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Jun 10, 2021
2021 Kia Telluride in Rochester, MN

If you’re planning to buy a family-friendly SUV, the 2021 Kia Telluride is worth your consideration. This SUV is one of the most highly-rated entries in the competitive mid-size SUV segment, thanks to its composed handling, roomy and comfortable cabin, and generous list of standard features. It’s available in four trim levels to cater to the budgets and lifestyles of different SUV buyers. Check out this comprehensive comparison of different 2021 Kia Telluride models to determine which one is right for you.

2021 Kia Telluride: Specifications and Features

Before comparing the different 2021 Kia Telluride configurations, let’s take a look at the specifications and features of this popular SUV.

Exterior

The 2021 Kia Telluride makes a striking statement on the road with its bold and imposing styling. This SUV features a boxy shape, upright front end, and muscular curves that create a tough and masculine appearance. While it may look big and brawny at first glance, it has a number of design cues that give it a sophisticated appeal, such as the elaborate grille, C-shaped headlights and taillights, and chrome window trim. Its perfect proportions and cohesive styling make it a truly eye-pleasing vehicle.

Performance

A punchy 3.8-liter V-6 engine powers the Kia Telluride. Rated at 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, this engine works with a refined eight-speed automatic transmission to supply power to the front wheels or optionally all wheels. It delivers quick acceleration, enabling the SUV to join highway traffic and overtake with ease. With proper equipment, the Telluride has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Despite its hulking appearance, the Kia Telluride is surprisingly easy to drive. Its light and responsive steering makes it a breeze to maneuver in confined spaces such as narrow streets and tight parking spaces. In addition, this SUV provides a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to its great ability to soak up dips and bumps. It also feels stable and composed at highway speeds and around sharp corners. With 8 inches of ground clearance and available traction-control modes, the Telluride is more than capable of tackling the occasional dirt road or gravel trail, but it isn’t a true off-roader.

Fuel Economy

With front-wheel drive, the Kia Telluride earns 20/26 mpg (city/highway), which is respectable for a mid-size SUV. If you opt for an all-wheel-drive model, fuel efficiency drops to 19/24 mpg.

Interior

2021 kia telluride trim levels

The 2021 Kia Telluride is a three-row SUV with a seating capacity of eight. It’s one of the few mid-size SUVs that can comfortably accommodate adults in all three rows. Its airy and spacious cabin offers excellent outward visibility and does a good job of keeping road and wind noise at bay. You’ll find plenty of quality materials inside this Kia SUV, including soft-touch surfaces, leather trim, and crisp metal accents. Even the base trim has a more refined interior than many other competitors.

Cargo Space

If you need to carry a lot of cargo on a routine basis, you’ll appreciate the Kia Telluride’s generous cargo space. This SUV offers 21 cubic feet of storage space with all seats upright, 46 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded down, and 87 cubic feet with both rows of rear seats down. These numbers are above average in the class.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the 2021 Kia Telluride an overall safety score of five stars, which is the best possible rating. Additionally, the SUV garnered the highest rating of “good” in each of the six crash tests with the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.

2021 Kia Telluride: Differences Between Trim Levels

The 2021 Kia Telluride comes in LX, S, EX, and SX trim levels. Find out below how these trims differ from one another in terms of price, features, and options:

LX

2021 Kia Telluride LX in Rochester, MN

The LX has a starting price tag of $32,190. Despite being the entry-level trim, it comes with an excellent selection of standard features, including synthetic leather upholstery, push-button start, keyless entry, remote start, an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system, five USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker sound system, and 18-inch wheels. Opting for the available all-wheel drive will set you back $2,000.

In addition, this trim is fitted with a long list of standard driver-assistance systems to help you stay safe on the road. These features include automatic emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring, blind-spot detection, forward-collision alert, adaptive cruise control, driver-drowsiness detection, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic warning, and a rear-seat alert.

S

2021 Kia Telluride S in Rochester, MN

Starting at $34,590, the S gains a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, a sun-roof, and 20-inch wheels.

EX

2021 Kia Telluride EX in Rochester, MN

The minimum price of the EX is $37,590. This model offers many additional features, including genuine leather seats, a power front-passenger seat, ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear sunshades, an intercom system, a hands-free lift-gate, a 10-2-inch touch screen, an additional USB port, wireless device charging, and a navigation system. However, it reverts back to a second-row bench seat and 18-inch wheels.

The EX also comes with three optional packages. The Premium package allows you to add back the captain’s chairs and 20-inch wheels, while the Towing package comprises a self-leveling rear suspension and a Class III trailer hitch receiver. If you want your Telluride to look more intense, get the Nightfall Edition package, which adds a black grille, gloss black exterior trim, and black wheels.

SX

2021 Kia Telluride SX in Rochester, MN

With a starting price of $42,490, the range-topping SX offers the Premium package, plus a panoramic sun-roof, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, automatic high-beams, front parking sensors, and a surround-view parking camera system.

The Towing and Nightfall Edition packages remain optional on this trim level. Additionally, you’ll have access to the Prestige package, which includes ventilated and heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a head-up display.

If you’re still unsure which trim level to choose after reading this Kia Telluride comparison, consider stopping by Tom Kadlec Kia for a test drive. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.