The 2025 Kia Telluride comes in five trim levels, each with different standard features and price points

The 2025 Kia Telluride lineup runs from the base LX trim through the SX, EX, SX Prestige, and top-tier Prestige trim. Each step up adds features like upgraded seating materials, technology packages, safety systems, and comfort options. The base LX starts with a three-row layout for up to seven passengers, all-wheel drive availability, and a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Kia structures the Telluride so that lower trims cover the essentials—climate control, infotainment, basic safety features—while higher trims layer in luxury touches like leather upholstery, panoramic sunroofs, upgraded audio systems, and advanced driver information technology. Understanding what each trim includes helps you decide whether the base model meets your needs or whether the added features in a higher trim justify the cost difference.

Key Takeaways

  • The LX trim is the entry point and includes a 10.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Kia's SmartSense safety suite as standard.
  • The SX and EX trims add leather seating, power-adjustable third-row seats, and upgraded climate zones compared to the LX.
  • The SX Prestige and Prestige trims feature a panoramic sunroof, premium Harman Kardon audio, and additional luxury interior materials.
  • All 2025 Telluride models use the same 3.8-liter V6 engine; the difference between trims is primarily interior comfort and technology, not performance.
  • Optional packages like the Technology Package and Premium Package let you add specific features to lower trims without buying a higher trim level.

LX trim: what the base model includes

The LX is the starting configuration and comes standard with a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a six-speaker audio system. Climate control is dual-zone automatic, and the interior uses cloth seating throughout. The LX seats up to seven with a middle row that slides and reclines, and a third row that folds flat for cargo space.

Safety features on the LX include Kia's SmartSense suite: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, and lane departure warning. The LX also has a backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. All-wheel drive is available on the LX; front-wheel drive is standard. The LX does not include a sunroof, power-adjustable third-row seats, or leather upholstery, but it covers the core features most three-row SUV buyers need.

SX and EX trims: mid-level comfort and convenience upgrades

The SX trim adds leather seating across all three rows, power-adjustable third-row seats, and a power liftgate. The infotainment system remains the 10.3-inch touchscreen, but the SX includes an upgraded eight-speaker audio system. Climate control expands to three zones, and the SX adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Exterior upgrades include roof rails and a power sunroof.

The EX trim builds on the SX by adding a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, a wireless charging pad for compatible phones, and ventilated front seats. The EX also includes a surround-view camera system that shows a 360-degree view around the vehicle, useful for parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. Both the SX and EX retain the same 3.8-liter V6 engine and eight-speed transmission as the LX.

SX Prestige and Prestige trims: luxury features and premium materials

The SX Prestige trim introduces a panoramic sunroof that spans much of the roof, premium Nappa leather seating, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers. The interior trim switches to wood-grain accents on the dashboard and door panels. The SX Prestige includes a power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and memory settings, so the seat position adjusts automatically when you unlock the vehicle with your key fob.

The Prestige is the top trim and adds a head-up display that projects speed, navigation, and alerts onto the windshield so you do not have to look down at the dashboard. The Prestige also includes a power-adjustable passenger seat with lumbar support, a semi-aniline leather upgrade over the Nappa leather in the SX Prestige, and ambient interior lighting with multiple color options. All Prestige models come with all-wheel drive standard; lower trims offer it as an option.

Optional packages and add-ons across trim levels

Kia offers several packages that let you add features to lower trims without moving up to the next full trim level. The Technology Package, available on the LX and SX, adds the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, and the surround-view camera system. The Premium Package, available on the SX and EX, includes the panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon audio, and power-adjustable driver's seat with memory.

Individual options include the power sunroof (available on LX and SX without the package), heated and ventilated seats (available on EX and higher), and the head-up display (Prestige only). Roof rails, all-wheel drive, and towing packages are also available depending on the trim. Pricing for packages and options varies by dealer and region, so checking with a local Kia dealer gives you the exact cost for the configuration you want.

Engine, transmission, and performance across all trims

Every 2025 Telluride uses the same 3.8-liter V6 engine rated at 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All trims offer the choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, though the Prestige trim comes with all-wheel drive as standard. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds across all trims when properly equipped.

Fuel economy does not vary significantly between trims because the engine and transmission are identical. The main performance difference is that all-wheel drive models weigh slightly more than front-wheel drive models, which can result in a small decrease in fuel economy. Real-world fuel economy depends on driving habits, road conditions, and whether you are towing, so the trim level itself does not determine how efficiently the vehicle runs.

How to compare trim costs and decide which one fits your budget

The price gap between consecutive trims typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000, though exact pricing changes annually and varies by region and dealer. The LX is the lowest-priced entry point; each step up adds cost but also adds features. If you want leather seats and a power sunroof but do not need the head-up display or premium audio of the Prestige, the SX Prestige or an EX with the Premium Package may offer better value than jumping to the top trim.

Consider which features matter most to you: if you spend long hours driving, heated and ventilated seats plus a power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support (available on SX Prestige and higher) may be worth the extra cost. If you rarely use the third row, you might save money by staying with the LX and adding only the packages you actually need. Visiting a dealer and sitting in different trims helps you decide whether the upgrades justify the price difference for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a sunroof to the LX trim?

Yes. The power sunroof is available as a standalone option on the LX and SX, or as part of the Premium Package on the SX and EX. You do not have to buy a higher trim to get a sunroof; you can add it to the base LX if you want.

Is all-wheel drive standard on all 2025 Telluride trims?

No. All-wheel drive is standard only on the Prestige trim. On the LX, SX, EX, and SX Prestige, all-wheel drive is an option you can add; front-wheel drive is the standard configuration on those trims.

What is the main difference between the SX Prestige and the Prestige trim?

The Prestige adds a head-up display, semi-aniline leather (a higher grade than the Nappa leather in the SX Prestige), power-adjustable passenger seat with lumbar support, and ambient interior lighting. Both have the panoramic sunroof and Harman Kardon audio.

Do all trims have the same infotainment screen size?

The LX and SX come with a 10.3-inch touchscreen. The EX and higher trims include a 12.3-inch screen. You can add the larger screen to the LX or SX through the Technology Package on those trims.

Is there a difference in seating capacity between trims?

No. All 2025 Telluride trims seat up to seven passengers in a three-row layout. The difference between trims is the material and adjustability of the seats, not the number of seats available.