Kia Telluride Blackout Guide: Top Aftermarket Nightsky Trim Kits & Emblem Swaps
There’s something undeniably satisfying about glancing back at your Telluride in a parking lot and seeing nothing but sleek, aggressive black—no chrome, no shiny badges, just pure attitude.
Maybe you’ve spotted a Nightfall Edition rolling down the highway and thought, “I want that look.” The good news? You don’t need to trade in your Telluride to get it. Whether you have a base LX or a fully loaded SX, there are plenty of ways to achieve that murdered-out aesthetic.
TL;DR
You can black out your Telluride using the factory Nightfall package (if buying new), OEM black emblems, vinyl overlays, or full chrome delete kits. The factory package costs $1,295–1,595 and includes black wheels, grille, roof rails, and emblems. Aftermarket options range from $30 vinyl overlays to full trim kits. Forum owners recommend vinyl overlays for emblems, while professional chrome deletion is best for grilles and window trim.
Key Takeaways
- Factory Nightfall Package: $1,295–1,595 on EX and SX trims with AWD, includes gloss black everything
- OEM Black Emblems: The genuine Kia black badge part number is 86310-S9050, fits 2020-2021 models
- Vinyl Overlays: $30–40 sets that stick directly over existing badges—no removal needed, lasts 5–7 years
- Plasti Dip: DIY option for emblems and trim, but many owners say it looks cheap if not done perfectly
- Full Chrome Delete: Professional vinyl wrap for grilles and window trim runs $300–600 depending on complexity
Understanding the Factory Nightfall Package
Kia introduced the Nightfall package for the 2021 Telluride, and it was an instant hit. For $1,295 on the EX AWD and $1,595 on the SX AWD, you got everything blacked out from the factory .
Here’s exactly what the package includes:
- 20-inch black alloy wheels with dark chrome lug nuts and black wheel caps
- Gloss black radiator grille with the “KIA” logo in black
- Black headlamp and fog lamp bezels
- Gloss black roof rails and window trim (DLO)
- Gloss black skid plates (front and rear)
- Black emblems on the front and rear
- Gloss black door trim and front bumper air ducts
The Nightfall package was available on EX and SX trims with all-wheel drive. EX models also required the Premium Package . And here’s a cool detail: you could pair the black accents with colors like Snow White Pearl, Gravity Gray, and Dark Moss—not just Ebony Black . The Wolf Gray paint was exclusive to Nightfall models .
If you’re buying a used Telluride, models with this package hold their value a bit better because the look is so sought-after.
Aftermarket Blackout Options: Your Three Paths
If your Telluride didn’t come with the Nightfall package, don’t worry. You’ve got options. Here’s the breakdown.
Path 1: Vinyl Overlays for Emblems
This is the easiest and most affordable way to black out your Kia badges. Vinyl overlays stick directly on top of your existing emblems—no removal, no hassle.
What owners are saying:
On the Telluride forums, owners have had good luck with overlays from companies like Just Stick It Decals and KDM Accessories . One owner said: “I actually used the vinyl overlay kit… I think they turned out very well. Super happy with the results.”
Another forum member mentioned: “I purchased the vinyl overlay also and can’t wait to apply it tomorrow!” The company even sent a practice piece so you can get the hang of the installation before doing the real thing .
The catch with overlays:
Because the Kia emblem has a curved edge, vinyl overlays can’t cover the entire emblem surface. There will be a slight chrome border visible around the edges . Some owners don’t mind this—they think it gives the badge a nice accent. Others prefer a true blackout and go with paint instead.
One forum user explained: “I noticed with the NF, the front emblem is hard to see if you paint it. I like that the vinyl overlay shows a little chrome and makes it stand out better. Gives it a border.”
Quality concerns:
Not all overlays are created equal. One owner reported: “Just tried to apply them. The sizing is terrible, left a large border around the edges and didnt line up. Front and rear went in the trash.” So it pays to buy from reputable sellers.
KDM Accessories sells overlays that are “premium automotive-grade vinyl built to last 5–7 years” and are “weatherproof, fade-resistant & car-wash safe” . They cost around $32.74 for a set .
Path 2: OEM Black Emblems
For a more permanent solution, you can replace your chrome badges with genuine Kia black emblems. The OEM part number for the rear emblem is 86310-S9050 .
What owners are saying:
On eBay, the OEM black emblem has a 4.7 out of 5-star rating . One buyer wrote: “There were not any instructions so I installed them over the original emblems. It was a good mistake I really do like the look. The emblems are a quality product.”
Another reviewer said: “They fit perfectly over the factory emblems and look very nice.”
