Six years after the original Telluride redefined what a midsize SUV could be, the Korean automaker returns with a second-generation model that evolves rather than revolutionizes, which is perfectly fine. Built at Kia’s Georgia facility and designed at the brand’s Irvine, California design center, the 2027 Telluride leans harder into the boxy, upright silhouette that made the first generation such a standout.
Range Rover on a Budget
The 2027 Telluride is bigger now at 2.3″ longer overall with a wheelbase stretched nearly 3″. The front grille spans the full width, bookended by vertical LED daytime running lights in amber that reference the original’s signature lighting. At the rear, those vertical taillights return in a more refined form, separated by body-colored panels to give the whole thing an architectural-like style.
Strip away the badges and you might mistake this thing for a full-size Range Rover from certain angles. Kia’s design team, led by VP and Senior Chief Designer Tom Kearns, approached the Telluride with what he calls “anti-design” — a restrained, tailored philosophy that shows strength in a subtle way. The result is a three-row SUV that will look more expensive than it is, which has always been the Telluride’s M.O.
Those controversial sculpted notches at the top of each wheel well showcase what Kearns describes as a design that should “look a bit uncomfortable” at first glance to ensure it stays fresh years from now. The floating wheel cladding and flush door handles borrowed from the EV6 and EV9 add modern touches while still preserving the SUV’s rugged character.
X-Pro Gets Serious
The off-road-focused X-Pro variant returns with a more aggressive stance with blacked-out wheel arches and trim, a bold mesh grille, raised roof rails, and 9.1″ of ground clearance riding on all-terrain Continental CrossContact rubber. Standard front and rear recovery hooks signal this trim’s trail-ready intent. A new Ground Lighting feature projects illumination from the mirrors, rear doors, and bumper.
Inside the Sanctuary
The interior takes inspiration from what Kia calls “Grandioso,” a restrained elegance that draws from luxury interiors. Flowing surfaces meet wood-like textures and real metal accents. The twin 12.3-inch screens sit in a perfectly rectangular housing borrowed from the EV9, while a column-mounted gear shifter frees up valuable console space.
Thanks to the increased dimensions, the second and third rows offer easier access and up to half an inch more headroom in sunroof-equipped models. The reconfigurable cargo area gets a folding luggage table with integrated ruler markings for outdoor use.
Power and Performance TBD
Kia’s keeping powertrain details under wraps until the LA Auto Show debut next week, but expect the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 from the Palisade (287 hp, 260 lb-ft) and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid making 329hp. Front- and all-wheel-drive configurations will be available, with the V6 paired to an eight-speed automatic and the hybrid getting a six-speed unit.
Spec Sheet
Model: 2027 Kia Telluride
Body Style: Three-row midsize SUV
Powertrains: 3.5L V6 and 2.5L turbo-four hybrid (expected)
Drivetrain: FWD or AWD
Ground Clearance: 9.1″ (X-Pro)
Wheels: 18″, 20″, 21″ options
Seating: Up to 8 passengers
Colors: 10 total, including Black Jade Green, Terrain Brown (gloss and matte)
Pricing & Availability
The 2027 Telluride hits showrooms in the first quarter of 2026, with full pricing and trim details coming at the LA Auto Show later this month. Given the original’s starting price hovered around $35,000, expect the new generation to be slightly higher.
Recap
2027 Kia Telluride
Kia’s unveils the 2027 Telluride, sticking with the boxy, upright design that made the original a hit, but grows bigger and bolder with Range Rover-like styling. It arrives in showrooms early 2026 with a more luxurious interior, and a rugged X-Pro trim that’s actually ready for the trail.
