2023 Kia Telluride: A Trim Comparison
The 2023 Kia Telluride is an impressive mid-size SUV that blends style, performance, and practicality. With its bold design, spacious interior, and advanced features, the Telluride offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. Kia’s attention to detail and commitment to safety make the Kia Telluride a standout choice for families.
2023 Kia Telluride Trims
The Kia Telluride returns for 2023 with refreshed styling elements and a new interior as well. The Telluride is available in five basic trims, as well as the option for the brand-new X-Line or X-Pro trim packages to add on top of the higher-level trims. Let’s take a look at each trim and what it offers at each price point in this comparison guide.
LX
The Telluride LX, which is the base model, starts at $35,690. It comes equipped with a range of standard features, including an infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, multiple USB ports, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The standard audio system is a six-speaker stereo. Optional is a rear-seat entertainment system if you are looking for something to keep the kids occupied.
The vehicle also features a digital gauge cluster, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, and remote start. Seating for eight is upholstered with premium synthetic leather, and dual-zone automatic climate control keeps everyone inside a comfy temperature no matter how hot or cold it is outside of your car.
Like most SUVs on the market today, you’ll get some high-tech driver assistance features such as forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, and road-sign recognition, as well as pedestrian and cyclist detection. Also to assist you are blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Additional features include adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera – among others.
S
The 2023 Kia Telluride S offers some significant changes from the base-level trim. Most notably, the S trim swaps second-row bench seating for second-row captain’s chairs, giving you seating for only seven passengers, but ultimately more comfortable seating for your adult passengers. Front seats are heated, and the driver’s seat is power-adjustable rather than manually adjustable. Wireless device charging and 20-inch wheels are some other significant upgrades. Roof rails are standard, but a sunroof is available at an added cost.
EX
Priced at $41,290, the Telluride EX introduces some other notable enhancements. This trim level includes luxurious genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats with a power-adjustable passenger seat, rear sunshades, a sunroof, and an extra USB port. On top of that, there’s a convenient hands-free power liftgate. Unlike the other two trims mentioned above, this trim gives you the option for second-row captain’s chairs or second-row bench seating, providing the flexibility to accommodate either seven or eight passengers.
With the X-Line package, you’ll get some significant upgrades, such as all-wheel drive, a self-leveling rear suspension, and raised height. A heated steering wheel and LED lights are included as well – all starting at $45,485.
SX
Starting at $45,490, the SX trim includes everything in the EX model, along with some tremendous upgrades. The basic six-speaker audio is upgraded to a 10-speaker stereo, and the digital gauge cluster is a larger 12.3-inch version. Ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof are standard. A digital keycard allows you to lock, unlock and start your car from your smartphone. Additionally, you’ll find assistance features like the surround-view and blind-spot camera system, front parking sensors, and rear collision warning.
The 2023 Kia Telluride SX X-Line with all of the upgrades from the EX X-Line, starting at $48,885. Meanwhile, the SX X-Pro, available for an additional $1K, adds 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, a 120-volt outlet, and 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires.
SX Prestige
Last but not least is the SX Prestige trim, the most luxurious offering at $50,390. This model includes everything from the SX trim, along with upgraded leather upholstery, all-wheel drive, heated and ventilated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel, too. Other features include a heads up display and a rearview mirror with integrated camera display.
The SX Prestige X-Line and X-Pro models start at $51,785 and $52,785, respectively.
Final Word
Altogether, the Kia Telluride is one excellent SUV, and our top choice among the best mid-size SUVs on the market. Any one of the models above would make an excellent choice for families in need of a larger vehicle. But do note that the Telluride only comes with one engine option, a 3.8-liter V6 with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rated at 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, its fuel economy is on the average side, but with its powerful performance and impressive handling, it’s an absolute joy to drive.