Summer cottage season is here, and many Ontario families are planning weekend getaways to Muskoka, Algonquin, or their favourite lakeside retreat. If you're shopping for a new Kia SUV to handle those cottage country roads, you've likely noticed two rugged-looking trim options: X-Line and X-Pro. While both promise a more adventurous look and feel, they serve different purposes on your journey to cottage country.
Understanding the difference between these trims can help you choose the right setup for your summer adventures. Whether you're hauling canoes, navigating gravel roads, or simply want that bold, outdoor-ready appearance, each trim offers distinct advantages worth exploring.
X-Line: Adventure-Ready Style for Every Journey

The X-Line trim focuses on delivering that rugged, off-road aesthetic without compromising on-road comfort. Available on both the Sorento and Telluride, X-Line models feature distinctive styling cues that set them apart from standard trims.
On the Sorento X-Line, you'll find 20" exclusive alloy wheels, a gloss black grille, and silver-painted front and rear skid plates that give the SUV a more aggressive stance. Inside, the X-Line treatment includes heated second-row seats, LED interior lighting, and wood grain centre facia accents. The Sorento X-Line comes with standard all-wheel drive and the 2.5L turbo engine producing 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
The Telluride X-Line takes a slightly different approach with 20" black alloy wheels, high ground clearance at 213mm, and gloss black exterior garnish throughout. Dark satin belt line trim and black Kia emblems complete the bold exterior look. Inside, you'll find leather seats with X-Line embossed seatbacks and standard headliner instead of the premium Nappa leather found on other high-end trims.
X-Pro: Enhanced Capability for Real Adventures

While X-Line delivers the look of adventure, X-Pro takes things further with genuine capability enhancements. Currently available on both the Sorento and Telluride, X-Pro builds on the X-Line foundation with practical upgrades for serious cottage country use.
The key difference lies in the wheel and tire setup. X-Pro models feature smaller but more capable wheels - 17" exclusive alloy wheels on the Sorento and 18" black alloy wheels on the Telluride - paired with all-terrain tires designed for better traction on loose surfaces like gravel cottage roads or muddy boat launches.
Both X-Pro models include a 110V power inverter in the cargo area, perfect for charging electronics or running small appliances at remote cottage locations. The Telluride X-Pro also offers enhanced towing capability, rated at 2,494 kg (5,500 lbs) compared to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) on other Telluride trims.
Towing and Cargo: Getting Your Gear to the Cottage
Cottage trips often mean bringing plenty of gear, and both trim levels accommodate this need differently. The Sorento X-Pro can tow up to 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs), while the standard X-Line manages 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs) - a significant difference if you're pulling a boat or large trailer.
Cargo capacity remains consistent across trim levels within each model:
Model
|
Behind 3rd Row
|
Behind 2nd Row
|
Maximum
|
Sorento
|
357 L
|
1,090-1,274 L
|
2,139 L
|
Telluride
|
601 L
|
1,304 L
|
2,455 L
|
Both SUVs offer impressive space for cottage essentials, from coolers and fishing gear to outdoor furniture and sports equipment.
Choosing the Right Trim for Your Cottage Plans
The decision between X-Line and X-Pro comes down to how you plan to use your SUV. If you stick to paved roads and want that rugged aesthetic for weekend trips to well-established cottage areas, X-Line provides the style you're looking for with excellent on-road performance.
However, if your cottage adventures take you down rough access roads, involve boat launching on less-than-perfect surfaces, or require serious towing capability, X-Pro's all-terrain tires and enhanced features make it worth the upgrade. The 110V inverter alone can be invaluable for remote cottage stays where power isn't readily available.
Both trims come standard with all-wheel drive, making them capable choices for Ontario's varied summer driving conditions, from highway cruising to cottage country exploration.
Ready to explore these adventure-ready Kia models in person? Visit Cobourg Kia to experience the X-Line and X-Pro differences and find the right SUV for your cottage country adventures.
To learn more about Kia SUVs like the 2025 Kia Sorento, visit Kia.ca