2027 Kia Telluride

 

Test Vehicle: 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige

Powertrain: 2.5L Turbo 

Exterior Color: Terrain Brown Matte

Interior Color: Black Leather

Options: Matte Paint ($995), Carpeted Floor Mats ($250)

MSRP as tested: $59,580 (With Destination & Delivery)

 

Pros: New Hybrid Powertrain, Interior Room, Premium Package/Amenities, Value Proposition

Cons: Base Turbo Lags, Towing Capacity Reduced in Hybrid, Some packaging limitations

 

 

 

When Kia launched the Telluride in 2019 it was met with much fanfare and put key rivals over at Toyota and Honda at notice. The media praised the new mid-size three-row crossover so much that dealers couldn’t keep up with demand. It was a runaway success for Kia. Customers were willing to wait over 6 months for their new Telluride orders, and I was one of them. My family was an early adopter with the first generation that ended up being a 2021 Telluride when it finally came in. It checked all the boxes we needed as we looked to move out of the minivan segment and into a more grown-up family vehicle. Fast forward six years and here we are again with a new generation Telluride just hitting the market, but now Kia has a better sense of production quantities and they’re not so hard to get. And in case you’re wondering… we just got the new one as well and only waited a couple weeks for the hybrid version this time because we wanted a specific color combination (Ebony Black / Millstone Interior).  Coincidently, our personal Telluride arrived the same week as my press loan Telluride making for a perfect comparison of the hybrid vs non-hybrid. 

 

Not only is the 2027 model all-new on the outside and inside (we’ll get to that), but it’s now available with two new powertrains. The standard Telluride is available in ten trims that come with a 2.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 274 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque. It uses an 8-speed automatic that pairs with either front or all-wheel drive. That is down slightly from the previous generation’s V6, which put out 291 horsepower at 262 lb.-ft. of torque.  Alternatively, the Telluride is also now available with a hybrid that includes a turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder plus two electric motors that together push out 329 horsepower and 339 lb. ft. of torque. Hybrids route power through a 6-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or to an available all-wheel drive system. Towing capacity varies from 4,500lbs in the hybrid to 5,000lbs in the non-hybrid. 

 

While the Telluride has gained a lot for 2027, prices have remained in the same general range with base prices starting at $39,190 for a FWD Telluride LX 2.5L Turbo or $46,490 for a Telluride EX Hybrid. At the top end of the pricing scale for the non-hybrid models will be the Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige with AWD which starts at $56,790 (and what I tested for my review). On the hybrid side, the X-Line SX Prestige starts at $57,590 with AWD included as well. Key competitors for the Telluride are the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Grand Highlander, Mazda CX-90, Volkswagen Atlas, and a few others. I spent a few weeks in a top tier X-Pro SX Prestige that checked in just under $60k but also have a 2027 Telluride X-Line SX Hybrid at home that checked in just under $56k. Here’s what stands out in the new Telluride…

 

Exterior:

The 2027 Kia Telluride adopts a bolder, more rugged appearance while maintaining the upscale look that helped make the original one stand out. Rather than simply refreshing the outgoing design, Kia has given the Telluride a boxier, more premium aesthetic that evolves the sentiment that has often compared the Telluride to Range Rover style. The front end is unmistakably Telluride but noticeably more upright and imposing. A Kudos to Kia for bringing back a bold lighting signature that is reminiscent of the original orange squares that made the first Telluride stand out. The hood is flatter and more sculpted, giving the SUV a tougher, truck-inspired stance. Opting for the X-Line / X-Pro trims will change the front end completely with a mesh-type grille that is paired with a squared-off lower black bumper and LED fog lights or orange trail hooks. 

