Practicality: You can move big items or help friends move without renting a truck.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the Telluride’s towing power.
Towing 101: What You Need to Know
First, let’s cover some basics:
What is towing capacity? It’s the maximum weight a vehicle can safely pull behind it. This includes the weight of the trailer and everything on it.
What affects towing capacity?
- Engine power
- Vehicle frame strength
- Brakes
- Transmission
- Cooling system
Why does it matter? Knowing your vehicle’s towing capacity keeps you safe on the road. Towing too much weight can damage your car and cause accidents.
The 2024 Kia Telluride’s Towing Prowess
Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for. How much can the 2024 Kia Telluride tow?
- Standard towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
- Enhanced capacity (X-Pro models): 5,500 pounds
That’s a lot of pulling power! To put it in perspective, 5,000 pounds is about the weight of a medium-sized boat or a small camper.
Towing Capacity by Trim Level
The Telluride comes in different versions, called trims. Most can tow 5,000 pounds, but the special X-Pro trims can handle a bit more. Here’s a breakdown:
Standard Trims (5,000 pounds)
- LX
- S
- EX
- EX X-Line
- SX
- SX X-Line
- SX Prestige
- SX Prestige X-Line
X-Pro Trims (5,500 pounds)
- SX X-Pro
- SX Prestige X-Pro
The X-Pro Package: Towing’s Best Friend
The X-Pro package is like a power-up for your Telluride. It adds:
- Better engine cooling: Keeps things running smoothly when towing
- Extra towing capacity: 500 pounds more than standard models
- Higher ground clearance: 8.4 inches to tackle rough terrain
- All-terrain tires: For better grip on various surfaces
- Enhanced all-wheel drive: Improved traction for towing in tricky conditions
These features make the X-Pro Telluride a towing champ.
Towing Tech: Helpful Features
The Telluride isn’t just strong; it’s smart too. Here are some features that make towing easier and safer:
- Tow Mode: Adjusts how the car drives when you’re pulling something
- Self-leveling rear suspension: Keeps your Telluride level, even with a heavy load
- Trailer Stability Assist: Helps prevent trailer sway
- Integrated trailer brake controller: Lets you control trailer brakes from the driver’s seat
These features work together to make towing smoother and safer.
Under the Hood: Engine and Power
What gives the Telluride its towing strength? Let’s look under the hood:
- Engine: 3.8-liter V6
- Horsepower: 291
- Torque: 262 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain options: Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
This powerful engine and smart transmission work together to give the Telluride its impressive towing ability.
Payload vs. Towing: What’s the Difference?
You might hear about “payload capacity” too. Here’s what it means:
- Payload capacity: The weight your Telluride can carry inside it (passengers and cargo)
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): The total weight your Telluride can handle (its own weight plus payload)
The Telluride’s payload capacity is around 1,500 pounds, depending on the trim.
Remember: Payload and towing capacity are separate. You can’t max out both at the same time.
How Does the Telluride Stack Up?
Let’s see how the Telluride compares to other popular SUVs:
| SUV Model | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2024 Kia Telluride | 5,000-5,500 lbs |
| Honda Pilot | 3,500-5,000 lbs |
| Toyota Highlander | 3,500-5,000 lbs |
| Ford Explorer | 5,300-5,600 lbs |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 5,000 lbs |
The Telluride holds its own against the competition, offering solid towing capacity across all trims.
What Can You Tow with 2024 Kia Telluride?
With 5,000 to 5,500 pounds of towing capacity, your Telluride can handle a lot. Here are some examples:
- Boats: Many small to medium-sized boats and personal watercraft
- Campers: Small to medium travel trailers or pop-up campers
- Utility trailers: For hauling equipment, furniture, or materials
- Small car trailers: For towing a compact car or motorcycle
Always check the weight of what you’re towing to make sure it’s within your Telluride’s capacity.
Towing Safely: Tips and Best Practices
Towing isn’t just about having enough power. It’s also about doing it safely. Here are some tips:
- Distribute weight properly: Keep 60% of the trailer’s weight in the front half
- Use the right equipment: Make sure your hitch and ball mount are rated for your load
- Drive carefully: Slow down, increase following distance, and take wider turns
- Regular maintenance: Keep your Telluride in top shape, especially when you tow often
Remember, safety always comes first when towing.
The Kia Telluride Towing Package
To unlock your Telluride’s full towing potential, you’ll want the towing package. Here’s what it includes:
- Trailer hitch
- Wiring harness
- Upgraded cooling system (on X-Pro models)
You can add this package when you buy your Telluride or have it installed later at a Kia dealership. The cost varies, so check with your local dealer for exact pricing.
Real People, Real Experiences
Let’s hear from some Telluride owners about their towing experiences:
- John S.: “I tow my 21-foot boat with no problem. The Telluride feels stable and confident on the road.”
- Maria T.: “We bought the X-Pro for camping trips. It handles our 4,500-pound travel trailer like a champ, even in the mountains.”
- David L.: “As a contractor, I often tow my work trailer. The Telluride’s towing features make it so much easier and safer.”
Expert reviews generally praise the Telluride’s towing abilities, noting its stability and ease of use.
Common Towing Challenges and Solutions
Even with a capable vehicle like the Telluride, you might face some challenges:
- Challenge: Trailer sway Solution: Use a weight distribution hitch and drive at moderate speeds
- Challenge: Reduced fuel economy Solution: Plan for more frequent fuel stops on long trips
- Challenge: Limited visibility Solution: Adjust your mirrors properly and consider adding extended towing mirrors
FAQs on 2024 Kia Telluride Towing Capacity:
- Q: Can I increase Telluride’s towing capacity beyond 5,500 pounds?
A: No, it’s not safe to exceed the manufacturer’s stated towing capacity.
- Q: How much does towing affect fuel economy?
A: It can reduce fuel economy by 30-50%, depending on what you’re towing and road conditions.
- Q: Do I need special insurance for towing?
A: Check with your insurance provider. You might need additional coverage when towing.
- Q: Does towing impact my Telluride’s warranty?
A: No, as long as you stay within the specified towing capacity and follow proper procedures.
Also Check:
- 2023 Honda HRV Towing Capacity
- 2023 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity
- Toyota 4Runner Towing Capacity
- 2023 Honda Passport Towing Capacity
- What Can I Tow With 4,000 lbs Capacity
Wrapping Up: Is the Telluride Right for Your Towing Needs?
The 2024 Kia Telluride is a strong contender in the SUV towing world. With a capacity of 5,000 to 5,500 pounds, it can handle a wide range of towing tasks.
Whether you’re planning weekend getaways with a camper or need to haul equipment for work, the Telluride is up to the task.
Key points to remember:
- Standard towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
- X-Pro models can tow 5,500 pounds
- Packed with helpful towing features and technologies
- Competes well with other SUVs in its class
When shopping for an SUV, think about your towing needs. If you plan to tow often or near the maximum capacity, the X-Pro models might be worth considering.
But even the standard Telluride offers impressive towing abilities for most everyday needs.
Remember, towing safely is just as important as having the right capacity. Always follow towing best practices and Telluride’s guidelines to ensure safe and enjoyable trips.
The 2024 Kia Telluride proves that you can have a comfortable, family-friendly SUV that’s also a capable tower.
Whether you’re heading to the lake, campground, or job site, the Telluride is ready to pull its weight – and then some.
