Featured image for Kia Telluride EX Premium
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The Kia Telluride EX Premium Package adds upscale exterior styling, premium interior materials, advanced tech, and extra safety features to the already capable EX trim. It targets families who want near‑luxury comfort without the full SX price tag. Expect a 3.8‑liter V6, standard all‑wheel drive, and a 12.3‑inch digital gauge cluster as standard.
When shoppers ask what is kia telluride ex premium package, they usually want a clear picture of how this mid‑range trim upgrades the already popular Telluride EX. Think of the EX Premium as the “sweet spot” between the well‑equipped EX and the top‑tier SX. It adds a handful of luxury touches — leather, premium audio, and a digital instrument cluster — without forcing you to pay for every bell and whistle the SX offers. In 2024, Kia sold over 100,000 Tellurides in the U.S., and the EX Premium accounted for roughly 22 % of those sales, showing that buyers recognize its value.
Did you know? The Telluride’s platform shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai Palisade, but Kia tunes the suspension for a slightly firmer, more driver‑focused feel. That tuning carries over to the EX Premium, giving it a composed ride on both city streets and open highways.
Key Takeaways
- Elevated Style: Unique 20‑inch wheels, LED headlights, and a distinctive grille set the EX Premium apart.
- Luxury Interior: Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, and a 12‑speaker Harman Kardon system create a first‑class cabin.
- Advanced Tech: 12.3‑inch digital cluster, 10.25‑inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a head‑up display.
- Safety Suite: Standard Highway Driving Assist 2, Blind‑Spot Collision‑Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross‑Traffic Alert.
- Performance: 291 hp V6, 8‑speed automatic, and standard AWD deliver confident towing (5,000 lb) and smooth highway cruising.
- Value Proposition: Priced roughly $4,500 above the base EX, it undercuts the SX by $3,000 while delivering 80 % of its features.
- Strong Resale: Kia’s 10‑year/100,000‑mile powertrain warranty and high reliability scores keep depreciation low.
📑 Table of Contents
Overview of the Kia Telluride EX Premium Package
What It Is
The EX Premium Package is an optional equipment group that can be added to the Telluride EX trim. It bundles exterior, interior, technology, and safety upgrades into a single price‑point, simplifying the ordering process. Instead of selecting each item à la carte, you get a curated set of features that Kia engineers have tested together for optimal integration.
Why It Matters
For many families, the EX Premium hits the “just right” balance. You gain near‑luxury appointments — ventilated Nappa leather seats, a 12‑speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and a head‑up display — while keeping the starting MSRP under $50,000. That pricing places it competitively against the Honda Pilot Touring and the Toyota Highlander Limited, both of which start higher for comparable equipment.
Who It’s For
Ideal buyers are those who haul kids, gear, or a small trailer on weekends but also commute daily and appreciate a quiet, tech‑rich cabin. If you regularly drive long distances, the ventilated seats and advanced driver‑assist suite reduce fatigue. If you rarely need the SX’s panoramic sunroof or 20‑inch wheels with a unique design, the EX Premium saves you money without sacrificing core comfort.
Key Features and Upgrades
Exterior Enhancements
The EX Premium rides on 20‑inch machine‑finished alloy wheels that are exclusive to this package. LED projector headlights with dynamic bending light improve night visibility, while LED taillights with a signature light bar give the rear a modern look. A gloss‑black grille surround and chrome side‑window trim add a subtle premium flair. Did you know? The Telluride’s drag coefficient of 0.33 is among the best in its class, helping fuel economy on the highway.
Visual guide about Kia Telluride EX Premium
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Interior Luxury
Inside, the package swaps the standard cloth‑and‑leather seats for full Nappa leather with contrast stitching. Front seats gain ventilation and 12‑way power adjustment with memory for the driver. Second‑row captain’s chairs (optional on EX) become standard, offering a walk‑through to the third row. The 12‑speaker Harman Kardon system includes QuantumLogic Surround, delivering concert‑hall clarity — think of it as a portable concert venue for road trips.
Technology Suite
A 12.3‑inch fully digital instrument cluster replaces the analog gauges, letting you customize layouts for navigation, media, or driver‑assist status. The central 10.25‑inch touchscreen runs Kia’s latest UVO infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 10‑inch head‑up display projects speed, navigation arrows, and safety alerts onto the windshield, keeping eyes on the road. Over‑the‑air updates keep software fresh without a dealer visit.
Safety Additions
Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA‑2) adds lane‑centering and adaptive cruise control that works on city streets, not just highways. Blind‑Spot Collision‑Avoidance Assist (BCA) can apply brakes if you signal a lane change into an occupied zone. Rear Cross‑Traffic Collision‑Avoidance Assist (RCCA) warns and brakes for crossing traffic when backing out of a parking spot. These features earned the Telluride a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS for 2024.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Engine Specs
All Telluride trims, including the EX Premium, use a 3.8‑liter V6 producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb‑ft of torque. That output is enough to accelerate 0‑60 mph in about 7.1 seconds — respectable for a three‑row SUV weighing roughly 4,500 lb. The engine pairs with an 8‑speed automatic that shifts smoothly, and the standard all‑wheel‑drive system uses a multi‑plate clutch to send up to 50 % of torque to the rear wheels when slip is detected.
Transmission and AWD
The 8‑speed transmission features a lock‑up torque converter for improved fuel economy at cruising speeds. In real‑world testing, the EX Premium averaged 20 mpg combined (18 city / 23 highway), a figure that matches the EPA estimate. The AWD system includes a “Snow” mode that adjusts throttle response and shift points for low‑traction surfaces, making winter driving more confident.
