Kia Telluride Trim Comparison (2023)
From well-appointed budget trims like the LX and S to the all-out luxury of SXP, the 2023 Kia Telluride’s ten trim levels have something for everyone.
Written by R.E. Fulton
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The 2023 Kia Telluride’s ten trim levels offer a wide range of convenience, luxury, and safety features with tons of opportunities to customize. For many drivers, the SX trim is the sweet spot between luxury and affordability—but which is the right trim for you?
We’ll help you answer that question in this guide. If you’re in the market for a family-friendly three-row SUV with some real off-road chops, the Telluride offers best-in-class features at an approachable price. It’s just a matter of finding the perfect trim.
What are the different Kia Telluride trim levels?
The 2023 Kia Telluride is available in no less than ten trim levels. The five basic trims are L, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige, but the three higher trims also come with X-Line and X-Pro models outfitted with unique performance and appearance upgrades.
Along with all those new trim levels, the new Kia Telluride has a styling refresh for 2023, with a redesigned front bumper and grille and a fresh digital instrument display (available on select trims). But the things that make the Telluride just about the best family SUV out there remain the same: unbeatable performance, stellar safety tech, and just enough convenience and luxury at any budget to make you feel like you’re driving a much more expensive vehicle.
Before we dig into what sets the Telluride’s new trims apart, let’s focus on what they all have in common, starting with the 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine that powers every single Telluride model. It’s paired with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available on all trims and standard on the SX Prestige and all X-Line and X-Pro models.
Good news for big families: the Telluride’s one of the most comfortable, roomy three-row SUVs you can buy. Shoulder, hip, and leg room are consistent across all trims and competitive for the class, and head room is only slightly impacted if you opt for a model with single or dual sunroofs.
Every 2023 Kia Telluride also comes standard with:
- Keyless entry and push-button start and remote start
- LED headlights
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind spot warning w/rear cross-traffic alert
- Forward collision mitigation
- Lane keeping assist
- On-board WiFi hotspot
- USB ports
But apart from those generous basics, what can each Telluride trim offer you? Let’s take a closer look.
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2023 Kia Telluride trim comparison chart
The chart below compares key features for every 2023 Kia Telluride model. Between the ten on offer, we think the Kia Telluride SX offers the best blend of practicality and indulgence—but families on a budget will like the Kia Telluride LX, while anyone who wants the Land Rover experience at a Kia price should spring for the Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro, which is geared toward maximum luxury with decent off-road chops.
Trim | LX | S | EX | EX X-Line | SX | SX X-Line | SX X-Pro | SX Prestige | SX Prestige X-Line | SX Prestige X-Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Starting MSRP | $37,255 | $39,155 | $42,855 | $47,050 | $47,055 | $50,450 | $51,450 | $51,955 | $53,350 | $54,350 |
Exterior, interior, and dimensions | ||||||||||
Exterior colors | 4 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 |
Interior | Simulated leather (1 color) | Simulated leather (2 colors) | Leather (4 colors) | Leather (3 colors) | Leather (4 colors) | Leather (3 colors) | Leather (3 colors) | Nappa leather (4 colors) | Nappa leather (3 colors) | Nappa leather (3 colors) |
Length | 196.9 in | 196.9 in | 196.9 in | 196.9 in | 196.9 in | 196.9 in | 196.9 in | 196.9 in | 196.9 in | 196.9 in |
Width | 78.3 in | 78.3 in | 78.3 in | 78.3 in | 78.3 in | 78.3 in | 78.3 in | 78.3 in | 78.3 in | 78.3 in |
Height | 68.9 in | 69.3 in (w/roof rails) | 69.3 in (w/roof rails) | 70.5 in (w/roof rails) | 69.3 in (w/roof rails) | 70.5 in (w/roof rails) | 70.5 in (w/roof rails) | 69.3 in (w/roof rails) | 70.5 in (w/roof rails) | 70.5 in (w/roof rails) |
Ground clearance | 8.0 in | 8.0 in | 8.0 in | 8.4 in | 8.0 in | 8.4 in | 8.4 in | 8.0 in | 8.4 in | 8.4 in |
Approach/departure angle | 17.0/22.4 degrees | 17.0/22.4 degrees | 17.0/22.4 degrees | 17.7/23.0 degrees | 17.0/22.4 degrees | 17.7/23.0 degrees | 17.9/23.2 degrees | 17.0/22.4 degrees | 17.7/23.0 degrees | 17.9/23.2 degrees |
Total passenger volume | 178.1 cubic ft | 178.1 cubic ft | 178.1 cubic ft | 178.1 cubic ft | 178.1 cubic ft | 178.1 cubic ft | 178.1 cubic ft | 178.1 cubic ft | 178.1 cubic ft | 178.1 cubic ft |