 

The longer wheelbase and more upright roofline improve interior space while giving the SUV stronger proportions. Large windows provide excellent outward visibility, and the squared-off wheel arches reinforce its rugged personality. A floating roof design, black lower body cladding, and available contrasting roof finishes add visual interest without appearing busy. Around back, the rear is clean, modern, and instantly recognizable, and very Range Rover-esque. Tall vertical LED taillights frame the liftgate and blend into the body panels, echoing the front lighting theme. The tailgate itself is more upright than before, improving cargo access and maximizing storage space behind the third row. A full-width trim element visually connects the taillights, while the rear bumper integrates protective cladding and silver skid-plate-style accents. Hidden exhaust outlets contribute to a cleaner, more premium appearance. T-E-L-L-U-R-I-D-E continues to be spelled across the tailgate, although it is now placed below the license plate in a modern typography. Kia enhanced the Telluride with modern styling touches without losing sight of its appeal to its core customers. 

 

Wheels:

For 2027, Kia offers three distinct wheel sizes across the Telluride lineup. Each setup is tailored to the vehicle's mission, whether it's maximizing ride comfort, delivering a premium appearance, or improving off-road capability. Sizes vary between 18”, 20” or 21” and all are generally finished in black with the exception of S and Hybrid EX which have a mix of black/machined aluminum finish. All the designs are blocky in design which you may love or hate. It is the one thing that my wife was not a big fan of on the X-Line SX as it came with 21” black squared four-spoke wheels. Most models are wrapped in all-season tires for maximum comfort and ride quality year-round. 

 

 

Powertrain (2.5L Turbo):

The standard Telluride now uses a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 274 horsepower, 311 lb-ft of torque with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is available. Although it gives up some horsepower versus the old V6, it delivers considerably more torque, making everyday acceleration feel stronger, particularly around town and when merging onto highways. The turbocharged four-cylinder delivers stronger low- and mid-range thrust. That makes the SUV feel more responsive in typical driving situations, especially when accelerating away from a stoplight or passing slower traffic. From a standstill, X-Pro models with all-terrain tires and added weight are slightly slower at 7.4 seconds. Passing performance is more impressive on the highway thanks to the increased torque which minimizes response time when more power is needed. 

 

The Telluride remains one of the most comfortable three-row SUVs rather than one of the sportiest. Ride comfort is a standout. The suspension absorbs broken pavement well, highway expansion joints are well controlled, and passengers experience very little harshness. The SUV feels composed even on long road trips. Steering is light and predictable, making parking lots and city driving easy. It isn't particularly engaging, but that's appropriate for a three-row family SUV. Considering its size, the Telluride handles surprisingly well. The chassis feels planted through sweeping curves, and body roll is controlled without creating an overly stiff ride.

 

With a 19-gallon fuel tank, it has a driving range of around 360 miles (X-Pro AWD) up to 415 miles (FWD). EPA estimates are 20 / 26 / 22 MPG city / highway / combined for FWD models or 18 / 24 /20 MPG for AWD models. Regular grade fuel is recommended The Telluride is competitive but not a class leader in fuel economy. Buyers who prioritize efficiency should consider the Hybrid powertrain. 

 

Powertrain (Hybrid):

New to the Telluride lineup for the first time is a hybrid offering.  Rather than treating the hybrid as an economy-focused option, Kia engineered it to be the most refined and one of the quickest versions of the Telluride. Under the hood is a 2.5L turbocharged inline-four that pairs with dual electric motors integrated into the transmission. The combined output is 329 horsepower with a combined torque of 339 lb-ft. It mates to a 6-speed automatic transmission with either front-wheel drive or available AWD. Electric motors provide immediate torque from a standstill, eliminating the hesitation often associated with turbocharged engines. 0-60 MPH estimates for the hybrid are quicker at 6.5 seconds for a FWD model or 6.7 seconds for an AWD model, making it among the quickest mainstream three-row family SUVs in the segment. Around town, the hybrid feels smooth and eager, while the gas engine seamlessly joins in under heavier acceleration. It remains comfort-oriented, but it benefits from the low-mounted battery pack, which helps lower the center of gravity. The hybrid weighs roughly 200–250 pounds more than the gas model, and that extra mass is noticeable during aggressive cornering. Body roll remains well controlled, but the Telluride is tuned for stability and comfort rather than athletic handling. 