Installation considerations:
Removing the factory emblem requires a heat gun to soften the adhesive tape. Once removed, you’ll need new double-sided tape to install the new badge . One forum member warned: “You can remove the rear emblem but you will have to buy a new one if you want to replace it. It has double sided tape and you will not get all of it off to reapply new tape to restick it.”
If you don’t want to risk damaging the original badge, an overlay is the safer bet.
Path 3: Plasti Dip and Hyperdip
Plasti Dip is a peelable rubber coating that you spray onto emblems and trim. It’s a DIY favorite because mistakes are fixable—just peel it off.
What owners are saying:
One Telluride forum member shared: “Did some plasti dip and wheel skins on my LX AWD and I’m in love. Thinking of dipping the rest of the chrome but not sure yet. Can’t recommend the wheel skins enough, super easy install and a nice gloss black appearance.”
But not everyone loves the look. Another owner commented: “I have seen where some have taped around it and used plastidip. I was not impressed with the results.”
For a glossier, more durable finish, some owners prefer Hyperdip—it’s a newer version that looks closer to paint. One forum member said: “I’m going with Shadow Black Hyperdip up front and Piano Black for the rear.”
The Full Chrome Delete: Grilles, Trim, and More
Emblems are just the beginning. To truly get the Nightfall look, you’ll want to black out the grille, window trim, roof rails, and skid plates.
Professional vinyl wrapping is the best way to do this. A shop will apply automotive-grade vinyl to the chrome surfaces, giving you a clean, durable finish that looks factory.
DIY kits are also available. SlickMod, for example, sells chrome delete vinyl kits for the Telluride . But be warned: this is a tricky DIY job. One owner on the forums asked: “Anyone have experience on deleting/blackout the chrome trim on the front grille of the 2023 version of the Telluride? I tried looking up kits but only found options on the 2020-2022 models.”
The 2023 Telluride has a redesigned front grille, so make sure you’re buying a kit that fits your model year.
Real-World Blackout Build Example
VIP Auto Accessories built a custom blackout Telluride that shows what’s possible. They wrapped the car in bright cyan blue vinyl, but the blackout accents really made it pop .
Here’s what they did:
- Removed all emblems and painted them gloss black
- Installed black 22-inch Niche Misano wheels
- Lowered the suspension with coilovers for an aggressive stance
- Added ceramic coating to protect the finish
For the emblems, they used paint rather than overlays for a true, seamless black finish . But they also recommend overlays as a quick, removable option .
Comparison Table: Blackout Emblem Options
| Method | Cost | Difficulty | Durability | Reversible? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Overlay | $30–40 | Easy | 5–7 years | Yes | Quick, risk-free blackout |
| OEM Black Emblem | $50–80 | Moderate | Permanent | No | Factory-quality finish |
| Plasti Dip | $10–15 | Easy | 1–2 years | Yes | Budget DIY option |
| Hyperdip | $20–30 | Easy | 2–3 years | Yes | Glossier DIY alternative |
| Professional Paint | $150–300 | Professional | Permanent | No | Seamless, high-end look |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the Kia Telluride Nightfall package include?
A: It includes 20-inch black wheels, a black grille, black emblems, black headlamp bezels, gloss black roof rails, window trim, and skid plates. On EX AWD models it costs $1,295; on SX AWD, $1,595 .
Q: What is the OEM part number for a black Kia Telluride emblem?
A: The rear emblem part number is 86310-S9050. It fits 2020-2021 models .
Q: Are emblem overlays better than replacing the badge?
A: It depends. Overlays are easier and reversible, but they leave a small chrome border visible. Replacing the badge gives a perfect black finish but requires removing the old emblem with a heat gun .
Q: Can I black out the 2023 Telluride grille?
A: Yes, but make sure you buy a kit designed for the 2023 model. The front end was redesigned, so older kits won’t fit properly .
Q: Is the Nightfall package available on all Telluride trims?
A: No. It was available on EX and SX trims with all-wheel drive. EX models also required the Premium Package .
Q: What’s the best way to black out Telluride emblems?
A: Most forum owners recommend vinyl overlays for their ease of installation and quality results. They’re affordable, reversible, and look great when applied carefully .
References
References:
- ZigWheels – Kia Telluride Nightfall Package Details
- CNET Roadshow – 2021 Kia Telluride Nightfall
- Kia America Newsroom – 2021 Telluride Pricing
- eBay – OEM Kia Black Emblem 86310-S9050
- Kia Telluride Forum – Emblem Painting Discussion
- KDM Accessories – Badge Vinyl Overlays
- Kia Telluride Forum – Chrome Delete Discussion
- VIP Auto Accessories – Custom Blackout Build