Cargo volume (behind 1st/2nd/3rd row) | 87/46/21 cubic ft | 87/46/21 cubic ft | 87/46/21 cubic ft | 87/46/21 cubic ft | 87/46/21 cubic ft | 87/46/21 cubic ft | 87/46/21 cubic ft | 87/46/21 cubic ft | 87/46/21 cubic ft | 87/46/21 cubic ft |
Sunroof | N/A | Optional (single) | Standard (single) | Standard (dual) | Standard (dual) | Standard (dual) | Standard (dual) | Standard (dual) | Standard (dual) | Standard (dual) |
Power liftgate w/Auto Close | N/A | N/A | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Auto rain-sensing windshield wipers | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Standard | Standard | Standard |
LED fog lights | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Standard | N/A | N/A | Standard | N/A | N/A |
Power-folding side mirrors | N/A | N/A | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Rearview mirror | Day/night | Day/night | Auto-dimming | Auto-dimming | Auto-dimming w/HomeLink® garage opener and compass | Auto-dimming w/HomeLink® garage opener and compass | Auto-dimming w/HomeLink® garage opener and compass | Auto-dimming w/HomeLink® garage opener and compass | Auto-dimming w/HomeLink® garage opener and compass | Auto-dimming w/HomeLink® garage opener and compass |
Performance | ||||||||||
All-wheel drive w/AWD lock and snow mode | Available | Available | Available | Standard | Available | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
FWD fuel economy estimate (city/hwy/combined) | 20/26/23 mpg | 20/26/23 mpg | 20/26/23 mpg | 20/26/23 mpg | ||||||
AWD fuel economy estimate (city/hwy/combined) | 18/24/21 mpg | 18/24/21 mpg | 18/24/21 mpg | 18/24/21 mpg | 18/24/21 mpg | 18/24/21 mpg | 18/24/21 mpg | 18/24/21 mpg | 18/24/21 mpg | 18/24/21 mpg |
Towing capacity | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb | 5,500 lb | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb | 5,500 lb |
Tow Mode | N/A | N/A | N/A | Standard | N/A | Standard | Standard | N/A | Standard | Standard |
Technology and comfort | ||||||||||
12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen w/navigation and Kia Connect | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
12.3-inch instrument display | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
10-inch head-up display | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Sound system | 6 speakers | 6 speakers | 6 speakers | 6 speakers | Harman Kardon® audio system w/10 speakers | Harman Kardon® audio system w/10 speakers | Harman Kardon® audio system w/10 speakers | Harman Kardon® audio system w/10 speakers | Harman Kardon® audio system w/10 speakers | Harman Kardon® audio system w/10 speakers |
WiFi hotspot | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Wireless phone charger | N/A | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Driver’s seat | No power-adjustable settings | 8-way power adjustable w/2-way lumbar support | 8-way power adjustable w/2-way lumbar support | 8-way power adjustable w/2-way lumbar support | 10-way power adjustable w/4-way lumbar support, driver smart posture control, and thigh extension | 10-way power adjustable w/4-way lumbar support, driver smart posture control, and thigh extension | 10-way power adjustable w/4-way lumbar support, driver smart posture control, and thigh extension | 10-way power adjustable w/4-way lumbar support, driver smart posture control, and thigh extension | 10-way power adjustable w/4-way lumbar support, driver smart posture control, and thigh extension | 10-way power adjustable w/4-way lumbar support, driver smart posture control, and thigh extension |
Front passenger seat | No power-adjustable settings | No power-adjustable settings | 8-way power adjustable w/2-way lumbar support | 8-way power adjustable w/2-way lumbar support | 8-way power adjustable w/2-way lumbar support | 8-way power adjustable w/2-way lumbar support | 8-way power adjustable w/2-way lumbar support | 8-way power adjustable w/2-way lumbar support | 8-way power adjustable w/2-way lumbar support | 8-way power adjustable w/2-way lumbar support |
7-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs | N/A | Standard | Available | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Heated front seats | N/A | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Heated and ventilated 2nd row seats | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Heated steering wheel | N/A | N/A | Available | Standard | Available | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Safety features | ||||||||||