 

The hybrid also has an 18.2-gallon fuel tank and will get you much further with a range of around 635 miles on FWD models or 565 miles on AWD models. The difference was definitely noticeable for our family as we took our new hybrid for a road trip to Indianapolis from the Chicago suburbs and back and didn’t have to stop for gas until we were home. EPA estimates are 34 / 36 /35 MPG city / highway / combined for FWD models and 30 / 32/ 31 MPG for AWD models. This is the most efficient Telluride configuration and one of the strongest fuel economy ratings among non-plug-in three-row SUVs.

 

The Hybrid also features Stay Mode. Stay Mode leverages the Telluride hybrid’s battery pack to operate climate control, cabin lighting, stereo, and other vehicle systems for up to an hour or until the Hybrid battery is drained to about 20 percent without activating the internal combustion engine. The Telluride Hybrid feels more refined than its performance numbers alone suggest. The electric motors provide immediate response off the line, making city driving effortless. At highway speeds, the turbocharged engine delivers strong passing power without excessive noise, and the transition between electric and gasoline power is smooth enough that most occupants will rarely notice it. It’s extremely quiet and effortless making it a standout in the class. The only notable compromises are a 500-pound reduction in towing capacity and slightly less agility during spirited driving due to the added battery weight. For most families, those trade-offs are minor compared with the gains in refinement and efficiency.

 

 

X-Line / X-Pro:

If you’re looking for a little more adventure with your Telluride, or just that aesthetic, then take a  closer look at the X-Line and X-Pro trims. While they share a tougher appearance and standard all-wheel drive, they serve different buyers. The X-Line is a premium appearance and capability package, while the X-Pro is the true off-road-focused Telluride with hardware upgrades designed for trails, snow, and rough terrain.The X-Line is aimed at buyers who like the rugged SUV look but spend most of their time driving on pavement. Key X-Line Features include standard all-wheel drive, 21-inch X-Line alloy wheels, raised roof rails, unique X-Line exterior styling, enhanced traction control system, heated steering wheel, X-Line embossed leather seats, exclusive grille and trim treatments. It is available on EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims.

 

The X-Pro is designed for rugged excursions without compromising the dependable attributes that make it a stellar family vehicle the rest of the year. The X-Pro adds an exclusive suspension with additional travel stroke, e-LSD, 9.1-inches of ground clearance, as well as multiple Drive Modes, including Terrain Mode. This rugged variant of the Telluride features front and rear recovery points and all-terrain tires, giving enthusiasts exactly what they need when exploring off the pavement. The X-Pro is more than an appearance package, I took it on an off-road course at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally and it traversed mud, rocks, hills, and forged water without hesitation. I was impressed with its ability to keep up with more traditional off-road vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner. While there’s no low-range on the Telluride X-Pro for serious rock climbing, it's definitely capable of getting dirty and doing more than you’d expect. 

 

It also delivers the technology needed to help master the trails, thanks to the introduction of the Ground View Monitor. This system displays a composite view of the ground when driving below 6 mph. It uses onboard cameras and can be selected from the new off-road vehicle status screen accessed through the infotainment system. Among other important information, the screen illustrates pitch, roll and steering angle. Lastly, exclusive to the X-Pro, Ground Lighting on the front, side and rear areas surrounding the Telluride help illuminate your family’s outdoor adventures.

 

 

Interior:

Much like the exterior, hopping inside the new Telluride you will find an entirely new interior.  Kia created a cabin that feels more premium, more spacious, and more technologically advanced while retaining the practicality that made the original Telluride so popular. The dashboard adopts a clean, horizontal layout with a curved wraparound design that visually widens the cabin. Physical buttons remain for frequently used functions like climate controls, avoiding the frustration of burying every feature inside the touchscreen. Wood-inspired trim, soft-touch materials, contrast stitching, and hidden door handles create an upscale atmosphere. Surrounding the center console is a grip handle (a nod to a signature interior element from the first-generation Telluride) that gives the cabin a sense of stability and rugged functionality. 

