How do you make something better that’s already proven to be popular? This is a design dilemma Kia faced with the second-generation Kia Telluride SUV.
Before it makes its full debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 19, Kia showcased the 2027 Telluride at its design studio in Irvine, California. The only model available to the media was the off-road-adjacent X-Pro trim, replete with tow hooks, all-terrain tires, and a roof rack. Although Kia declined to break out the percentage of Telluride shoppers who buy the X-Pro trim, the rugged look better showcases “the bigger, bolder, and still proudly boxy” design of the new Telluride.
It mostly works.
A Brief History of the Kia Telluride
Topping the charts of many lists of best 3-row SUVs, the Telluride launched in 2019 as a 2020 model at a time when the market for 3-row SUVs seemed full enough. But Kia had the element of surprise, if not low expectations, on its side. The Telluride brought boxy, Range Rover-like style with a value-packed interior to the mainstream masses. Small but distinctive elements, such as amber running lights flanking the brand’s “tiger nose” grille, complemented the squared ends and upright posture now proliferating once again in the modern SUV.
Kia will skip the 2026 model year and launch the 2027 Telluride in the first quarter of 2026. This time, Kia won’t be able to surprise shoppers, who now have higher expectations. Just about every other automaker now embraces the bold-and-boxy design dogma. The South Korean automaker leaned into its most American model — made in West Point, Georgia, and exported to Canada, Mexico, and the Middle East — by doing the most American thing. Kia made the Telluride bigger.
How Big Is the 2027 Kia Telluride?
The second-generation Kia Telluride stretches out 2.3 inches longer and has a significantly longer wheelbase, estimated to be nearly three inches longer than its predecessor. Kia didn’t have most of the specs at press time. The beefier X-Pro appears larger and rides higher than other Telluride trims, thanks to its 9.1-inch ground clearance.
It looks bigger in every aspect. Vertical amber running lights complement the vertical taillights, which 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 EVs. The smooth body design is a departure from the fussy creases and angles that typified SUVs of a prior generation.
Kia went easy on the fender and rocker cladding, fortunately. At the top of each wheel arch is a garnish, like a keystone. That’s about it for the embellishments. Wheel sizes include 18, 20, and 21 inches.
Up front, twin bulges on the edge of the hood hike up its vertical pants, and a broad mesh grille sits over a solid lower bumper studded with twin tow hooks. Within those signature amber running lights are narrow vertical headlights.
One piece that seems a bit out of place is the floating roof element running into the tailgate. This is one of the trickier design elements to pull off, especially in midsize 3-row SUVs. Automakers such as Toyota and Honda have ditched that once-popular element for a solid panel that connects with the roof, rather than a “floating” black arm extending to the rear. The Telluride has that solid body panel, but it’s topped by the black arm. We suspect it would look better without it.
The ruggedness is evident at the rear, where a broad, vertical tailgate is positioned under an integrated roof spoiler. Two tow hooks sit below the taillights in a picture of symmetry with the front. Solid body-color panels sit between the twin bars of each taillight, making it more pronounced.
There’s more lighting, as is the modern way, but it may not shine from all Telluride models. The X-Pro features more gloss black on the side mirrors, bumpers, and wheel designs, but it also includes puddle lights that project down from the side mirrors and the rear bumper.
The new Telluride is still handsome, and its bigger canvas accentuates those winning attributes. The interior is the biggest departure, however, and the most noteworthy improvement.
Interior of the 2027 Kia Telluride
A wide, low dash greets occupants and reflects the broad design aesthetic of the exterior. It creates an airy, spacious feeling. A range of design materials, including metallic and faux wood trim, offers a range of vibes. The display model featured a gray camo pattern that contrasted nicely with the warm ambient light, highlighting the dash, door pockets, and console recesses.
An octagonal steering wheel with an open top half extends that rugged luxury SUV feel. A digital instrument cluster runs into the touchscreen that curves under one pane of glass toward the driver. We’ll presume the displays are the same 12.3-inch setups in other Kia models. It harmonizes well with the slender horizontal vents and the thin bar of controls that limit reliance on the touchscreen. Thankfully, temperature and fan speed toggles get their own bar above a row of USB ports.
Kia relocated the gear shifter from the console to the steering column, similar to its EVs, to create more space in the center console. It holds up to two wireless device chargers, as well as collapsible cup holders, and the raised sides double as grab handles for that trucky feel.
The console holds a deep storage bin that opens up to rear passengers as well, similar to the 2026 Hyundai Palisade.
How Roomy Are the Second- and Third-Row Seats in the 2027 Telluride?
Due to its longer wheelbase, rear passengers are afforded more space in both 7-seat and 8-seat configurations. The X-Pro we played with had second-row captain’s chairs with buttons on the seat top for easy access to the third row. Even toddler hands could push the button and watch the seat tilt and slide forward.
The third-row bench features three seatbelts and is spacious enough to accommodate two average-sized adults. At 5 feet, 8 inches tall, our tester enjoyed good headroom and legroom. However, the toeroom was tight with the captain’s chairs in their rearmost setting. Due to a large quarter window, the quality of light is good, and it doesn’t feel claustrophobic back there. Two cupholders over each wheel well, as well as rear USB-C ports, make the third row more than functional.
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.
2027 Kia Telluride Engines, Hybrid, and Specs
We expect the same engine options from the mechanically related 2026 Hyundai Palisade to carry over to the 2027 Kia Telluride. That would make the base engine a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. A hybrid option with a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors should be rated at 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive (FWD) should be standard on both, while all-wheel drive (AWD) likely will be optional.
We also expect the pricing of the 2027 Kia Telluride to be similar to that of its Hyundai cousin when it comes out in early 2026. That would put its starting price in the low $41,000 range, and the X-Pro model you see above would be a little over $50,000.
Stay tuned. We’ll have more to share before the 2027 Kia Telluride goes on sale early next year.
