Kia Telluride trim comparison
2027 Kia Telluride LX vs S AWD
The Telluride LX starts at $39,190 while the S AWD is $44,090. That $4,900 gap buys 3 meaningful differences.
The S AWD adds AWD instead of FWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $4,900 by itself. If not, the LX saves you the money.
The LX is the cleaner fit if FWD already covers the job. The S AWD only earns the extra money when AWD is the reason you are shopping up.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $86/month more over 60 months, or roughly $5,160 extra all-in once interest is included. The real question is whether AWD changes your day-to-day use enough to justify paying above 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
The LX and S AWD are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $4,900 for 2 measurable differences, which works out to about $2,450 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. 3 specification differences, 3 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2027. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | LX | S AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $39,190 | $44,090 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Turbo | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 274 hp | 274 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| Fuel Tank | 19.0 gal | 19.0 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,381 lbs | 4,714 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 116.9" | 116.9" |
| Length | 199.2" | 199.2" |
| Width | 78.3" | 78.3" |
| Height | 69.5" | 69.9" |
| Safety | ||
| 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.
2027 Kia Telluride LX vs S AWD 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 2027 Telluride S AWD cost than the LX?
The S AWD starts at $44,090 compared to $39,190 for the LX. That is a $4,900 difference, or approximately $86/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2027 Kia Telluride LX and S AWD have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 2.5L I4 Turbo producing 274 hp and 311 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 2027 Telluride LX come with AWD?
No. The LX comes standard with FWD while the S AWD has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
What warranty does the 2027 Kia Telluride come with?
All 2027 Kia Telluride trims, including both the LX and S AWD, 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 2027 Kia Telluride S AWD worth $4,900 more than the LX?
The $4,900 adds AWD. Worth it if you need the traction. Not worth it if you drive on dry roads year-round.
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.
Is the Telluride S AWD Worth $4,900 More?
Spending $4,900 more on the Telluride S AWD buys AWD. These are the kind of differences you notice every time you drive.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
AWD on the S AWD means better grip in bad weather. If you live somewhere with mild winters, the LX's FWD may be fine.
What Both Trims Share
Despite the differences above, the LX and S AWD share engine and transmission, keeping the core Telluride experience consistent across trims.
Bottom Line
The Telluride S AWD costs $4,900 more than the LX (about $86/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 2 meaningful changes at $2,450 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
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 LX
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the LX best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Kia Telluride S AWD
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the S AWD 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 2027 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.