 

The gear selector has been moved to be a stalk off of the steering wheel. Like many other new vehicles, it is electronic with gear selection done by twisting the gear stalk and putting it in park by pushing a button. Also embedded in this gear selector is the on/off ignition button for the Telluride. This button placement alone takes some getting used to, but I suppose the thought was to save more dash space?!? Higher trims add available ambient LED lighting and richer upholstery combinations that wouldn't look out of place in a luxury SUV costing considerably more. Up above the Telluride continues to offer dual sunroofs with a large roof up front that slides open and a fixed glass panel above the rear seats. Personally, I’d love to see Kia introduce a full panoramic roof much like the VW Atlas that expands over the interior.  Overall, the interior vibe feels modern, rugged, and practical all the same. 

 

Technology:

Drivers will face dual 12.3” panoramic digital displays built into one seamless unit that spans more than half of the dash. The new operating system features over-the-air update capability, enabling vehicle software updates, enhancing onboard systems including info-screens and navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are finally standard across all trims. For audiophiles, the available Meridian premium stereo system benefits from two additional speakers for a total of 14 as well as a larger 10-inch subwoofer. Also new for 2027 are dual wireless charging pads for mobile devices. They are well-placed and allow for multiple device charging at once. 

 

Also available on top trims is an enhanced Full Display Digital Rear View Mirror, providing a wide, unobstructed field of view for the driver. The larger 12-inch head-up display projects key vehicle information, including speed, turn-by-turn navigation, and safety alerts directly onto the windshield. True connectivity defines the 2027 Telluride, with available entertainment and data services, which supports streaming for Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube. Additionally, available display themes allow the driver to express themselves with exclusive artwork from some of Disney’s most iconic brands, along with nature themes and images available for all 30 NBA teams.

 

One of the draws to the Telluride for my wife was Telluride’s comprehensive camera system. Depending on trim level, the system can include up to seven exterior cameras, providing enhanced visibility for parking, lane changes, trail driving, and highway travel. The camera technology is well integrated into Telluride’s dual 12.3-inch displays and is among the easiest systems to use in its class. The standout is the 360-degree surround view monitor that uses four wide-angle cameras mounted around the vehicle; the system stitches together a bird's-eye image that appears remarkably seamless. With the Telluride growing in size, the cameras are key in helping with visibility. 

 

Rounding out the basic technology, it has seven USB-C ports (one front-row data/charging port and six charging ports throughout the cabin). It also comes with multiple 12-volt power outlets and an available household-style power outlet which come in handy for traveling families. 

 

Finally, Kia Connect continues to be available via your smartphone with key features that include:

• Remote engine start
• Climate control
• Vehicle location
• Remote lock/unlock
• Maintenance reminders
• OTA software updates
• Emergency assistance
• Stolen vehicle assistance
• Destination sharing from your phone to the navigation system

 

 

Seating:

One of our initial draws to the Telluride as our personal family vehicle was the seating space and comfortability. That continues to impress for 2027 as it offers seating for seven or eight passengers depending on the second-row configuration with captain’s chairs or a bench. The third row of the Telluride accommodates three. Whether you choose the entry-level LX or the luxurious SX Prestige, the Telluride offers one of the most accommodating seating layouts in its class. Standard is a cloth material on the seats, but SynTex synthetic leather, genuine leather, and Nappa leather are all available. 

