Kia Telluride vs the Competition (and Trim Comparison)

Cross-shopping three-row SUVs? The Kia Telluride stands out with one of the lowest starting prices in the class, an available hybrid, and a 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty that most rivals cannot match. Below you can jump into a one-on-one comparison, see how the Telluride stacks up against its main rivals at a glance, and break down every Telluride trim so you can pick the right one.

Why the Kia Telluride stands out

Award-winning value

A repeat Kelley Blue Book Best Buy in the 3-row midsize SUV class and a regular on Car and Driver’s 10Best Trucks and SUVs list.

Award-winning quality

A J.D. Power segment winner (Upper Midsize SUV) in the U.S. Initial Quality Study, and a repeat top pick for owner satisfaction in the three-row class.

Now offered as a hybrid

The redesigned Telluride adds a hybrid for the first time, on top of its new turbocharged engine.

Georgia-built and backed

Assembled in West Point, Georgia, with a 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, ALM VIP Club benefits, and our Included Lifetime Warranty on qualifying new vehicles.

Compare the Kia Telluride head-to-head

Cross-shopping one specific SUV? Open a dedicated, one-on-one comparison for the full breakdown.

Kia Telluride vs its main rivals at a glance

Model Starting MSRP Seating Engine Hybrid Powertrain warranty Assembly
Kia Telluride About $39,190 Up to 8 2.5L turbo I4 Yes (new) 10 yr / 100,000 mi West Point, Georgia (USA)
Hyundai Palisade About $39,435 Up to 9 3.5L V6 / 2.5T hybrid Yes 10 yr / 100,000 mi Ulsan, South Korea
Honda Pilot About $43,900 7 to 8 3.5L V6 No 5 yr / 60,000 mi Lincoln, Alabama (USA)
Toyota Highlander About $40,000 7 to 8 2.4L turbo I4 / hybrid Yes 5 yr / 60,000 mi Princeton, Indiana (USA)
Ford Explorer About $38,465 Up to 7 2.3L turbo I4 No 5 yr / 60,000 mi Chicago, Illinois (USA)

Starting MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and may or may not include destination charges; it excludes taxes, title, and dealer fees. Contact us for current pricing.

The Telluride and Hyundai Palisade lead the group on warranty, each with 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain coverage, while the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer carry 5-year / 60,000-mile coverage. The Telluride sits among the lowest starting prices in the group and offers a hybrid, which the Pilot and Explorer do not. For Georgia shoppers, it is worth noting the Telluride is assembled in West Point, Georgia. For a full breakdown of any single matchup, open one of the head-to-head comparisons above.

Kia Telluride trim comparison

The 2027 Telluride is offered in the following trims. Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims with all-wheel drive available; the X-Line and X-Pro come with all-wheel drive standard.

Trim Drivetrain Highlights Best for
LX FWD (AWD available) Base trim with the turbo engine, 8-passenger seating, and core safety tech Value shoppers
S FWD (AWD available) Adds convenience features and styling upgrades over the LX Everyday families
EX FWD (AWD available) Popular mid-grade with more comfort and tech; hybrid starts here Most buyers
SX FWD (AWD available) Near-loaded trim with premium tech and finishes Feature seekers
SX Prestige FWD (AWD available) Top comfort and technology content Luxury feel
X-Line AWD Rugged styling, raised ride height, off-road touches Adventure look, light trails
X-Pro AWD Most capable trim with all-terrain tires and tow-ready setup Towing and off-road

Telluride comparison FAQ

What SUVs compete with the Kia Telluride?
The Telluride’s most cross-shopped rivals are the Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer. We have a dedicated one-on-one comparison for each; open the head-to-head links above for the full breakdown.
How many people does the Kia Telluride seat?
The Telluride seats up to eight passengers across three rows. Trims with second-row captain’s chairs seat seven.
Is the Kia Telluride good for towing?
Yes. Properly equipped, the Telluride is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds, which covers most small campers, boats, and utility trailers. The X-Pro is set up for the most capable towing and light off-road use.
Which Kia Telluride trim is best?
For most buyers the EX hits the sweet spot of features and price, and it is where the hybrid lineup begins. Choose LX to save money, SX or SX Prestige for near-luxury content, and X-Line or X-Pro for rugged styling and all-wheel drive.
What is the cheapest Kia Telluride?
The gas LX with front-wheel drive is the most affordable Telluride, starting at about $39,190 before taxes and fees.
Does the Kia Telluride have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available across most trims; the X-Line and X-Pro come with all-wheel drive standard.

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