2027 Kia Telluride: Catching Up Quickly
Key Points
- After six model years and a refresh, Kia’s popular Telluride three-row SUV is finally getting its first full redesign.
- In addition to new styling, the Telluride gets two new powertrains, including a hybrid.
- The off-road X-Pro trim has more upgrades than the previous generation.
Kia’s gas-powered Telluride flagship SUV gets its first full redesign for the 2027 model year (the brand will apparently jump right from the last-generation 2025 model to 2027), and it is much needed. The Telluride dropped from second place to fourth in Cars.com’s most recent three-row SUV comparison test as competitors improved while it stood pat, and having just reviewed a 2025 Telluride SX-Prestige X-Pro, I saw firsthand that a redesign was due. At the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show, I saw firsthand that Kia has now delivered — and then some.
Related: More 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show News
Upscale Exterior
- Takeaway: The new Telluride isn’t just bigger, it also looks better and more upscale.
Outside, the Telluride is over 2 inches longer with a wheelbase stretched by almost 3 inches. The visual proportions are excellent, and what looks sometimes like a gigantic grille is transformed into a more size-appropriate one once the “hidden” headlights are illuminated. The X-Pro trim looks even more rugged than before, with 9.1 inches of ground clearance (up from the previous 8.4) and some serious-looking, frame-mounted front and rear recovery points. I overheard multiple observations on the show floor that the new Telluride looks “like a Range Rover,” but I see more of a refined, gas-powered EV9 (complimentary).
Upgraded Interior
- Takeaway: Upgrades inside the new Telluride address nearly every complaint with the prior generation, but they also introduce some minor ergonomic issues.
My impression of the new Telluride’s exterior is probably colored by the interior, which is also reminiscent of the EV9’s but with some refinements. The dual 12.3-inch displays for the instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen look excellent despite the introduction of the hard-to-see central climate-control display. Physical controls are also reduced, but some still exist for the display, climate and audio.
The front seats are comfortable and roomy, and the increase in wheelbase makes the second row feel significantly roomier and the third row … somewhat better. I’m 6-foot-1 and wouldn’t like to spend a lengthy time in the third row, but it would be fine for short trips. Interior materials quality is excellent, and the interesting, upscale color combinations inside (such as Blackberry and Sand Beige) look great, though tamer combinations are also available.
Driving TBD
- Takeaway: We can’t know how the new powertrains or upgraded steering perform until we drive the new Telluride, so stay tuned.
The elephant in the room is how the new Telluride drives. With a standard turbocharged four-cylinder replacing the old Telluride’s massive 3.8-liter V-6, the 2027 model is significantly different from its predecessor and the all-new Hyundai Palisade, which stuck with the V-6. The available hybrid powertrain is also intriguing and a welcome upgrade, with Kia estimating 35 mpg combined for the big SUV. I’m excited to give both a spin.
Read More About the Kia Telluride:
- 2027 Kia Telluride Gets Available 35-MPG Hybrid Powertrain
- Kia Shows Off 2027 Telluride’s Bold New Look Ahead of Los Angeles Auto Show Debut
- Which 3-Row SUVs Offer Captain’s Chairs?
- How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2025 Kia Telluride?
- Research the Kia Telluride
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