 

The redesigned front seats strike an excellent balance between comfort and support. The cushions are wider than average, with generous thigh support and a relaxed seating position that reduces fatigue during long drives. The seatbacks provide enough bolstering to keep occupants comfortable through corners without feeling restrictive. Higher trims will come with heated/ventilated seats, driver memory settings, Ergo Motion massage function, and available premium Nappa leather.  Visibility is good; however, the new design has a more prominent front end that may take some getting used to for shorter drivers. 

 

The Telluride's second row is among the most spacious in the segment. The three-passenger bench offers reclining seatbacks, sliding fore-and-aft adjustment, excellent legroom and a flat floor for the middle passenger. Available captain's chairs (found in most models on the lot) transform the Telluride into a luxury-style family SUV. They include individual armrests, more shoulder room, easier third-row access, greater passenger comfort, and a more premium appearance. Families will also appreciate easily accessible LATCH anchors for car seats, wide rear door openings, large rear seat openings, and ample space for rear-facing child seats without compromising front-seat legroom.

 

The third row is where it really does stand out against most competitors.  Unlike many midsize SUVs with cramped third rows, the Telluride provides usable space for adults on shorter trips and excellent accommodations for children. It features reclining seatbacks, USB-C charging ports, cupholders, air vents, easy one-touch second-row access, and improved headroom thanks to the taller roofline. It does not feel like a penalty box and my kids don’t mind sitting in the way back. While full-size SUVs still provide more space, the Telluride's third row is one of the most comfortable in the midsize class.

 

Cargo Capacity:

Thanks to its larger size and longer wheelbase, the new Telluride now offers even more cargo capacity. Behind the third row is 22.3 cubic feet of space plus underfloor storage. Behind the second row with the third-row seats folded flat is 48.7 cubic feet and with all seats folded flat there is 89.3 cubic feet. Opting for the hybrid will give up a small amount of space changing those figures to 21.3, 47.7, and 88.3 cubic feet. 

 

Overall space is among the better half of the midsize segment. Kia also adds some useful storage features such as a folding luggage table with integrated cupholders, under-floor storage compartment, adjustable cargo dividers, and a wide power liftgate opening for easier loading. Beyond the rear cargo area, the Telluride offers numerous other cabin storage solutions such as a large center console storage bin, door pockets sized for large bottles, second-row storage areas, and an available two-tier sliding center tray. 

 

Safety / Driver Assist:

Kia continues to include one of the most comprehensive suites of standard advanced driver assistance systems in the three-row SUV segment. Kia equips every Telluride with a strong base of collision avoidance and driver-support features, while higher trims add premium systems such as Highway Driving Assist 2, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, and advanced parking assistance. 

 

Standard on all models are:

• Forward collision-avoidance assist
• Lane keep assist and lane follow assist
• Highway driving assist
• Blind spot collision warning
• Rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist
• Safe exit assist
• Rear occupant alert
• Rear parking sensors
• Intelligent speed limit assist
• Driver attention warning
• High beam assist

 

Additionally higher trim grades also are available with blind spot view monitor, 360-degree surround view monitor, parking distance warning, and navigation-based smart cruise control.  As of now, official third-party crash ratings for the 2027 model year have not been fully published by organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, the redesigned Telluride carries forward many of the safety strengths that helped the previous generation earn top honors. The 2025 Telluride earned the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, the organization's highest safety award, thanks to strong crashworthiness scores and effective crash-prevention systems.

 

Final Statement:

Kia did it again with the second-generation Telluride and once again we returned as buyers. The new 2027 Telluride expands on what was already a great family vehicle and makes it more premium with updated tech and a fresh style. Inside it remains one of the roomiest mid-size three-row crossovers available and now it has more tech like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, dual wireless charging pads, updated screen themes and much more. Outside it looks even more like a Range Rover with the perfect blend of rugged and luxury. But perhaps the biggest change is under the hood with new powertrains. Both options have value, but I can tell you that we personally chose the new hybrid and have no regrets. It’s more refined, more fuel efficient and more powerful. The Telluride continues to dominate in this segment and should be up for consideration if you’re in the market.