2020 Kia Telluride SX Trim billed by MotorTrend as “Where you go From Good to Great”

It has not been too difficult to notice how the Kia Telluride has nearly effortlessly stayed on the absolute top of three-row SUV offerings over the past year. From its Victory in MotorTrend's SUV of the Year competition to more recent wins on the testing front, it has surely kept its place on the upper end of the scale for consumers looking for a legendary and capable powerhouse. When all of us on sales and service staff here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis are asked just what it is that makes the Telluride so great, there are a few definitive answers we have right off the bat.

From top-notch exterior styling to its overall driving dynamics, this is one vehicle that was always destined to be a leader. As the Motor Trend staff contested in this blog, making a good-looking, good-driving, class-leading car at a competitive price will make people rapidly flock to it. The entry-level Telluride is the base model LX, which sees many of the best features included. Items such as Apple Car Play and Android Auto, rear blind-spot collision avoidance assist, driver attention warning, forward collision avoidance, and lane departure warning are all present right here within the entry-level.

One feature that the Motor Trend team enjoyed was the Safe Exit Assist: after you have parked, this system uses the lane departure and blind-spot sensors to look for cars coming up behind you before you choose to open the door. When parking on a narrow street, the Telluride will remind you to check mirrors before making your exit. The LX does not offer the availability of the second-row captain's chairs, but the 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat still is very practical. The 3.8-liter V6 cranks out 291 horsepower, sent directly to the front wheels.

The S model sees the addition of Machine-finished 20-inch alloy wheels to replace the LX's 18-inches, and there is a dark metallic grille as well as satin-finished front bumper air ducts. There  are also dual chrome exhaust tips, a more premium silver finish on the skid-plates, and a satin-chrome window surround. Inside, there is black Sofino leatherette trim and upgraded seats which include a 10-way adjustable driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support.

The EX model provides highly noticeable addition inside: actual leather replaces the leatherette, and a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen sits prominently on the EX's dash. Here you also enjoy the benefit of dual climate control, 8-way power-adjustable driver's and front passenger seats, sound-absorbing front window glass, and a smart power lift gate. A very premium feel is acquired here due to the seats and wood trim and makes you want to spend more time inside.

Where the Motor Trend crew said that the Telluride goes from “good to great” is once you get your hands on the fully loaded SX model. All of the goodies that come in the EX model: like leather seats, wood dash, and larger screen are found here, along with 12-way heated, cooled, power-adjustable front seats with memory feature. You get to blast a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, stainless steel door sill scuff protectors, stainless pedals, and dual sunroofs. Don't forget to ask us about the SX Prestige package while you're here: it adds to the mix a head-up display, automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated and cooled second-row seating, and a premium headliner as well as premium Nappa leather seats.