Ride Quality
Kia’s engineers tuned the MacPherson strut front and multi‑link rear suspension for a balance of compliance and control. The EX Premium’s 20‑inch wheels have a slightly lower sidewall than the 18‑inch wheels on the base EX, which sharpens steering response but can transmit more road imperfections. However, the optional adaptive dampers (available on SX only) are not included, so the ride remains comfortably firm — think of it as a well‑cushioned office chair that still lets you feel the floor.
Pricing, Value, and Comparison
MSRP and Package Cost
For the 2025 model year, the Telluride EX starts at $44,390 (including destination). Adding the EX Premium Package raises the price to approximately $48,900. That $4,510 premium unlocks roughly $7,200 worth of individual options if purchased separately, delivering a 37 % discount on the bundled content.
Cost vs Competitors
Compared to the Honda Pilot Touring ($50,720) and Toyota Highlander Limited ($51,210), the EX Premium undercuts both by $1,800‑$2,300 while offering comparable leather, audio, and safety tech. The Mazda CX‑9 Signature ($48,825) is close in price but lacks the third‑row space and towing capacity of the Telluride.
Resale Value and Ownership Costs
Kia’s 10‑year/100,000‑mile powertrain warranty and 5‑year/60,000‑mile basic warranty are industry leaders. According to ALG, the Telluride retains about 58 % of its value after three years, outperforming the segment average of 53 %. Low maintenance costs — thanks to a timing chain instead of a belt — further improve total cost of ownership.
Real‑World Owner Experience
Comfort on Long Trips
Owners frequently cite the ventilated Nappa seats and triple‑zone climate control as game‑changers for 8‑hour road trips. The third row, while snug for adults, accommodates children comfortably, and the 21‑cubic‑foot cargo area behind the third row expands to 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Did you know? The Telluride’s cargo floor is flat when the seats are folded, making it easy to load large items like a stroller or a portable grill.
Family Practicality
Six USB ports (two front, two second‑row, two third‑row) keep devices charged. The hands‑free smart power liftgate opens with a foot swipe under the rear bumper — handy when your arms are full of groceries. The rear‑seat reminder system alerts you to check the back seats before exiting, a thoughtful touch for busy parents.
Reliability Data
Consumer Reports gives the 2024 Telluride a 4.5/5 predicted reliability rating. J.D. Power’s 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study ranked the Telluride second in the midsize SUV segment, behind only the Lexus RX. Common issues are minor — occasional infotainment glitches resolved by software updates — and dealerships report low warranty claim rates.
Buying Tips and Final Thoughts
Negotiation Strategies
Because the EX Premium is a popular package, dealers may have limited inventory. Start by researching the invoice price (around $46,200 for the EX Premium) and aim for a deal within $500‑$1,000 above invoice. Mention competing offers from nearby Kia stores or rival brands to strengthen your position. If the dealer includes a “market adjustment” fee, ask to have it removed or offset with accessories like all‑weather floor mats.
Financing Options
Kia frequently offers 0.9 % APR for 60 months on qualified buyers, plus a $1,000 loyalty bonus for current Kia owners. Compare that to credit‑union rates (often 2‑3 % for 72 months) to see which yields a lower total cost. A 20 % down payment reduces the loan‑to‑value ratio, potentially qualifying you for the best rate.
When to Buy
Year‑end clearance (November‑December) and the period just before a model‑year changeover (typically August‑September) bring the highest incentives. In 2024, Kia offered a $2,500 cash rebate on the EX Premium during the Labor Day sales event. Keep an eye on Kia’s national incentive calendar and sign up for dealer email alerts.
In summary, the Kia Telluride EX Premium Package delivers a compelling mix of style, comfort, technology, and safety at a price that undercuts fully loaded rivals. It answers the question what is kia telluride ex premium package by showing that you can enjoy near‑luxury appointments without paying for features you may never use. Whether you’re shuttling a soccer team, towing a camper, or simply craving a quiet highway cruiser, the EX Premium stands out as a smart, versatile choice in the crowded midsize SUV market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Kia Telluride EX Premium Package include?
The package adds 20‑inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, Nappa leather seats with ventilation, a 12‑speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a 12.3‑inch digital instrument cluster, a 10‑inch head‑up display, and advanced driver‑assist features like Highway Driving Assist 2 and Blind‑Spot Collision‑Avoidance Assist.
How much does the EX Premium Package cost over the base EX?
For the 2025 model year the EX Premium adds roughly $4,500 to the EX’s starting MSRP, bringing the total to about $48,900 including destination.
Is the EX Premium worth it compared to the SX trim?
If you want most of the SX’s luxury and tech but don’t need its panoramic sunroof, unique 20‑inch wheels, or adaptive dampers, the EX Premium saves about $3,000 while delivering 80 % of the SX’s feature set.
What is the towing capacity of a Telluride with the EX Premium Package?
All Telluride trims, including the EX Premium, are rated to tow up to 5,000 lb when properly equipped with the factory tow hitch and wiring harness.
Does the EX Premium come with all‑wheel drive standard?
Yes, the EX Premium includes Kia’s HTRAC all‑wheel‑drive system as standard equipment, providing up to 50 % torque to the rear wheels for improved traction.
What warranty coverage does Kia provide for the Telluride EX Premium?
Kia offers a 10‑year/100,000‑mile powertrain warranty, a 5‑year/60,000‑mile basic warranty, and a 5‑year/100,000‑mile anti‑perforation warranty, all transferable to subsequent owners.