2027 Kia Telluride, front 3/4, matte finish,
2027 Kia Telluride

NEWPORT BEACH, California – Kia America opened its design studio to journalists for the first time to reveal the 2027 Kia Telluride. We got a sneak peak at this popular vehicle, with a look at the X-Pro trim level, including clay models and interior-material displays. While the full reveal will happen at the LA Auto Show later this month, here’s what we know so far about the second-generation Telluride.

2027 Kia Telluride

It’s bigger

2027 Kia Telluride, rear 3/4 view,
2027 Kia Telluride

For 2027, the Kia Telluride grows 2.3 inches in length, and the wheelbase is stretched by 2.7 inches. It also adds an inch to the height. All of this should translate into better passenger and cargo space. Though Kia hasn’t released any specific specs, the press release states it offers improved interior packaging. This should mean more headroom and easier access to the 3rd-row in addition to better 2nd- and 3rd-row legroom.

It’s techier

The interior gets a complete overhaul and the mono-screen curved display is similar to what we saw in the previous generation but completely different at the same time. Though Kia didn’t share the numbers, it looks like you have two 12.3-inch displays with a digital cluster and touch screen infotainment system. The X-Pro model on display at the design preview had adjustable ambient lighting and dual wireless chargers. Since the newer vehicles in the Kia stable, including the EV9 and K4, have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, we assume the 2027 Telluride will be similarly equipped.

It’s upscale

There is no question that the 2027 Kia Telluride has raised the design bar. From the exterior design to the interior materials, this midsize three-row SUV looks more Land Rover than Kia. It has flush pop-out door handles, an upright stance, and a lighting signature that hearkens back to the original model. While base models will have cloth seats and manufactured trim, you’ll see leather seating surfaces as well as real wood and engineered carbon on upper trims levels.

No word on powertrain

2027 Kia Telluride, rear seat, passenger space,
2027 Kia Telluride

Because this reveal centered around design, Kia didn’t comment on powertrain offerings. However, since the Telluride is closely related to the Hyundai Palisade, we can make an educated guess that the 2027 Kia Telluride will come equipped with the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. By the bump in the floor between the second and third rows, we can also surmise there will be a hybrid option, as well.

Available in Q1, 2026

Though Kia America didn’t specify an exact on-sale date, the press information currently available says it is expected to be in showrooms in the first quarter of 2026. Since the release date is still a few months away, we also don’t have any word on pricing, but for reference, the base LX currently starts at $37,885 and the top-tier SX Prestige X-Pro starts at $55,180.

CG Says:

This next-gen Kia Telluride is noiiice. Whatever you see in pictures, which look great, it’s even better in real life. The smooth yet subtle lines on the side come through when the light hits it just right, and the new daytime running light signature wlll make this new Telluride immediately identifiable in someone’s rear-view mirror. The interior materials on display in the X-Pro are luxury grade, and all elements work well together.

Editor’s note: There is no 2026 Telluride on the Kia docket. Instead, the brand’s popular, large crossover will arrive redesigned early in 2026 as a 2027 model. 

2027 Kia Telluride, dashboard, interior,
2027 Kia Telluride

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