The 2025 Telluride comes in five trim levels, each adding features and capability at a higher price

The 2025 Kia Telluride is a three-row SUV sold in five configurations: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The LX is the base model with the lowest starting price. Each step up adds standard features — more powerful engines, upgraded interiors, safety technology, or convenience options — rather than offering a choice between them. You pick the trim that matches your budget and the features that matter to you, then customize it further with optional packages if available.

All 2025 Tellurides use the same 3.8-liter V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. The difference between trims is not power; it is what comes standard and what you can add. A buyer choosing between LX and SX is not choosing between two different vehicles — they are choosing how much equipment they want included from the factory.

Key Takeaways

  • The LX trim is the entry point and includes all-wheel drive, a touchscreen, and basic safety features as standard.
  • The S and EX trims add comfort features like power seats, upgraded audio, and driver information technology that the LX does not include.
  • The SX and SX Prestige are the premium trims, with leather, panoramic sunroofs, and the most advanced safety and convenience packages.
  • All five trims share the same engine and transmission, so trim choice is about interior features and technology, not performance.
  • Optional packages on higher trims can add specific features like ventilated seats or a surround-view camera system without forcing you to buy features you do not want.

LX: The base configuration with standard all-wheel drive

The LX is the least expensive 2025 Telluride and includes all-wheel drive as standard — not an option you pay extra for. It comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, and a backup camera. Safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, and blind-spot monitoring.

The LX does not include power-adjustable front seats, a power liftgate, or heated seats. The interior uses cloth upholstery. If you need a three-row SUV and want to keep the purchase price as low as possible, the LX covers the essentials. Many buyers stop here because the jump to the next trim adds cost faster than it adds features they actually use.

S: Adds power seats and upgraded audio

The S trim builds on the LX by adding power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, a power liftgate, and an upgraded audio system with more speakers. The touchscreen remains 8 inches. Heated front seats become standard. The S still uses cloth upholstery but adds more comfort adjustments than the LX.

The S is where many buyers find the right balance. You get the conveniences that make daily driving easier — power seats, heated seats, a power liftgate — without paying for leather or the most advanced technology packages. If you spend time adjusting your seat position or live in a cold climate, the S is a meaningful step up from the LX.

EX: Introduces leather and a larger touchscreen

The EX trim upgrades the interior to leather upholstery and increases the touchscreen to 10.25 inches. It adds a power panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a wireless charging pad for phones. The audio system gains more speakers and better sound processing. Driver information features expand to include adaptive cruise control and lane-centering information.

The EX is the first trim where the interior materials shift noticeably — leather instead of cloth changes how the cabin feels and how straightforward it is to clean. The larger touchscreen and wireless charging appeal to buyers who spend time in the vehicle and want modern conveniences. The ventilated seats matter most if you live in a hot climate or spend long hours driving.

SX: Premium features including a surround-view camera

The SX adds a surround-view camera system that shows a 360-degree view of the vehicle when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces. It includes a Harman Kardon premium audio system with more speakers and better sound quality than the EX. The SX adds power-adjustable lumbar support to the driver's seat and heated rear seats. A head-up display projects speed and navigation onto the windshield.

The SX is aimed at buyers who want the most technology and comfort without the absolute top trim. The surround-view camera is genuinely useful for parking in tight spaces or backing up to a trailer. The head-up display reduces the need to look down at the dashboard. If you drive frequently in urban areas or tow, the SX's features justify the cost.

SX Prestige: The fully equipped top trim

The SX Prestige is the highest trim and includes everything from the SX plus a few additional refinements. It adds a power-adjustable passenger seat to match the driver's seat, and upgrades some interior trim pieces to higher-quality materials. This is the trim Kia offers when a buyer wants the maximum standard equipment without building a custom configuration.

The SX Prestige is the most expensive 2025 Telluride configuration. The additions over the SX are incremental — a power passenger seat, upgraded trim — rather than transformative. Most buyers find the SX sufficient; the Prestige appeals mainly to those who want every available feature as standard and do not want to think about options.

Optional packages and add-ons across trims

Kia offers optional packages on most trims that let you add specific features without buying an entire higher trim. For example, you might add a package that includes the surround-view camera and premium audio to an EX without stepping up to the SX. These packages vary by trim and change year to year, so check the window sticker or Kia's website for what is available on the specific trim you are considering.

Optional packages are useful when you want one or two features from a higher trim but do not want all the other upgrades that come with it. A buyer might want the surround-view camera but not need the head-up display, so a camera-specific package saves money compared to moving up to the SX. Always compare the cost of a package to the cost difference between trims — sometimes stepping up is cheaper than adding options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2025 Telluride available in front-wheel drive?

No. All 2025 Tellurides come with all-wheel drive standard. Kia does not offer a front-wheel-drive version of the current generation. If you need front-wheel drive for cost reasons, you would need to look at a different model or a used Telluride from an earlier year.

What is the real-world difference in price between trims?

The gap between each trim varies, but typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000. The LX to S jump is usually smaller than the EX to SX jump because the SX adds more technology. Check current pricing from Kia or a dealer for exact figures, as prices change with model year and market conditions.

Can I get a specific feature from a higher trim on a lower trim?

Sometimes, through optional packages. Not every feature from a higher trim is available as a standalone option on a lower trim. The surround-view camera and premium audio are often available as packages on mid-range trims, but leather seats or the panoramic sunroof may only come as part of stepping up to a higher trim.

Which trim is best for towing?

All 2025 Tellurides have the same towing capacity regardless of trim. The SX and SX Prestige add features that make towing easier — the surround-view camera, power-adjustable seats, and head-up display — but the LX can tow the same weight. Choose your trim based on comfort and technology, not towing ability.

Does the 2025 Telluride have a hybrid option?

No. The 2025 Telluride uses only the 3.8-liter V6 engine. Kia has not announced a hybrid version for this generation. If fuel economy is a priority, compare the Telluride's EPA ratings to other three-row SUVs, or consider waiting to see if a hybrid becomes available in future model years.