The Kia Telluride: A Trim-By-Trim View

Fuel-efficient, spacious, and affordable, a pre-owned Kia Telluride is the way to go if you’re looking for a midsize SUV. Despite its “smaller” size, the Telluride offers 157 cubic feet of passenger space and up to 87 cubic feet of cargo with the seats down. While many midsize SUVs only carry a max of five passengers, the Telluride steps up the game with three rows and eight possible occupants, making it Kia’s most spacious SUV yet. The best part is that this model is made to be affordable brand-new, so you can count on one of our pre-owned Tellurides to have a reasonable price tag.

The main reason we see our customers lean towards the Telluride is because it offers a perfect balance of all popular SUV features: it’s easy on fuel, reaching a combined 23 MPG fuel economy rating, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and it has a roomy cabin. These features are all standard across trims. However, the Telluride’s four-trim selection includes some variations that may affect your decision. That’s why we’ve prepared a trim-by-trim buyer’s guide for the 2020 Telluride!

While many car brands add in tons of trims with only slight variations, Kia keeps it simple. The Telluride’s trim differences are not subtle, making each price variation well-packed. You’ll see a lot more than just a few additional features when you climb the Kia ladder. Let’s take a closer look at the 2020 Telluride’s four trims, so you have an idea of what you want to test drive when you visit Allentown Kia.

The Base-Level Trim: The LX

There’s much more to the LX trim than safety technology, but let’s be honest–standard safety features are important, especially for family drivers. Unlike other automotive brands, Kia believes that safety features are not a luxury; they’re a necessity. That’s why even the entry-level LX trim includes standard driver-assist features. There are over ten standard safety features included on every pre-owned Telluride. These include the following:

•Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA): a must-have feature, FCA detects potential collisions and automatically applies the brakes when you don’t react quickly enough.

•Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist-Rear (BCA-R): when it’s time to switch lanes, you have an extra set of eyes. The Telluride’s exterior mirrors have signals that indicate when it’s unsafe to merge into the left or right lanes.

•Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA): This feature is especially helpful when exiting a parking space. RCCA will monitor the areas you can’t see. When you’re backing out of a parking space, it will alert you if someone is approaching via the aisle.

•Pedestrian Detection: Not only does the Telluride’s FCA technology detect cars, but it also detects people. When a pedestrian is detected, the brakes will automatically trigger, reducing the chance of an accident.

•Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): In those rare instances where something takes your attention from the road, LKA will steer you back in the right direction. Standard Lane Following Assist (LFA) technology even keeps you centered in the appropriate lane when you have Smart Cruise Control engaged. That said, it is not meant to replace your attention.

The Telluride also comes with standard features such as traction and stability control, drive technologies that are designed to prevent slippage and traction loss, especially during hazardous Pennsylvania weather conditions. Thanks to these features and its sturdy design, this model has been named an IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) Top Safety Pick every year it has been on the market, making it one of the safest vehicles available.

As far as interior features go, the LX doesn’t come with the typical cloth seating that you’d expect it to. Despite being a base-level trim, the LX includes SOFINO seating, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel to match. You’ll also get standard push-button start and an 8-inch infotainment screen where you can access Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (the 2021 model made an even larger 10.25-inch screen standard). Despite being the lowest available trim, the LX accommodates up to eight passengers, still keeping up Telluride’s family-friendly promise. Overall, this model offers everything an Allentown family commuter needs.

An Upgrade: The S Trim

While we’ve talked about needs, let’s move on to wants. Overall, the S trim includes the most subtle upgrades of all the available trims. This model is similar to the LX trim but with some additional convenience features. The S trim includes everything that the LX has, plus a power sunroof, 8-way power-adjustable heated seats, and captain’s chairs in the second row. There are also some exterior upgrades on this model as well, including chrome accents and larger, 20-inch wheels.

Entering Luxury: The EX Trim

Here’s where the convenience upgrades really start. The EX trim is the pre-owned model you’ll want to get when you’re looking for “luxury” features at an affordable price. Plus, it’s also better for towing thanks to its optional self-leveling rear suspension, not included on previous trims. If you want to tow, make sure you find a pre-owned Telluride with the towing package to benefit from this advanced feature.

This model includes an additional driver-assist feature called Highway Driving Assist (this feature was made standard on all trims for 2022). In short, this is an advanced cruise control system that adjusts the Telluride’s speed based on surrounding traffic conditions. But unlike regular systems that simply apply braking and acceleration based on the traffic ahead, Highway Driving Assist can change speed to match changing speed limits or decelerate before entering a sharp turn.

Further, the EX trim adds on a larger, 10.25-inch touchscreen, power mirrors, and a hands-free liftgate for additional convenience. Built-in navigation and wireless device charging features are also included. Need to get in touch with the kids in the back, but can’t seem to cut through the madness? The EX also includes Kia’s Driver Talk feature, a microphone system that can be heard through the Telluride’s rear speakers. There’s no escaping authority in this SUV!

Splurge Territory: The SX Trim

Now, we’re just getting to the point where it’s “go hard or go home.” If money is just burning a hole in your pocket and you want the top-of-the-line experience, the SX trim is for you. This trim includes everything the EX trim offers, plus driver system memory functions, upgraded interior lighting, parking sensors, and much more. You’ll also get a dual-pane sunroof, meaning front and rear seaters can enjoy nature’s views.

While the SX trim is fancy on its own, keep in mind that it comes with its own trim-exclusive package option called the “Prestige Package.” This add-on throws in unnecessary yet fun features like a head-up display (which projects dashboard information directly onto your windshield) and rain-sensing windshield wipers. This package also includes Premium Nappa Leather seating, along with a heating steering wheel that nicely balances out the standard heated front seats.

We’ll Tell You Which Ride Is Best!

Keep in mind that no matter which trim you choose, you get the same access to cargo space, fuel economy, and fantastically good looks. The argument of “which Telluride trim is the best” is completely objective. While many people may go straight for the most expensive trim level, every person and every family is different.

If we had to pick which trim is the best bang for your buck, we recommend the EX trim. The features that come on the highest-level SX trim are fun, but they’re more what we call “show-off features.” They’re nice if you have the extra money lying around or you’re reaching retirement, but they’re definitely not necessary. The EX trim comes with conveniences that, while not strictly necessary, make driving less stressful and much easier, especially for families with younger children.

The good news is that if you’re on a budget and you’re looking to spend less, Allentown Kia has your back. You don’t have to break your bank to get a nice, tow-capable, spacious, and tech-savvy vehicle–not when you’re choosing a pre-owned Telluride. Visit us today to get started on finding your very own stylish Kia SUV!