2020 Kia Telluride EX: Trim Detailed Revealed

Sandy B
Mar 8, 2021

The 2020 Kia Telluride EX is the upper mid-range of the trim levels issued for that year. It’s the type of vehicle you want to drive – smooth, easy to control, but huge and room enough for all of your child’s sports gear and then some. Is it the right option for you?

2020 Kia Telluride - Photo by Kia

What does the 2020 Kia Telluride EX have to offer?

With a luxury feel, the EX has room for up to eight people. The higher-end SX model only has room for seven due to the captain’s chairs in the second row. You will also find the 2020 Kia Telluride EX offers key features such as a 3.8L, six-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission. This vehicle is front-wheel drive with a starting price of over $41,000.

It’s a solid car. We’ll give you that. Does it have everything you want and need? To find out, we take a closer look at the 2020 Kia Telluride EX and give you the details about why this trim model may be one of the best of the four available.

Check Out This Higher End Ride

There’s no doubt that the Kia Telluride EX is one of the standouts in the 2020 lineup if you are looking for more features, more tech, and an impressive overall design. It’s not your low-end, budget model, which is easy to see in this video.

The Telluride EX has a lot of good features, including the high reinforced steel that is found throughout the body of this vehicle. That helps to improve the vehicle’s overall safety. That comes through in this vehicle’s five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

As you walk around the exterior of the vehicle, there are some nice upgrades on the EX. That starts with projection lights to improve visibility. These are automatic headlights.

The vehicle has standard 18-inch machined wheels with painted accents on them. There are standard roof rails, and an optional roof rack available. There’s also a standard sunroof on the EX (you can find them without these as well).

2020 Kia Telluride - Photo by Kia

The Powertrain and Performance

The 2020 Telluride EX features a 3.8L, six-cylinder engine. This V6 hits 291 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. That engine is a must – especially when you consider this vehicle gets up to 5000 pounds of towing capacity. That’s good enough to pull a small boat or trailer behind you. It has an eight-speed transmission and is a front-wheel-drive vehicle.

It also offers ABS and driveline traction control. This vehicle’s engine is solid and performs well. By EPA estimates, the SUV gets 20 city and 26 highway, for a combined 23 miles per gallon. That’s not horrible, but not the best in class either.

2020 Kia Telluride - Photo by Kia

Let’s Talk Interior Features

When you step inside the Telluride EX, you will notice it’s more luxurious than the previous trim models. There is ample room – 40-inches of front and rear headroom, 60-inches of shoulder room, and over 41 inches of legroom upfront. There’s standard seating for eight people. Even better, there is 87 cu. ft. of cargo space – that’s plenty for the groceries, football gear, and anything else you need to take with you daily.

When it comes to convenience features, the 2020 Telluride EX has some nice standard features, including an exterior temp display, a compass, cruise control, and adaptive cruise control. That’s all great for that long trip you’re planning. The vehicle also has a proximity remote trunk release, occupancy sensors, and standard stolen-vehicle tracking.

In tech, it comes with a low tire pressure warning, blind spot sensor, and lane change assist as standard features. In front, you have an entertainment system set up with available SiriusXM, voice recognition, and steering wheel audio controls. The vehicle also offers a standard speed-sensitive volume feature and an entertainment system with a DVD player as standard. The navigation system is voice-activated to improve your overall ability to focus on the road.

There are some other key interior features in the EX, such as the heated and cooled front seats. This model also comes with standard leather seat trim. It’s comfortable and good-looking overall. Now, what you may be waiting for – yes, it has that much sought-after third road of seats but don’t count on a lot of legroom back there. There’s also a 70-30 split bench setup to give you more storage room.

2020 Kia Telluride - Photo by Kia

How Does the 2020 Telluride EX Stand Up to Others?

Overall, the Telluride EX is a luxury SUV. It is comfortable, roomy, and has a powerful engine. When compared to other trim options, the EX is an excellent overall choice. Not as expensive as the SX, which has more leather and a few more driver-assist features, but it also comes with a bigger price tag. It’s most certainly a luxurious car the way it is.

Invest in the 2020 Kia Telluride EX or Get More Insight

When it comes down to it, the 2020 Kia Telluride EX is a fun and reliable vehicle to operate especially if you need room to move for a growing family. Don’t take our word for it. Check out Telluride’s Vehicle History to learn more.

