Kia Telluride trim comparison
2027 Kia Telluride S AWD vs EX AWD
The Telluride S AWD starts at $44,090 while the EX AWD is $45,790. That $1,700 gap buys 1 meaningful difference.
$1,700 more is ~$30/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
The extra $1,700 does not buy a measurable hardware change in our data. Treat the EX AWD as an appearance or packaging decision, not a core-trim upgrade.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $30/month more over 60 months, or roughly $1,800 extra all-in once interest is included.
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 you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
The S AWD and EX AWD are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
$1,700 price difference.
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. 1 specification difference, 5 shared.
There are no measurable spec differences in the current source data. If these trims still matter to you, the real separation is likely styling, appearance packages, or dealer inventory.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2027. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | S AWD | EX AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $44,090 | $45,790 |
| 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 | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| Fuel Tank | 19.0 gal | 19.0 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,714 lbs | 4,714 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 116.9" | 116.9" |
| Length | 199.2" | 199.2" |
| Width | 78.3" | 78.3" |
| Height | 69.9" | 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 S AWD vs EX 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 EX AWD cost than the S AWD?
The EX AWD starts at $45,790 compared to $44,090 for the S AWD. That is a $1,700 difference, or approximately $30/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2027 Kia Telluride S AWD and EX 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.
Do the 2027 Telluride S AWD and EX AWD have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with AWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
What warranty does the 2027 Kia Telluride come with?
All 2027 Kia Telluride trims, including both the S AWD and EX AWD, come with Kia's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
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 EX AWD Worth $1,700 More?
At $1,700 more, the Telluride EX AWD adds minor equipment changes. This is a situational call. If those features are on your must-have list, the upgrade makes sense. If not, the S AWD delivers the same core Telluride experience for less.
What Both Trims Share
The Telluride S AWD and EX AWD share the same engine, drivetrain, and transmission. The $1,700 difference comes down to 1 feature and equipment change, not mechanical differences.
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 AWD
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the S AWD best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Kia Telluride EX AWD
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the EX AWD when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
As an Amazon Associate, TrimAtlas earns from qualifying purchases.
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.