The 2020 Kia Telluride is one of the best SUVs to hit the market in recent years. Despite offering desirable luxury features across the board, it manages to retain a very reasonable price. As a result of the 2020 Telluride being so new, few vehicles are available in the used market. A quick search on AutoTrader reveals that some of the higher trim levels sell close to the cost of a brand-new base model. So if you’re in the market for Kia’s most outstanding SUV, then buying used is the way to go.

A used Kia Telluride is an absolute bargain

One of the things buyers and reviewers love the most about the Kia Telluride is its $31,990 starting price. The low entry price will get you the entry-level LX model. With a long list of standard features and available an available all-wheel-drive system, the LX is a great starting point. Next up in the Telluride’s trim levels is the S for $34,390, followed by the EX for $37,390. The range-topping trim level is the SX for $42,190.

Taking a look at the pre-owned side of the Telluride market reveals some genuine bargains. While a Telluride EX without options starts at $37,390, a used one sells for around $31,900. The mid-range model seems to be the worst affected during the first year of depreciation. A used top of the range SX model sells for around $45,000 despite having a near $50,000 MSRP. It is also important to note that these one-year-old SUVs still retain the remaining nine years of Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Which trim level is best?

Thankfully for buyers, the Kia Telluride is only offered in four trim levels. The result is that most of the valuable equipment comes as standard. To get the absolute best of the Telluride, the obvious answer would be the range-topping SX model. However, the mid-range EX model is probably the one to buy. Aside from selling eerily close to $30,000, the EX gets noticeable upgrades over the others.

LED headlights and tail lights come as standard and give the EX a distinctive look. Aside from having larger wheels than other trim levels, the EX also benefits from a Smart Power Liftgate and the Highway Driving Assist system. Leather seats are only available in the EX, and SX trims, as well as the 10.25-inch touch-screen infotainment system. Aside from offering plenty of car for the money, another year or two of depreciation should see the Telluride range dip into the $20,000 mark.

Regardless of trim, the Telluride is a no-brainer

The entire Kia Telluride range shares the same 3.8-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 291 hp. The only transmission option available is an eight-speed automatic. Although all Telluride models come with front-wheel-drive as standard, an optional all-wheel-drive system can be added for $2,000.

In terms of safety, the Kia Telluride is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, scoring favorably in all major impact areas. All Telluride trim levels include safety systems such as Bling Spot Detection, Driver Attention Warning, and Forward Collision-Avoidance, to name a few. The Telluride also receives Kia’s excellent 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, instilling confidence, even when buying used.