A silver 2023 Kia Telluride is shown from a high angle as a child opens the rear door.

Meet the Ruggedly Capable Telluride X Models

The Kia Telluride three-row midsize SUV takes centerstage, whether it’s rolling down the highway on a road trip or maneuvering down the trails during a weekend adventure. Its ruggedness has been further amplified this year with the emergence of the X models, available in a number of trim levels, to enhance its rugged nature in unimaginable ways. Kia is relatively new on the scene compared to others in the industry, but in recent years its vehicles have become the ultimate in luxury and performance, and the Telluride is no exception.

Launched in 2019, the Telluride was quick to captivate a myriad of drivers. Now, with the addition of the X models, the Telluride is more capable than ever. The next time you’re passing by your Kia Telluride dealer you’ll want to check out to these exciting new models. Let’s get to know the new Telluride X offerings.

Kia Telluride X-Pro

Elevated style is a given in the X-Pro’s interior, featuring a premium cloth headliner, sleek Nappa leather appointments available in five distinct color palettes, and a durability that can’t be ignored. Not only does the X-Pro offer all of the interior luxury drivers are looking for no matter where they’re traveling, but it can also navigate challenging terrain with enhanced agility. It has an impressive towing capacity of 5,500 lbs, plus 18-inch all-terrain tires and an upgraded cooling system allow the Telluride X-Pro to navigate any terrain with confidence. These performance enhancements provide drivers with the satisfaction they’re looking for, especially when driving through challenging road conditions.

The X-Pro is available as a mid-level SX or top-of-the-line SX Prestige model, allowing drivers with varying budgets to enjoy these rugged features. Opting for the high-end SX Prestige X-Pro will unlock sophisticated features, such as power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, a heated leather steering wheel, and more ravishing upscale features, making the Telluride feel like you’re driving a luxury vehicle without the luxury price tag. That’s the beauty of Kia vehicles, as drivers are able to get these awe-inspiring features for a fraction of the price of upscale luxury brands, making it easy to get the ride they want no matter where their journey takes them.

Larger tires and enhanced durability make it easy for X-Pro models to traverse dangerous terrain with assurance without compromising on comfort and style. High ground clearance of 8.4 inches makes navigating over obstacles seamless. An available self-leveling suspension system delivers the performance drivers are looking for, marked by comfort and control despite an unruly environment beneath the Telluride’s all-terrain tires.

A black 2023 Kia Telluride X-Pro is shown from the side while towing a white enclosed trailer.

Kia Telluride X-Line

Another new X model in the Kia Telluride lineup this year is the X-Line, available on the EX, SX, or SX Prestige trim. This brings rugged capabilities to more affordable models, as well as mid-level and top-level offerings. Torque vectoring all-wheel drive allows the Telluride to send the right amount of power to each wheel ensuring maximum grip and control no matter where you go, while 20-inch alloy wheels deliver the athletic style drivers are searching for when they want to look the part of a rugged adventurer, as well as act like one.

Drivers enjoy the ability to harness off-road capabilities at any price point, with the EX showcasing creature comforts like heated and ventilated seating, power-adjustable front seats, a full cloth headliner, and more. Not only does the EX offer modern style, but it also blends this seamlessly with affordable comfort to create a ride that’s engaging on a budget. The SX is the ideal mid-level model, featuring upgrades like massaging seats, leather trimmings throughout, and more refined features, making a ride inside the SX X-Line a near-luxury experience. Of course, the SX Prestige is the crème de la crème of trim offerings, making it an easy pick for drivers who prioritize elegance yet want a bit of excitement in their ride.

The X-Line is perfect to get down and dirty on the trails. With its legendary all-wheel drive system and plenty of alluring style attributes, avid adventurers near and far are flocking to test drive this rugged model. Raised roof rails, improved approach and departure angles, plus an exclusive grille design set the X-Line apart from the rest of the lineup. The fact that it’s available in a variety of trim levels makes it easy to find the perfect X-Line for any driving demands.

Kia Telluride SX Prestige

The SX Prestige is another newcomer to the Telluride collection for 2023, appealing to drivers who yearn for high-end style and unmatched luxury during their journeys. Premium leather appointments appear throughout its carefully crafted interior cabin space. With heated and ventilated front and second-row seating plus ample legroom, getting comfortable on board the SX Prestige is a given. Drivers who are interested in the ultimate capabilities for their ride can upgrade the SX Prestige with either X-Pro or X-Line attributes to further propel this midsize SUV to greatness on the trails and beyond.

The SX Prestige X-Pro features specialized towing technology to make hauling effortless, with a dedicated Tow Mode providing more control over a trailer, camper, or whatever it’s pulling next. Plus, exclusive embossed front seats and interior color schemes create the ambiance drivers are searching for to enjoy a vibrant jaunt through nature in total comfort. The SX Prestige X-Line takes its ruggedness to new levels with improved approach and departure angles, plus sleek X-Line styling elements to make the most out of any adventure. Pair these rugged elements with its luxury cabin experience for maximum satisfaction on or off the road.

Active On-Demand AWD with a center-locking differential heightens stability and agility on any type of terrain. Innovative tech, like a Head-Up Display and a full digital rearview mirror provide a one-of-a-kind experience behind the wheel. Drivers who are drawn to uncanny sophistication when they embark on rugged trail-hopping adventures gravitate towards the Telluride SX Prestige lineup without question.

A close up of the infotainment screen in a 2023 Kia Telluride is shown at a Kia Telluride dealer.

The Kia Telluride X Models

When you see a Kia Telluride armed with one of these X-factors, you’ll know that it’s a machine built to excel in any environment. Off-road finesse, remarkable agility, and a level of rustic flair combine to create a series of vehicles that are quite unlike their predecessors. After only a couple of years on the scene, the Telluride has already improved more than we anticipated, allowing it to appeal to adventurous drivers and those with a thirst for exhilaration. It’s not just a beautifully stylish everyday commuter, family hauler, or experienced road tripper. It has now entered the off-road arena among some of the greatest models in the industry.

Move over, Jeep. Kia has tossed its hat into the ring, and we’re looking forward to seeing how these supreme adventure vehicles are going to perform in some of the most challenging off-road conditions imaginable. So the next time you’re stopped at a red light and you notice a Kia Telluride dealer, take a moment to appreciate how the Kia brand has effortlessly transitioned from a budget-friendly automaker to one of the most respected brands in the industry. With vehicles like the Telluride X models, Kia is proving that it’s ready to roll with the big boys, offering exceptional ruggedness in a lineup of vehicles that can’t be beat.