Kia Telluride trim comparison
2027 Kia Telluride S vs X-Line SX AWD
The Telluride S starts at $42,090 while the X-Line SX AWD is $51,790. That $9,700 gap buys 3 meaningful differences.
The X-Line SX AWD adds AWD instead of FWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $9,700 by itself. If not, the S saves you the money.
Stay with the S if FWD already works for your weather and routine. Move to the X-Line SX AWD only when AWD changes the way you will actually use the vehicle.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $171/month more over 60 months, or roughly $10,260 extra all-in once interest is included. 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 S and X-Line SX AWD share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $9,700 for 2 measurable differences, which works out to about $4,850 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 | S | X-Line SX AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $42,090 | $51,790 |
| 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 | 4,744 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 116.9" | 116.9" |
| Length | 199.2" | 199.2" |
| Width | 78.3" | 78.3" |
| Height | 69.9" | 70.5" |
| 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 S vs X-Line SX 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 X-Line SX AWD cost than the S?
The X-Line SX AWD starts at $51,790 compared to $42,090 for the S. That is a $9,700 difference, or approximately $171/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2027 Kia Telluride S and X-Line SX 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 S come with AWD?
No. The S comes standard with FWD while the X-Line SX 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 S and X-Line SX 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 X-Line SX AWD worth $9,700 more than the S?
The $9,700 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 X-Line SX AWD Worth $9,700 More?
The Telluride X-Line SX AWD costs $9,700 more than the S. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value AWD. These features matter to some buyers daily and barely at all to others. Weigh them against your priorities.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
The X-Line SX AWD includes AWD, which adds confidence in rain, snow, and light off-road conditions. It also increases curb weight and slightly reduces fuel economy.
What Both Trims Share
Despite the differences above, the S and X-Line SX AWD share engine and transmission, keeping the core Telluride experience consistent across trims.
Bottom Line
$9,700 more for the Telluride X-Line SX AWD gets you 2 real differences. At $171/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 S
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the S best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Kia Telluride X-Line SX AWD
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the X-Line SX 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.