Photos: Kia

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Wendy on April 17, 2021
2020 Kia Telluride EX Dangerous Issues
We now have a little over 10,000 miles on it and just this morning encountered the second major event with the vehicle. The motor decided to vibrate badly, oddly, and the check engine light came on. I left it on because I had no other choice. I turned the heat on to warm the vehicle for my son and I so I could put him on the bus for school. Upon moving the vehicle it was sluggish, jerky even. Just before parking it, it stuttered and almost died. We also experienced the Malfunctioning collision warning System. It was not just a light going off. It locked and slid my brakes automatically with no danger in sight. This is in addition to the seat belt recall and windshield cracking that the manufacturer has made the public aware of. It makes me furious to think that the collision system is something they use as a selling point in commercials and it about got me and my children killed.
accountCircle Maria V on April 7, 2021
I love my 2020 Kia Telluride EX, especially the apple car play system.
I love the telluride. Besides being a great looking SUV, I love its safety features, like the lane assist. The different driving modes (comfort, smart, sport...) Also enhance the driving experience. I particularly love the one that lets you step off the gas in stop and go traffic conditions. The interior is very comfortable and the apple car system is super convenient to connect your iPhone to the screen and use navigation apps or play your music or use your phone to make calls or text with your voice while driving.
accountCircle Lisa W on July 11, 2021
Most affordable, luxurious 3rd row SUV...2020 Kia Telluride EX.
Affordable, luxurious, and spacious 3rd row SUV. The 2020 Kia telluride gets great gas mileage for the size. Features in the ex include apple carplay, wireless charging, 6 USB ports, build in sunshades for 2nd row, driver talk, quiet mode, lane assist, rear seat air controls, cruise control, front end collision warning, rear camera, and many more. The telluride has been the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. It is sleek, stylish, and worth the purchase.
accountCircle Abby S on May 16, 2021
2020 Kia Telluride EX midnight version.
The only problem we have had is about a month after buying one of the back windows went down a half inch and would not go back up. Once we shut the car off and back on it went up. Otherwise no problems and we love it! He has tons of room even in the third row. It also has numerous places to charge your phone and even a wireless charger in the front. The navigation works great and display is easy to navigate through. It drives quietly and smooth.
accountCircle Breanna O on May 1, 2021
So much to the 2020 Kia Telluride EX without the huge price tag.
For our family of 7, this vehicle has been perfect. We have loved it for fitting car seats, sport events, school events, and even for those random drives to just get out of the house. The one thing I would change is the trunk space. With a baby stroller you cannot fit anything else in there, or if you buy paper towels (etc.) The rest of the groceries will be a tetris game or in the back seat if you have the third row up.
accountCircle Lindsay S on May 31, 2021
2020 Kia Telluride EX is new-age family friendly.
So far, I have not had any issues with my Kia telluride. It was purchased in October of 2019 and I have been very pleased with this vehicle. The gas mileage is impressive, the ride is so smooth on the road. I love the wood grain paneling detail on the interior as well as the comfortable seating. My daughter and her cousins love the bucket/command seats and third row. Very family friendly and comfortable!
accountCircle Meagan P on August 18, 2021
2020 Kia Telluride EX is worth every penny.
I haven't had any problems with my vehicle and have no complaints. It is extremely spacious and has third row seating. It has captain chairs in the middle and still has plenty of legroom for all passengers. It is the smoothest ride I have ever had. It is very luxurious and has great technology features. It has 6 USB charging ports throughout the vehicle and a huge screen for the backup camera.
accountCircle SE H on June 1, 2021
2020 Kia Telluride EX is a great purchase! Best mom car we could’ve picked!
The car seems to handle itself pretty well in all types of weather. It looks sleek and feels like luxury without having the luxury price tag. The safety features are great; it reminds me to look in the backseat every time I turn off the car to ensure I do not forget any precious cargo. My three dogs fit in the back easily. The third row can go up and down quickly when needed.
accountCircle Maydarling C on May 21, 2021
2020 Kia Telluride EX is the most amazing vehicle I have owned.
The Kia telluride is a great family vehicle. It is very comfortable and spacious. The vehicle comes with a lot of extras. It includes lost of convenient features. Our trim includes push start button, leather seats. It also has captain chairs for the passenger isles which makes getting in and out of the vehicle easier than with the stock bench middle seat.
accountCircle CATHERINE E on April 25, 2021
Affordable and Luxurious 2020 Kia Telluride EX
It is an amazing car with all the bells and whistles. Heated and cooled seats, dual air, navigation, large screen, driver assist lane control, smart cruise and room for eight. I have the all wheel drive, tow package, and leather interior, the third row comfortably seats two tall adults. There is also wireless charging for cell phones.
accountCircle Rashmi R on July 25, 2021
2020 Kia Telluride EX is the best car with luxury features.
