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2023 Kia Telluride: What’s the Best Trim Package? Here’s a Guide to Help You Decide

Kia Telluride luxury interior with tan leather seats and panoramic sunroof

The 2023 Kia Telluride is here with a classy refresh. The popularity of the handsome SUV continues as it delivers an ample package at an affordable price. The standard features the vehicle offers throughout its range and leading trim make this an SUV choice tantamount to SUVs that are double its price. The 2023 Kia Telluride is admirably equipped with a refinement that is the complete package for a car in its class. All this is made better for the driver with customizable trim packages to choose from. But, there is a trim package that best suits your needs. Read our guide to learn more about the 2023 Kia Telluride trim packages.

What’s New for the 2023 Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride arrived with fervor three years ago as one of the most in-demand and award-winning three-row eight-passenger SUVs in the U.S. The 2023 Kia Telluride is here with considered improvements adding to the success of the already popular vehicle. The new model presented itself with a brawny and at the same time sophisticated look that adds to the favored appearance of its predecessors.

The renewed design features, elaborated technology that makes driving an enjoyable convenience, and a wide array of driver-assist features support the SUVs upscale presence and maintain the vehicle's dependability. The experience offered provides extensive roominess, a 12.3-inch panoramic display with navigation, WiFi Hotspot, and a digital key. The 2023 Kia Telluride grades are LX, S, EX, X-Line, SX, and X-Pro. 

2023 Kia Telluride LX (starts at an estimated $35,000)

The introductory 2023 Kia Telluride LX package may be the vehicle starting point but it's loaded to provide many of the best features and an up-level experience at an affordable entry point. Some of the excellent features you’ll find as standard in the entry point option are keyless entry, push-button start, remote start, GPS navigation, and adaptive cruise control.

The LX offers 1-inch alloy wheels, automatic on/off projector LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and faux leather seating. The dual-zone automatic climate control is standard. There are five USB power ports, three 12-volt power ports, seven airbags, and both hill-start and safe-exit assist.

Yes, we’re still talking entry-level here and the 2023 Kia Telluride continues to deliver with its 12.3-inch touchscreen, 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite radio capability. In addition, navigation is standard.

Kia, a safety-conscious company, outfits the Telluride aptly. Forward collision warning with automotive emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist is installed. Continuing with safety the Telluride also has a lane-following assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, and rear park assist as well. The adaptive cruise control with full stop and go of the highway drive assists steers, brakes and accelerates the vehicle in certain conditions. The driver-alert warning is standard.

The 2023 Kia Telluride LX includes:

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

The ACC system is designed to help road vehicles maintain a safe following distance and stay within the speed limit.

Proximity Keyless Entry

Keyless entry allows you to open your vehicle and start it without touching the keyfob itself. The keyfob transmits a code to the car computer when you’re within range.

Highway Driving Assist (HDA)

The Kia’s HDA is an advanced driving assistance system that can accelerate, steer and brake under certain conditions easing the driver burden on limited-access highways.

Pricing and Which One To Buy

Above we shared about the Kia Telluride LX that starts at $35,000 (est) and the standard trim package that offers a lot, but there is a trim package for everyone. The 2023 Kia Telluride is offered in LX, S, EX, X-Line, SX and X-Pro trim packages. The prices range from $35,000 (est) to $49,000 (est).

The Kia Telluride S starts at $37,000 (est) and includes smartphone charging so you can charge your compatible devices without using a cable, a power-adjustable driver's seat with 2-way lumbar support and eight power adjustments and heated seats to keep you cozy when the temperatures drop outside.

The Kia Telluride EX starts at $40,000 (est) adds luxury features but loses the second-row captain chairs and goes back to the standard 18-inch wheels. The luxury upgrades impress with leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a hands-free power rear liftgate. Kia has added LED tail lights, power-folding outboard mirrors, auto-dimming rearview, a second-row armrest and even more USB ports.

Choose the EX Premium Package to get those captain chairs back on board, 20-inch alloy wheels and upgraded LED headlights or the towing package will get you adventure-ready with a tow hitch and self-leveling suspension.