Forward collision warnings | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Forward collision avoidance assist | Pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection | Pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection | Pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection | Pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection | Pedestrian, cyclist, junction turning, junction crossing, lane change oncoming, lane change side, and evasive steering assist detection | Pedestrian, cyclist, junction turning, junction crossing, lane change oncoming, lane change side, and evasive steering assist detection | Pedestrian, cyclist, junction turning, junction crossing, lane change oncoming, lane change side, and evasive steering assist detection | Pedestrian, cyclist, junction turning, junction crossing, lane change oncoming, lane change side, and evasive steering assist detection | Pedestrian, cyclist, junction turning, junction crossing, lane change oncoming, lane change side, and evasive steering assist detection | Pedestrian, cyclist, junction turning, junction crossing, lane change oncoming, lane change side, and evasive steering assist detection |
Blind-spot collision warning w/rear cross-traffic alert | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Blind-spot view monitor | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Lane departure warning | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Lane keeping assist | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Lane following assist | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Smart cruise control | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard (w/machine learning | Standard (w/machine learning | Standard (w/machine learning | Standard (w/machine learning | Standard (w/machine learning | Standard (w/machine learning |
Highway driving assist | Highway Driving Assist 1.5 | Highway Driving Assist 1.5 | Highway Driving Assist 1.5 | Highway Driving Assist 1.5 | Highway Driving Assist 2 | Highway Driving Assist 2 | Highway Driving Assist 2 | Highway Driving Assist 2 | Highway Driving Assist 2 | Highway Driving Assist 2 |
Driver attention warning | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Surround view monitor | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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Which Kia Telluride trim level is best for you?
If you’re overwhelmed by the huge spread of specs and features above, we’ll break it down for you:
- If you’re on a budget, the Kia Telluride LX is the best trim level for you. It’s got plenty of standard features and keeps your costs low.
- If you want just a little more convenience and comfort, go with the Kia Telluride S. You’ll get a few extra color options and add some nice features like a power sunroof and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
- The Kia Telluride EX is the best bet for large families with a little room in the budget. It’s the highest trim with the eight-seat configuration, but it’s got a little extra luxury compared to the S.
- If you want upgraded safety features and leather seats, the Kia Telluride SX is probably the best trim for you. Most of the Telluride’s high-end features open up at this level, but it’s considerably more affordable than the top-of-the-line models. For most drivers, the SX trim is the sweet spot.
- If you’re looking for all-out-luxury with a Kia price tag (and a 10-year warranty), you can’t go wrong with the Kia Telluride SX Prestige. From satin chrome door handles and leather seat trim to rain-sensing windshield wipers, the SXP has it all.
- And if you’d like the option to take your Telluride off-road, choose one of the X-Line or X-Pro trims at the luxury level of your choice. X-Line and X-Pro models have a self-leveling rear suspension, higher ground clearance, and improved traction control, along with unique 20-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires (X-Line) or 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires (X-Pro).
If you’re still not sure which trim is right for you, head to your nearest Kia dealership to take one for a test drive.
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What is the difference between a Telluride EX and SX?
The Telluride’s SX trim packs in a lot more luxury features than the EX, like a digital instrument display and premium audio system. Think of the EX as the cushiest budget trim and the SX as the most affordable high-end trim.
What is the base price for a Telluride?
The 2023 Kia Telluride LX—the lowest trim level—starts at $37,255 MSRP.
What is the difference between the Kia Telluride and the Kia Sorento?
The Kia Telluride, which seats seven to eight passengers, is slightly larger than the Kia Sorento, which seats just six to seven. In addition to the extra room, the Telluride also has a more powerful engine and better off-road features. Kia’s other SUVs include the Kia Niro, Kia Sportage, and Kiro Seltos, which all seat five.
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