Kia Telluride trim comparison
2027 Kia Telluride S AWD vs X-Line EX AWD
The Telluride S AWD starts at $44,090 while the X-Line EX AWD is $47,290. That $3,200 gap buys 2 meaningful differences.
$3,200 more is ~$57/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
Stay with the S AWD if keeping roughly $57/month in your budget matters. Step up to the X-Line EX AWD only if you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty. That is the real decision hiding inside this $3,200 trim jump.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the S AWD to the X-Line EX AWD is about $57/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $3,420 more by the time interest is counted.
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
Both the S AWD and X-Line EX AWD share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $3,200 for 1 measurable difference, which works out to about $3,200 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. 2 specification differences, 4 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2027. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | S AWD | X-Line EX AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $44,090 | $47,290 |
| 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 | 4,744 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 AWD vs X-Line 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 X-Line EX AWD cost than the S AWD?
The X-Line EX AWD starts at $47,290 compared to $44,090 for the S AWD. That is a $3,200 difference, or approximately $57/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2027 Kia Telluride S AWD and X-Line 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 X-Line 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 X-Line 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.
What $3,200 Gets You
The Telluride X-Line EX AWD costs $3,200 more than the S AWD. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value minor equipment changes. These features matter to some buyers daily and barely at all to others. Weigh them against your priorities.
What Both Trims Share
The Telluride S AWD and X-Line EX AWD share the same engine, drivetrain, and transmission. The $3,200 difference comes down to 1 feature and equipment change, not mechanical differences.
Summary
$3,200 more for the Telluride X-Line EX AWD gets you 1 real difference. At $57/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 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 X-Line EX AWD
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the X-Line EX 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.