2027 Telluride S

The step from "equipped" to "comfortable"

Where the LX covers the essentials, the S is where the Telluride starts adding the things you feel every drive. The bigger 20-inch wheels and low-profile roof rails change the look; the power tilt-slide sunroof and low-profile rails open the cabin up; and the 8-way power seat with 2-way lumbar plus heated front seats mean the driver isn't stuck manually adjusting a seat position every time someone else drives. It's a meaningful jump in daily comfort for roughly $2,900 over the LX before you even add AWD.

The seating trade-off, spelled out

The one change buyers cross-shopping the LX and S should know about going in: the S is the first trim to swap the second-row bench for a pair of captain's chairs, which drops total seating from 8 to 7. It's a genuine trade, not an upgrade or a downgrade — captain's chairs are more comfortable for two second-row passengers and make it easier to pass things through to the third row, but they permanently give up the middle seat. If your household regularly needs that 8th seat, the LX or EX are the trims that keep it; the S and everything above it does not.

AWD and Terrain Mode

All-wheel drive is a $2,000 option on the S, and choosing it adds Kia's Terrain Mode — dedicated Snow, Mud, and Sand settings that adjust throttle response and traction control for the surface. It's the same system standard on the X-Line trims above it. For Ocean County, where most winters mean an occasional nor'easter rather than sustained snow, the FWD S is a perfectly reasonable choice for most drivers; buyers who spend more time on unplowed roads, at a shore-access sand lot, or towing a boat trailer at a launch ramp get the most out of the AWD option.

What Telluride S buyers say

DiFeo Kia's Telluride reviews consistently mention the same handful of names, regardless of trim. One buyer working with a sales specialist who's been at the store for years: "Vito helped me get into the car that I wanted, i got a Kia Telluride and the service he provided was awesome and way beyond what I expected. Go see him if you want fast no nonsense service." — Kathleen M. Another, in a Telluride purchase that started as a simple walk-in: "I purchased a Kia Telluride today and had a great experience working with Vito. He took his time and helped us find the model we wanted and the trim level that works for my family." — Maria V.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the 2027 Kia Telluride S?

$42,090 MSRP front-wheel drive, $44,090 with all-wheel drive, plus $1,545 destination either way. Current DiFeo Kia pricing and offers are on the specials page.

Does the S seat 7 or 8 people?

Seven. The S is the first trim on the ladder to switch to second-row captain's chairs, which is a deliberate change from the LX and EX's 8-passenger bench, not an option you can add or remove.

Is AWD worth the extra $2,000 on the S?

For most Ocean County driving, front-wheel drive handles the job fine and saves the money. AWD earns its keep if you regularly drive on unplowed roads, sand, or gravel, or if you simply want the peace of mind of extra traction on a bad-weather Parkway commute — plus it unlocks the Terrain Mode drive settings the FWD S doesn't get.

What's the difference between the S and the EX?

The EX steps up the interior materials to full SynTex synthetic leather, adds ventilated front seats, and returns to the 8-passenger bench second row — while the S keeps cloth-and-more-basic trim but adds the sunroof and power driver's seat at a lower price. If seating capacity is your deciding factor, that's the one to check first; the EX guide has the full breakdown.

Does the S come with heated seats?

Yes — heated front seats are standard on the S, one of the features that separates it from the LX below it.

The bottom line on the S

The S is where the new Telluride starts to feel like more than a value pick — bigger wheels, a sunroof, a power seat, and available AWD with real Terrain Mode settings — while giving up one seat in the process. If 7 seats work for your family and you want comfort features without going all the way to leatherette, it's a strong middle step. Check current S inventory or schedule a test drive in Lakewood.