2023 Kia Telluride Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

The explosion of SUV popularity in recent years has forced automotive manufacturers to get creative. It is not enough to have three rows of seating, the latest tech features, and available all-wheel drive anymore. Instead, a family-friendly SUV has to prove its versatility and ability to serve as a home away from home.

In order to stand out, the 2023 Kia Telluride offers drivers ten distinct trim levels to choose from. Naturally, many of the features overlap when comparing the models. Still, there are enough options that buyers can feel like they are finding a version of the Telluride that meets their unique needs.

With ten different trims, it is easy to feel overwhelmed when picking out a 2023 Telluride. There is a price difference of over $17,000 when comparing the suggested prices of the entry-level and top trims. Most drivers will find that the price and features that work for them can be found somewhere in the middle of the list. Savvy shoppers can use this guide to choose the right 2023 Kia Telluride for their life.

 

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

Despite the overwhelming number of trim levels, the 2023 Telluride is available with just one engine. The 3.8L V6 makes 291 horsepower along with 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with this engine is an eight-speed automatic transmission. For the entry-level Telluride LX, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available.

The LX trim level makes an entrance with a vertically designed front grille, which is black with a chrome surround. LED headlights come standard for this SUV, and drivers also get 18-inch wheels. When it is time to get inside the Telluride LX, the keyless entry feature makes it easy.

Once inside, the LX shows off a 4.2-inch instrument display. There is also a 12.3-inch touchscreen to run the infotainment system, which includes navigation and Kia Connect. This Kia SUV also has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot on its standard feature list.

The Telluride LX makes it easy to charge gear. There is a 12V power port located in all three of the rows. Drivers can also use the fast-charging USB-C port located up front, while passengers will find two of these ports located in both rear rows.

Kia uses the SynTex seat trim in the LX trim level. This SUV comes equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control and rear vents to help keep everyone comfortable. The LX trim level has seating for eight people - captain's chairs are not available.

The entire 2023 Telluride lineup comes with an impressive amount of high-tech safety features. For the LX, things such as forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, cyclist detection, and junction turning detection are all included. Lane following assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and driver attention monitoring are all included as well.

Hit the highways with complete confidence in your 2023 Kia Telluride LX. This trusty ride comes equipped with Highway Driving Assist 1.5, giving you a semi-autonomous driving experience leaving acceleration and deceleration to the experts! Step up to an S trim for more deluxe features such as a sunroof, roof rails, front grille design that stretches across its profile – not to mention some serious style points from those shiny 20 inch wheels glinting against city streets.

The Telluride S comes equipped with a wireless charging pad. It also has an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support. Heated front seats are thrown in as well. While every 2023 Telluride has a leather-wrapped steering wheel for added sophistication, the S trim is the first to have a leather-wrapped shift knob as well.

Second-row captain's chairs come standard for the S trim, giving it seating for up to seven. The price jump from the LX to the S is almost $2,000. That said, the heated front seats and other upscale additions make it a tempting choice.

Compare the Telluride S vs EX Trim Levels. What is the difference?

The EX trim level of the 2023 Telluride goes back to the second-row bench and seating for eight. Unlike the LX, however, the EX offers buyers the option of going with second-row captain's chairs if they prefer. The Telluride EX also goes back down to 18-inch wheels. It also has the vertically designed grille once more.

EX models of the Telluride come standard with a sunroof. They also have power-folding side mirrors and a hands-free power liftgate with an auto-close feature. Another upgrade made here is the sound-absorbing front glass.

The 2023 Telluride EX offers an array of luxurious amenities perfect for long road trips. This model proudly flaunts leather upholstery, a fast-charging USB C port in the center console, and LED illuminated sun visor vanity mirrors that cast a brilliant glow inside the cabin. In addition to these great features, buyers will also enjoy second row window shades as well as ventilated front seats which add maximum comfort during those summer drives! Although this upgrade comes with a cost of around $2,500 more than its S brother trim level - it sure is worth every penny spent.

Compare the Telluride EX vs EX X-Line. What is the difference?

Step up your style and comfort in the adventurous Telluride EX X-Line! This trim level adds a bold look with its dark metal accents, 20" gloss black wheels, high utility roof rails, and increased 0.4 inch ground clearance for an impressive ride. Inside all of these luxury touches are improved further as this model comes standard with a heated steering wheel as well 7 seating options via second row captains chairs to maximize both style and convenience when heading out on an adventure.

