The 2027 Kia Telluride marks the formal arrival of the midsize three-row SUV’s second generation, ushering in a complete exterior overhaul, an upscale tech-dense interior, and the nameplate’s first-ever hybrid powertrain.
A Sharper, More Boxy Stance
The original Telluride made its name by offering Range Rover-adjacent road presence at mainstream pricing. The second generation leans further into that aesthetic with a wider stance, longer wheelbase, and blocky, geometric sheet metal inspired by Kia’s EV9 design language.
- Lighting: Vertical “Star Map” LED headlamps and taillamps replace the outgoing amber rectangles, framing a flatter, upright grille.
- Proportions: A longer roofline and stretched glasshouse expand third-row head space while maintaining the SUV’s trademark planted look.
- Aerodynamics: Despite the blockier silhouette, flush door elements and refined active underbody shutters yield a 10% reduction in drag.
Powertrain Revolution: Enter the Turbo-Hybrid
Kia retired the long-running naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 in favor of a twin-powertrain strategy prioritizing low-end torque and fuel economy.
| Specification | 2.5L Turbo I-4 (Standard) | 2.5L Turbo-Hybrid (New) |
| Horsepower | 274 hp | 329 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 339 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | AWD standard / available |
| Estimated Fuel Economy | 20–22 MPG combined | Up to 35 MPG combined |
| Max Cruising Range | ~400–450 miles | 600+ miles |
The base 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four delivers noticeably punchier city response due to peak torque arriving lower in the rev range than the outgoing V6. The headline feature, however, is the hybrid system: combining electric drive motors with a turbo petrol engine, it offers 329 hp alongside genuine commuter efficiency without requiring a plug.
Cabin Space and Interior Upgrades
Inside, Kia nudges the Telluride closer to entry-level luxury. A seamless panoramic curved glass unit integrates dual 12.3-inch displays for instrumentation and infotainment, running Kia’s latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) software with over-the-air updates.
- Cabin Ergonomics: Physical switchgear remains for primary climate and volume controls, accompanied by dual fast wireless charging bays.
- Executive Seating: Available second-row power captain’s chairs include heated, ventilated, and full-recline “relaxation” modes.
- Cargo Expansion: Storage behind the third row measures 22 cu-ft, opening to 46 cu-ft behind the second row and topping out at 87 cu-ft with all rear benches folded flat.
Serious Soft-Roading in the X-Pro
For buyers looking to leave paved tarmac, the Telluride X-Pro trim shifts from an aesthetic package to genuine mechanical upgrades:
- Ground Clearance: Raised to 9.1 inches with unique off-road damper tuning.
- Traction Hardware: Factory-fitted all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, an electronic rear limited-slip differential (e-LSD), and upgraded hill descent control.
- Trail Visibility: A Ground-View camera projection system renders obstacles directly below the front bumper on the center infotainment display.
The redesigned 2027 Telluride fixes the outgoing model’s primary shortcoming—fuel consumption—while refining the cabin and road manners that put it atop the three-row family SUV rankings.
