2020 Kia Telluride Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Larger families have more options than ever when it comes to vehicles that can get everyone from point A to point B. Three-row SUVs are some of the most popular ones out there currently. Good options are those who can strike a good balance between interior space and maneuverability. Having the latest in tech, safety, and convenience features is a plus, too.

One good option for those in the market for this type of vehicle is the 2020 Kia Telluride. This SUV is brand new but already making a name for itself. It has the ability to seat seven or eight people and enters the books as Kia's largest SUV offering yet.

Buyers who are interested in this vehicle will have four different trim levels to explore. With approximately 10 grand separating the entry-level trim from the top-of-the-line one, picking the right model is important. While some people may find that the base LX has more than enough for them, others will need to go all the way up to the SX to find the features they need.

Knowing the differences between the trim levels is the most important factor when choosing a model. This guide will lay them out in an effort to simplify the process for consumers.

 

Compare the 2020 Kia Telluride LX vs S Trims. What is the difference?

Only one engine option is available for the 2020 Telluride. The LX and all other models get a 3.8L V6 that will generate 291-horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This works alongside an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, which is a more than respectable number for a three-row SUV. Standard for this vehicle is front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive is an available option.

This entry-level model sits on stylish 18" alloy wheels. Fans of bright colors will be a bit disappointed because the LX is only available in five shades, all of which are variations of black, white, or gray. It is worth noting that going up the trim levels does not really solve this issue, as the rest only have six options. The added option is Dark Moss, something that looks suspiciously like dark gray.

There are, however, plenty of exterior features to love on the LX trim. The outside mirrors are body-colored, heated, and feature LED turn-signal integration. For the headlights, the LX gets projector halogen bulbs. Standard LED fog lights are included. Automatic headlights, which adjust to the level of outdoor lighting, are featured on the LX as well.

The LX trim has a traditional "tiger nose" Kia grille. It is dark gray. There are front and rear skid plates with a silver finish. Another stylish exterior feature for the LX is the chrome lower door moldings. A body-color rear spoiler is included to not only improve aerodynamics but to make the vehicle appear more athletic as well. Privacy glass is standard, which doubles an effective way to reduce heat buildup.

This trim level has a bench second-row seat, making its seating capacity eight. The second row gets adjustable headrests as well as a center console with cupholders that can be folded down. The upholstery at this trim level is a simulated leather. Each row of seating gets its own 12-volt power outlet. Also standard are five USB charging ports and a USB input port.

Drivers who go with this trim will get a six-speaker audio system. The infotainment system runs both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and features an 8" screen. Bluetooth connectivity is also standard. Also coming with the LX is the UVO Link feature. With this, drivers can download an app on their smart device that allows them to control certain vehicle features remotely. It even allows drivers to remotely start their vehicle using their smartphone. Kia covers the cost of the subscription for the first year of vehicle ownership.

Safety features can be found on all levels of the Kia Telluride. The LX model gives drivers a drowsy driver monitor, a blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic, forward collision warning including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Also coming standard are features such as a rear parking distance sensor, safe exit assist, and a rear occupant alert. Smart cruise control with stop-and-go is also part of the standard equipment for the LX.

Option number two for drivers is the S. Mechanically, it is the same as the LX. It gets a noticeable upgrade in the form of stylish 20" alloy wheels. This trim also adds dual chrome exhaust tips. On this model, the front grille has a dark metallic finish. On top of the privacy glass, the S has sound-absorbing front windshield glass.

Exterior upgrades are significant. This trim comes standard with a power sunroof. It also adds low-profile roof rails with a silver finish. Moving inside the cabin, consumers will now find heated front seats. The standard for this trim is to have two captain's chairs in the second row, bringing the seat count down to seven. A bench seat is an available option, however.

Other upgrades for this trim include a ten-way power adjustable driver's seat. This seat includes two-way lumbar support adjustment. No upgrade is made to the passenger seat at this trim level. Both the steering wheel and gear shift knob are wrapped in leather. Also new for the S trim are LED map and room lights.

Overall, the S adds a few more features that some consumers may consider important. For many people, however, there is not going to be enough here to justify spending more money.

Compare the 2020 Kia Telluride S vs EX Trims.  What is the difference?

For the EX trim, the 2020 Telluride goes back to 18" alloy wheels. The 20" alloy wheels found on the S become an available upgrade. Silver roof rails remain standard, but consumers now have the option of satin chrome-finished ones instead. This is the first trim to add a power-folding feature to the side mirrors.

