Kia Telluride trim comparison
2025 Kia Telluride SX vs EX X-Line
The Telluride SX starts at $46,190 while the EX X-Line is $46,485. That $295 gap buys 5 meaningful differences.
The EX X-Line adds AWD instead of FWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $295 by itself. If not, the SX saves you the money.
Stay with the SX if FWD already works for your weather and routine. Move to the EX X-Line only when AWD changes the way you will actually use the vehicle.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the SX to the EX X-Line is about $6/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $360 more by the time interest is counted. So the call is less about the raw price gap and more about whether AWD matters for where and how you drive versus FWD.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when extra traction matters for your weather, roads, or weekend use.
When both feel the same
Both the SX and EX X-Line share the same 8-speed automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $295 for 4 measurable differences, which works out to about $74 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 5 specification differences, 3 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | SX | EX X-Line |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $46,190 | $46,485 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.8L V6 | 3.8L V6 |
| Horsepower | 291 hp | 291 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 20 | 18 |
| Highway MPG | 26 | 23 |
| Combined MPG | 22 | 20 |
| Fuel Tank | 18.8 gal | 18.8 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,000/yr | $2,200/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,248 lbs | 4,524 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 114.2" |
| Length | 196.9" | 196.9" |
| Width | 78.3" | 78.3" |
| Height | 69.3" | 70.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/100k | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2025 Kia Telluride SX vs EX X-Line Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Kia Telluride lineup, the Kia brand hub, the Midsize SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2025 Telluride EX X-Line cost than the SX?
The EX X-Line starts at $46,485 compared to $46,190 for the SX. That is a $295 difference, or approximately $6/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Kia Telluride SX and EX X-Line have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 3.8L V6 producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Does the 2025 Telluride SX come with AWD?
No. The SX comes standard with FWD while the EX X-Line has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2025 Telluride SX or EX X-Line safer?
Both share the same Kia Telluride platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating and an IIHS TSP+ designation. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2025 Kia Telluride come with?
All 2025 Kia Telluride trims, including both the SX and EX X-Line, come with Kia's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2025 Kia Telluride EX X-Line worth $295 more than the SX?
The $295 adds AWD. Worth it if you need the traction. Not worth it if you drive on dry roads year-round.
Which 2025 Kia Telluride trim gets better fuel economy, the SX or the EX X-Line?
The SX is the more efficient of the two at 22 combined MPG, versus 20 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $295 Gets You
The Telluride EX X-Line is a clear upgrade over the SX. The $295 price increase gets you AWD -- real functional changes, not just cosmetics.
SX vs. EX X-Line: Day-to-Day
The EX X-Line includes AWD, which adds confidence in rain, snow, and light off-road conditions. It also increases curb weight and slightly reduces fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Telluride SX gets 2 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $191 per year or $955 over five years of ownership.
What Both Trims Share
Despite the differences above, the SX and EX X-Line share engine and transmission, keeping the core Telluride experience consistent across trims.
Summary
$295 more for the Telluride EX X-Line gets you 4 real differences. At $6/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Kia Telluride SX
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the SX best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Kia Telluride EX X-Line
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the EX X-Line when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Kia or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.