2027 Kia Telluride

Instead of milking the success of the first-generation Telluride, Kia dropped the V6 for a more efficient and potent hybrid system that outperforms the new base turbo-4. More cargo room, impressive headroom, easy access to the roomier third row, and more standard convenience features such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen and dual wireless device chargers lean into those winning attributes that earned it KBB’s Best Buy Award in its class for nearly every year since it launched in 2020.

The second-generation Kia Telluride wears crisp lines on its brawnier shoulders. The grille stretches wider to vertical amber running lights that are bookended at the rear. Retractable door handles help smooth the sides and visual keystones crown the rounded wheel arches. The biggest changes happen inside with a new dash, display, and console layout optimized for clever storage options, such as a two-tiered open console with a storage under the armrest that doubles as a drawer for second-row passengers. There’s much more to it.

It costs about $3,000 more than the 2025 Telluride, but we’d still recommend the more expensive Telluride Hybrid, which starts at $48,035. It only gets 31 mpg combined with all-wheel drive (AWD), but that’s at least 50% more efficient than the outgoing V6.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of 3-row SUVs, including the Kia Telluride.

The base 2027 Telluride LX costs $40,735 (all prices listed include the $1,545 destination fee), which is about $3,000 more than the 2025 Telluride. Kia now offers it in a dizzying nine trims, and the off-road X-Pro models only come with the turbo-4, not the hybrid. Hybrid models start with the $48,035 EX trim, which is $2,700 more than a similarly equipped gas-only EX. We’d still recommend the more expensive Telluride Hybrid.

Before buying a Telluride, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Kia Telluride resale value has been above average for the segment, and we expect that to remain the case with the 2027 model. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

Telluride 2.5-liter Turbo-4 Review

Departing from the related Hyundai Palisade and its retuned V6, Kia employs a 274-hp 2.5-liter turbo-4 paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with FWD or available AWD. It takes a beat for the engine to respond to the throttle, and another beat to get moving. It’s less pronounced at speed and playing with the paddle shifters doesn’t remedy the lag.

Telluride Hybrid Review

The new Telluride Hybrid drives with the quietude expected from a flagship SUV. The 2.5-liter turbo-4 pairs with a two-motor hybrid system to generate 329 horsepower. It’s smooth, predictable, and responsive, though too big to be quick, and the drive modes let the 6-speed automatic transmission do the work for you. There are no regenerative brake settings, no EV or Hybrid modes, so all you have to do is pick Eco, Sport, or My Smart and drive. This set-it-and-forget-it approach is key to the Telluride’s character.

In Eco mode, it’s quiet and composed, thanks in part to the retractable door handles and aerodynamic side mirrors that cut down wind noise. The hybrid motors use a kind of torque vectoring called e-handling for greater stability, and the e-ride function limits pitch and lift for better balance.

Telluride X-Pro Off-Road Review

The X-Pro models with the 274-hp turbo-4 engine benefit from standard AWD, a higher ground clearance of 9.1 inches, wider 18-inch all-terrain tires, an electronic limited-slip differential, and a beefier suspension (read the off-road review here). This is much more capable than its predecessor’s cosmetic package.

We forded a rocky creek with about 10 inches of water, lumbered up mildly rutted inclines and down 20-degree pitches, angled around a 35-degree turn with surprising agility, articulated some bumps with one wheel in the air, and wanted to do it all again.

Kia keeps it simple by programming all the throttle mapping changes and hill descent control through the three terrain mode settings, Snow, Mud, Sand. There’s no center locking differential button to press, no hill descent control to activate, and once in the Terrain mode field, even the excellent front axle views pop up in the touchscreen beside the bird’s-eye projection.

A tow hitch is standard on X-Pros, and all turbo-4 models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

A wide, low dash that reflects the exterior design creates a spacious feeling inside. Design materials include faux wood and metallic trim, with ambient lighting coloring the dash, door pockets, and console recesses.

An octagonal steering wheel with an open top half extends that premium feel. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster runs into a 12.3-inch touchscreen that curves toward the driver. Below it are slender horizontal vents and a thin bar of climate toggles that limit reliance on the touchscreen.

The Telluride no longer has a mechanical gear shifter located in the center console between the driver and passenger seats. Kia introduced an electric shifter and relocated it to the steering column, similar to its EVs. It opens up space in the center console to fit up to two wireless device chargers, as well as collapsible cupholders. Grab handles frame the console, giving it a truck-like feel.

The console holds a deep storage bin that opens up to rear passengers as well, similar to the 2026 Hyundai Palisade.

Due to the longer wheelbase, rear passengers are treated to more space in both 7-seat and 8-seat configurations. The available second-row captain’s chairs have buttons on the seat top that even toddler hands could press to tilt and slide the seat forward for easy access to the third row.

The third-row bench is big enough to accommodate two average-sized adults, with decent headroom and legroom, though the toeroom can be cramped. Large rear quarter windows let in plenty of natural light, so it doesn’t feel claustrophobic back there. Cupholders and USB ports on either side keep the rearmost passengers comfy and connected.

Getting out is as easy as a button push, or the aisle is wide enough to get out if you don’t want to slide the seat. We’re told that child safety seats can remain in place when shifting the captain’s chairs forward.

The second-generation Kia Telluride stretches out 2.3 inches longer and has a 2.7-inch longer wheelbase. It looks bigger in every aspect. Vertical amber running lights complemented by vertical taillights bookend Kia’s flagship SUV. Big and broad shoulders frame a clean body with flush door handles that pop out when you approach, similar to Kia’s EV9. At the top of each wheel arch is a garnish, like a keystone in an arch. An X-Pro model slaps recovery hooks on the front and rear, and rides on all-terrain tires that help boost its ground clearance.

Hybrid powertrain
The turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a two-electric-motor motor hybrid system only gets 31 mpg combined with all-wheel drive (AWD), but that’s at least 50% more efficient than the outgoing V6. It’s also smoother and quieter.

Dual 12.3-inch displays
Kia’s twin 12.3-inch displays curve toward the driver, keeping the tech interface modern without overwhelming the cabin. The interface and user experience surpass the competition in terms of ease of use and functionality. Yet there are buttons and toggles for temperature and fan speed, which we prefer.

Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
These essential smartphone connectivity features make it effortless to bring your maps, music, and more to the screen in the car without having to take your phone out of your purse or pocket. Dual wireless device chargers are also standard.

Clever storage designs
Migrating the gear shifter from the console to the steering column created a significant amount of space. The new Telluride has an open storage area below the console, and the storage area under the armrest converts into a drawer that can be opened from the back, allowing rear-seat passengers to stow and access items easily. It’s a small but thoughtful detail to keep clutter to a minimum in a family car.

3rd row roominess
The longer body and wheelbase enable room to fit two adults in the third row. Three kids could fit fine back there for carpool duty, but even on longer road trips, two kids could fit in back in comfort, thanks to good natural light, built-in cupholders, and USB ports.