Best car so far, it is very smooth and spacious. Comfort in driving and features. The sky roof is good and the all the seats are very spacious and comfortable. It is a very reliable because it gives indication when any other car comes near and does not allow to go off the lane. Parking and reverse is really helpful with the camera.
accountCircle Sandra R on July 3, 2021
2020 Kia Telluride EX - Family sized SUV packed with great features.
The vehicle performs well and is very reliable. I am enjoying the ventilated seats very much in the hot summer weather. I am still learning how to use many of the features, one of my favorites is the adaptive cruise control. The comfort is great - roomy seats, dual zone temperature control, great leg room in all rows.
accountCircle Derek K on June 4, 2021
2020 Kia Telluride EX what you get or should for the price you pay.
Love the flexibility and comfort level of having 8 passengers, awesome gas mileage. Wished the lights would have been better. Leather that doesn't wear so fast, factory auto start and should of been a bigger moonroof for the price I paid. It's good but for the amount unpaid feel it could have better improvements.
accountCircle Jill P on April 11, 2021
2020 Kia Telluride EX is a large SUV with 3 rows of seats and captain chairs. Great for family.
So far my vehicle has been comfortable and reliable. I like the size and the feel inside. However, there is a rattling in the back door somewhere that no one can seem to find. For the amount of money the SUV was - I am not happy about the rattling. Seems like the car should have been built a little more sturdy.
accountCircle Kristen B on March 14, 2021
2020 Kia telluride ex issues.
Navigation (search as well as directions) is slow and delayed. Infotainment screen freezes and doesn't work when temperatures are low. Need to keep turning car on and off for screen to function properly, even after warming up the engine. Windshield wipers are subpar and smear more often than wipe.
accountCircle Michae G on July 12, 2021
2020 Kia Telluride EX: Great SUV to buy for the money.
I have had zero problems in the first 10k miles. The car is very spacious and drives very smooth. It has all of the bells and whistles I could ask for and is great for the price point. Very good looking car as well. I would recommend anyone in the SUV market to strongly consider this vehicle.
accountCircle Francesco H on July 17, 2021
2020 Kia Telluride EX best car ever made by Kia so far.
Best SUV I ever owned. Cheap and rides good.. I really like the inside made pretty smooth with white cloth/leather. The 3rd row seats. Plenty of space on the back. All the rows on the back with the ac and USB plugins for each seat. If you have the money buy the telluride that is all.
accountCircle Susan S on March 17, 2021
Brand new 2020 Kia Telluride EX.
Great vehicle, good gas mileage. The vehicle is new this year and we have had no issues so far. Only thing that is a disadvantage is the back lift gate is manual, so you cannot use your key or button inside to open. The car runs smoothly and the dealership and warranty are great.
accountCircle Josh S on May 30, 2021
Awesome 2020 Kia Telluride EX for a wonderful price.
I have owned several cars over the years and I can say this is the best one I have ever owned. I love the interior, exterior and overall design. The ride is quiet and smooth. The interior is almost as big as an expedition (I rented one before I bought it). I cannot be happier.
accountCircle Michelle A on June 16, 2021
2020 Kia Telluride EX has great space for the family.
I truly love the comfort of this car. It is spacious enough for myself and four kids. It drives very smooth and has many great features. Heating and cooling seats are great. The panoramic view gives it special touch. The kids love having it open now in this time of the season.
accountCircle Cindy M on April 14, 2021
2020 Kia Telluride EX has plenty of room and pick up.
We love our telluride. It is very comfortable driving for long periods of time and it does not feel like a bulky truck. We can fit 8 people very comfortably and not feel cramped. There is more cargo space than I could have imagined. No lack of USB ports and cup holders.
accountCircle Deborah M on May 7, 2021
2020 Kia Telluride EX has comfort, safety features, and is physically pretty!
I have been driving my vehicle for 9 months now and I have zero issues or complaints. I absolutely love my telluride. It drives smooth, even in the snow! The interior is smart and comfortable. We have two kids and two dogs and the vehicle still does not feel crowded.
accountCircle Hayley A on July 5, 2021
2020 Kia Telluride EX has a lot of space and room inside. Has a massive trunk.
The alarm goes off of the windows are rolled down and you lock the car and walk away. Other than that there really are no problems with the car. Actually, there are no seat warmers even though it is a brand new car. In addition, it has no sunroof. I wish there was!
accountCircle Ralph J on March 24, 2021
Quality and performance throughout 2020 Kia Telluride EX.
The telluride is an exceptional vehicle. The quality and feel is exquisite. An extremely quiet cabin, to an almost tank like feel in a good way. Never driving anything but a Kia in the (my) future. Once you test drive the telluride you too will be a customer.
accountCircle Miranda H on April 30, 2021
2020 Kia Telluride EX. Storage and style all in one.
Love the look, great amount of storage, captains chairs are awesome, comfortable, smooth drive, nice tech features. I love the display panel and "Quiet mode" For sleeping kids. Great family car for trips and everyday life. Ok gas mileage for an SUV.
avatar Sandy B
Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)
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