Drivers who are looking for a little extra edge should carefully consider their options before upgrading to the EX X-Line trim of the Kia Telluride. It may be tempting with its more athletic look and feel, but they will have to pay an additional $4,000 - so it's best that potential buyers weigh all features accordingly.

Compare the Telluride EX X-Line vs SX Trims. What is the difference?

The SX trim of the Telluride boasts luxurious upgrades and is perfect for larger families, boasting 7 seats. As a standard feature, you can bring in natural light with two sunroofs while enjoying driver's seat and side mirror memory settings along with crystal clear sound through Harman Kardon's 10-speaker premium system controlled by a 12.3" touchscreen infotainment display - an unmatched driving experience.

Several safety features are added by the Telluride SX. It gets front parking sensors along with rear parking collision-avoidance assist. The SX also comes standard with a surround-view camera system. This is the first Telluride to upgrade to the Highway Driving Assist 2 feature. In addition to steering and accelerating, the Telluride SX has the ability to change lanes on its onon select highways.

When comparing the suggested starting prices of the EX X-Line and SX, buyers will find a difference of just $5. Considering how much more substance rather than style is gained by the SX, it seems like an easy choice for most drivers to make. Keep in mind, adding all-wheel drive to the SX will cost $2,000, which may make the EX X-Line a more economical choice for those needing that added traction.

Compare the Telluride SX vs SX X-Line. What is the difference?

The Telluride SX X-Line sees the addition of must-have features like all-wheel drive and 20" wheels, as well as stylish "high utility roof rails" and unique grille design. At a $2,000 increase in price over the standard SX model (with an additional bargain cost for adding AWD), it is clear that this option presents more than just good looks - making upgrading to this beastly SUV even better value.

Compare the Telluride SX X-Line vs SX X-Pro. What is the difference?

It gets even more complicated for buyers interested in the SX version of the Telluride. There is also an SX X-Pro up for consideration. Like the X-Line, the X-Pro models have standard all-wheel drive. They go down to 18-inch wheels, however, and gain standard all-terrain tires. It also gets an off-road-oriented suspension and adds a nifty 110-volt power outlet to the cargo area, presumably to help when out camping off the beaten path. While the average Telluride can tow up to 5,000 pounds, the SX X-Pro can handle up to 5,500.

The SX X-Pro costs exactly $1,000 more than the SX X-Line.

Compare the Telluride SX X-Pro vs SX Prestige Trims. What is the difference?

The Telluride SX Prestige offers an upgraded and sophisticated driving experience, complete with all-wheel drive, heated and ventilated second-row seats, luxurious leather interior trimming and 20 inch wheels. It is also the only model to feature a heads-up display that projects essential data into the driver's line of sight allowing for closer concentration on the road ahead. An added ambient lighting package adds even more tech vibes in this special edition SUV making it well worth its $500 upgrade from its X-Pro counterpart.

Compare the Telluride SX Prestige vs SX Prestige X-Line. What is the difference?

Naturally, Kia also offers the Telluride in an SX Prestige X-Line. It has all-wheel drive, the X-Line 20-inch wheels, the unique grille, and the slight boost in ground clearance. Gaining these features will mean shelling out an extra $1,500.

Compare the Telluride SX Prestige X-Line vs SX Prestige X-Pro. What is the difference?

When it comes to the 2023 Telluride, buyers can truly have it all if they want to pay for it. The SX Prestige X-Pro has the 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires along with the off-road-oriented suspension. This trim can also bring along those extra 500 pounds when towing. The SX Prestige X-Pro costs a grand more than the SX Prestige X-Line.

 

Final Thoughts

The argument can be made that Kia gives drivers too many choices when it comes to the 2023 Telluride. That said, most shoppers can ignore all of the X-Line and X-Pro models. The EX trim level is a nice blend of features at a reasonable price.

Sticking with the entry-level LX is not a bad call, but the EX is where drivers find nice upgrades like ventilated front seats and a hands-free liftgate. The SX trim is another nice option if it fits into the budget, thanks to upgrades such as the 12.3-inch touchscreen.

The X-Line and X-Pro versions of the Telluride do not make this SUV off-road-ready enough to justify the extra expense. Buyers will be better off looking at other SUVs entirely if leaving the beaten path is the goal.

Buyers should be satisfied with the 2023 Telluride EX trim level.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2022 Kia Telluride Trim Levels