Another highly convenient feature added by the EX is a smart power liftgate. On top of the sound-absorbing windshield, this trim has the same glass in the front windows. This is very useful for reducing wind noise, particularly at highway speeds.

Inside, the passenger seat finally gets an upgrade. It now has eight-way power adjustment. Both front seats also gain ventilation. This trim goes back to the second-row bench seat, but unlike the LX, offers the two captain's chairs as an available upgrade. For the third-row, this SUV includes reclining seats. The entire cabin looks a little more sophisticated as a result of the wood-grain interior accents.

Driver Talk, a somewhat unusual but handy feature is added. With this, drivers can mute the music and activate a microphone specifically designed to help their voice be heard in the back seats. Also added for this trim is an auto-dimming rearview mirror and keyless ignition.

This is the first trim level of the Telluride to give drivers three-zone automatic climate control. Included with this is an automatic de-fogging feature. A heated steering wheel becomes an available option. The number of charging ports goes from five up to six. A wireless phone charger is added for the EX. Also added are enhanced navigation features for the infotainment system. The size of the touchscreen jumps all the way up to 10.25".

Standard on both the EX and SX trim levels is the highway driving assist feature. With this, the Telluride can control the steering, acceleration, and deceleration of the vehicle. The system maintains the speed selected by the driver but also works to maintain a set distance between the Telluride and the vehicle it is following.

The EX trim level adds a good deal of luxury as well as features that drivers will actually find themselves using, making it a strong contender.

Compare the 2020 Kia Telluride EX vs SX Trims. What is the difference?

Finally, consumers can choose the top-of-the-line SX model of the 2020 Telluride. While it does not offer any upgrades to the performance of the vehicle, it adds plenty of interior and exterior features. For this trim level, the Telluride sits on 20" alloy wheels that have a black sport finish. There are also dual sunroofs on this model. In the front, drivers get a traditional tilting and sliding one. Rear passengers can enjoy more light, if not more air, thanks to the large fixed sunroof in the back.

Available on this trim level are rain-sensing automatic windshield wipers. It is the only trim to give buyers LED fog lights as well as LED projector-beam headlights. Automatic high beam control is standard. The side mirrors gain a reverse tilt-down feature.

Inside the SX, the Telluride gains 12-way power adjustment for the driver's seat. This trim adds memory settings for the driver's seat position. A 110-volt power convertor is available for adding-on. Standard for the SX are the second row captain's chairs. The bench seat is not an option here, making its max seating capacity seven. Both heating and ventilation for the second-row of seats are optional.

This trim also has the auto-dimming rearview mirror but adds HomeLink to it. With this, consumers can link their Telluride with garage doors, as well as certain security systems and gates, allowing them to activate them without exiting their vehicle. The SX gets a significant upgrade to its audio system. Standard here is a ten-speaker Harmon Kadon setup that includes music restoration technology as well as a subwoofer.

A heated steering wheel remains merely optional. The SX does gain stainless steel pedals standard. While all models feature what Kia calls a "supervision meter cluster," the SX upgrades up to a 7" color LCD screen from the previously standard 3.5" one. The SX also gets interior mood lighting with an astonishing 64 different color options. Optional on this trim are both premium headliners and premium Nappa leather upholstery.

As far as safety goes, this trim adds a surround-view monitor. As the name implies, it offers drivers a 360-degree view of their vehicle and its surroundings. Also added on to the SX trim is a blind spot camera system. When the driver hits their turn signal, the instrument cluster displays an image of what is in their blind spot on the appropriate side. On top of the rear parking sensors, the SX gains front ones as well. This is the only trim level to offer drivers a head's up display. A feature growing in popularity, this display gives drivers the information they need right in their line of sight.

The SX trim level has most of the features found on luxury three-row SUVs.

 

Which Trim to Choose?

It would be hard to make a bad choice when it comes to the Telluride. Even the entry-level trim has smartphone integration, advanced driver's aids, and an 8" touchscreen. That said, consumers can upgrade for even more convenience and comfort touches without spending too much more.

Most consumers will skip the S trim because it really does not give them anything terribly exciting. The EX trim, on the other hand, is worthwhile thanks to its heated front seats, power liftgate, and impressive touchscreen. Drivers who want to load their vehicle with every available safety aid may choose the SX. Most consumers will likely be fine without the extra ones added to this trim, however.

Choosing the 2020 Kia Telluride EX means choosing a well-rounded vehicle that does not skimp on features while also being relatively kind to the wallet.