The Kia Telluride X-Line starts at $42,000 (est). Kia enters into adventure-ready features with the X-Line package. The additions to what the EX package offers are more on the cosmetic side. It does provide those 20-inch wheels, more ground clearance of nearly half an inch and upgraded roof-rack rails. The aesthetic upgrades are the X-Line badging inside and out, enhanced grille and sleek body-colored door handles.

The Kia Telluride SX starts at $45,000 (est) and takes the EX package to a high-tech luxury level. Features include high-beam assist, dual-pane power sunroof, surround-view camera and more. The SX package adds 20-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, automatically reverse-tilting outboard mirrors, aero wiper blades and the 12.3-inch digital gauge and display. The model also includes the HomeLink transceiver as standard.

The SX package includes all the bells and whistles and then some. Upgraded entertainment features such as the 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound audio system create an enjoyable and entertaining environment. Kia has safety in mind with the added blind-spot display and front-park assist.

The Kia Telluride X-Pro starts at $49,000 (est) for those who want the rugged off-road look. This line follows the X-Line footsteps but exchanges the X-Lines 20-inch alloy wheels for 18-inch black wheels. The X-Pro includes a 110-volt electric outlet and is made for adventure with a greater maximum towing capacity of 5,500 pounds

Where The Kia 2023 Telluride Ranks

Car and Driver rank the Kia Telluride number one in its class ahead of the Ford Bronco and Hyundai Palisade in similar price points. 

The stylish and comfortable family vehicle stands out with its lengthy list of standard features and the top trim packages create an almost luxury experience.

Engine, Transmission and Performance

Take a look under every Telluride hood and see a naturally aspirated V-6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This vehicle is for driving! The engine combines with an eight-speed automatic transmission feeding the front wheels as standard options. An all-wheel drive is an option across all packages.
It’s an inspiring driving experience with the Telluride’s precise steering and excellent brakes. Tons of ground clearance on the standard package offers 8.0 inches with options to get even more. This SUV is made for fun and function with options to tow up to 5,500 pounds. Road adventures await and will be enjoyed both in style and with all the excitement of hauling all the gear with you.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

EPA websiteThe Telluride is offered with a V-6 powertrain. The front-drive version is the most affordable, the EPA rating is 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel drive models drop to 19 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. These numbers are middle ratings when compared with other V-6 powered competitors like the Volkswagen Atlas or the Honda Pilot. You can compare fuel economy on the EPA website.

Interior, Comfort and Cargo

The pleasure of Telluride’s upscale and comfort-focused interior is undeniable. The outside appearance may be rugged with options to be even more rugged, but inside the quality is top-notch and the materials attractive. The SX trim package takes all the good things and adds even more. Like icing on a cake, the luxury is almost palpable. The SX trim will get you the fanciest features such as driver’s seat memory settings, head-up display, heated and ventilated seats in the rear, premium headliner, and nappa leather upholstery. The telluride is spacious even for those way-back seats. The Telluride can fit 8 people with the second-row bench seat or seven with the option of captain chairs. There is a ton of storage space even behind the third row. 

Safety and Driver Assist Features

The 2023 Kia Telluride's previous model received the maximum five stars by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (NHTSA) and was the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) top safety pick for 2022 in the midsize 4-door SUV category.The 2023 Kia Telluride continues to focus on the highest safety standards with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technology that comes in all Telluride models. There are additional upgraded assists available including automatic high-beams, a 360-degree camera system, and technology to project a camera image of the vehicle's blind spot with Kia’s Blind-Spot View Monitor.

Standard safety features are:

  • Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
  • Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
  • Standard blind-spot monitoring

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Kia offers very comprehensive coverage with a powertrain warranty. The key warranty and maintenance coverage is:

  • Limited warranty will cover five years or 60,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty will cover 10 years or 100,000 miles
  • Offers no complimentary scheduled maintenance

The 2023 Kia Telluride LX provides great value with incredible standard features. There is a trim package for everyone. The 2023 Kia Telluride trim package guide above highlighted some of what each model features, and options you may add to help you consider the best trim package for you.

Cable Dahmer Kia is the Kia Telluride dealer serving Kansas City, MO. We offer a full range of products and if you’re looking for a Kia Telluride for sale our team located at 400 NE Colbern Road Lees Summit, MO will work with you to show you a range of options to meet your budget and needs.

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