Upper vs lower trim: which Telluride is right for you?
As the brand’s second-highest-selling SUV in the U.S., the Kia Telluride draws many prospective buyers, but the model’s broad trim range can cause some to struggle in committing to a single option. The base 2025 Kia Telluride, the LX, starts at $36,390, and the top trim, the SX Prestige X-Pro, has a base price of $53,685. With a nearly $20,000 price differential, comparing the Kia Telluride LX with the SX Prestige X-Pro is less constructive, so we’ll be evaluating how the Telluride EX, starting at $42,090, stacks up against the SX Prestige X-Pro for more insight into whether an upper trim is worth the premium.
The SX Prestige X-Pro makes exterior functionality more attractive
The mid-size 2025 Kia Telluride EX and SX Prestige X-Pro offer six exterior colors, with the differences being the former’s Everlasting Silver and Dark Moss options, versus the latter’s Wolf Gray and Jungle Green shades. Many SUV buyers value roof rails, but you should consider which ones align with your driving needs. The Telluride EX features low-profile Silver roof rails, whereas the SX Prestige X-Pro is equipped with more durable Gloss Black high utility roof rails.
EX buyers receive 20-inch Black wheels with an Outer Machined finish, while the SX Prestige X-Pro rolls on 18-inch wheels paired with a Matte Black finish and all-terrain tires. In other words, you’ll sacrifice some off-road handling with the EX and vice versa with the SX Prestige X-Pro. The remaining exterior differences between these two trims are primarily stylistic. For example, both trims offer LED projector headlights, but the SX Prestige X-Pro dresses up this feature with gloss black bezels.
Two trims with comparable power and performance
The EX and SX Prestige X-Pro feature the same 3.8-liter V6 gasoline direct-injection engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. However, it’s essential to note that front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on the EX, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is available. The SX Prestige X-Pro only comes in AWD. You’ll get 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway in FWD, or 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway in AWD. Both trims offer Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart selectable drive modes, with Snow available in AWD. Still, you’ll only receive Tow mode on the SX Prestige X-Pro. In contrast, Tow mode isn’t even an available upgrade on the EX, and this difference helps the SX Prestige X-Pro tow 500 lbs more for a maximum capacity of 5,500 lbs.
The SX Prestige X-Pro’s interior shines
The EX doesn’t cut corners with its seating materials. Kia gives Telluride EX drivers a choice between Black or Gray leather, or a gray and navy interior with gray leather seat trim. In comparison, the SX Prestige X-Pro ups the ante with Black or Terracotta. The EX’s driver seat has 8-way power adjustability and two-way power lumbar control, but those prioritizing comfort — especially over long distances — might want to opt for the SX Prestige X-Pro’s 10-way power driver’s seat with 4-way power lumbar adjustment, smart posture control, and thigh extension. Drivers who prefer a heated steering wheel for added comfort can upgrade the EX to include this feature, but it’s expectedly standard on the more expensive SX Prestige X-Pro.
Both trims’ front passenger seats have 8-way power adjustability and two-way power lumbar settings. The first row of the EX and SX Prestige X-Pro is heated and ventilated, but only the SX Prestige X-Pro features a heated and ventilated second row. It’s worth noting that the EX is available in a seven- or eight-seat configuration, while the SX Prestige X-Pro is available only in a seven-seat configuration. Still, you’ll get standard second-row captain’s chairs on the SX Prestige X-Pro, a feature that’s part of an available package for the EX. Interior mood lighting is increasingly in demand, and the comprehensive 64-color interior lighting is limited to the SX Prestige X-Pro.
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The SX Prestige X-Pro’s extra cost doesn’t make a huge difference in connectivity
You’ll find a 12.3-inch touchscreen in the EX and SX Prestige X-Pro, but some may be disappointed to know that the EX’s instrument display is 4.2 inches, whereas the SX Prestige X-Pro gets a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster with a 10-inch head-up display. You’re also limited to six speakers with the EX, while the SX Prestige X-Pro helps justify its pricing with a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. However, some may expect the Telluride’s top-of-the-line trim to feature more speakers, perhaps around 12. Aside from displays and audio, each trim matches the other’s tech in key areas like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but unfortunately, compatibility for these two features requires a wired connection.
The SX Prestige X-Pro offers more peace of mind
Standard advanced driver-assistance technology is an area where the SX Prestige X-Pro stands out against the EX. Unlike the EX, you’ll get a blind-spot collision warning — enhanced to cover parallel parking exits — a blind-spot view monitor, evasive steering assist detection, and forward collision avoidance assist covering additional areas like junction crossing, and lane changes (oncoming, side). You’ll also get standard front/rear park-distance warning, parking collision avoidance assist (reverse), a 360-degree surround-view monitor, and a more advanced version of highway driving assist with automatic lane change capability.
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Final thoughts
If you can sacrifice some advanced driver-assist features and a few upscale interior amenities like Nappa leather, the 2025 Kia Telluride EX will likely prove more satisfactory than an SX Prestige X-Pro purchase. You won’t get more power with an SX Prestige X-Pro, connectivity features are comparable between the two variants, and the blacked-out exterior styling is nice, but not completely cost-justified. Still, those who prioritize safety and want a more premium interior might feel more comfortable spending $53,685 on the Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro, especially given that the average price of a new car crossed $50,000 for the first time in October.
About the author
Cody Carlson
Contributing Writer, Autoblog