The 2027 Kia Telluride is all new, ushering the midsize, three-row crossover SUV into its second generation.
The new Telluride remains a four-door, three-row SUV, and the rugged X-Pro trim continues into the model's second generation. That is the trim I previewed in person at the Kia Design Center America in Irvine, California, before the Telluride's global debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The event was a design presentation, so details like available trim levels and powertrain options are forthcoming.
The Telluride has been a design leader among midsize three-row crossover SUVs since its 2020 debut. For 2027, the second-generation Telluride enhances the previous model's attractive appearance, elevating it even further.
The front fascia appears more aggressive than before, featuring a blacked-out grille and a front bumper beautifully outlined by vertical bar running lamps. Look a little closer, and you will notice the headlamps tucked within the embrace of those distinctive amber LEDs.
Kia enhances the Telluride's sides with wide fenders featuring triangular creases inspired by diamond facets. The overall design remains boxy and rugged while looking upscale, especially in the rear, where you might mistake the Telluride for a Land Rover Range Rover. The new look is available in two new paint colors: Black Jade Green and Terrain Brown, with the latter offered in either a glossy or matte finish.
Automakers often fall into the "same sausage, different lengths" approach, copying the same design across the entire lineup and then claiming it as a "strong family resemblance." Kia has avoided that cliche with the new Telluride. Compare the Telluride's exterior with its electric-vehicle (EV) counterpart, the Kia EV9, and although the two look related, each SUV has a distinct personality.
Photo: Manuel Carrillo III
The 2027 Kia Telluride's interior is a space where you and your family will want to spend plenty of time. The X-Pro version I sat in felt like a luxurious clubhouse, filled with attractive, high-quality materials. Even small details like the armrest-integrated door-release handles felt upscale, with a satisfying, damped action that made every exit feel special.
The example vehicle had a power-extendable leg rest in the front passenger seat that I tested, but at 5-foot-10, my legs are too long for it to feel supportive. This is a leg rest that you can show it off to friends to highlight how nice your new SUV is, but beyond that, it is only useful for shorter passengers. The front backrests could also use a greater recline angle.
The best seats in the house are arguably the second-row captain's chairs. Not only is there plenty of space, but the seat bottoms are among the most comfortable I have ever experienced in any car, at any price.
Getting into the third row is easy. Just one touch of a button was enough for me to move either captain's chair forward and up, revealing a wide opening for entry into the back row. There is plenty of space back there, but I was not impressed by the high floor height. Still, two riders up to 6 feet tall should find the third row comfortable enough for trips under two hours.
There is a decent amount of space behind the third row, but Kia has not yet announced the volume specifications. The cargo area's folding luggage table with a ruler is a nice feature for outdoorsy types who might want to measure who caught the biggest fish during the weekend family trip.
Kia has not yet released the mechanical details of the 2027 Telluride, so we will have to wait to learn more about the powertrain. For reference, all current Kia Telluride SUVs are equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine.
Photo: Manuel Carrillo III
Kia limited our first look at the 2027 Telluride to a design presentation, so we are still waiting to get details on its safety, infotainment, and other technology features. From what I could see while sitting inside, the instrument cluster and infotainment displays are two 12.3-inch screens. The X-Pro trim I checked out also had a head-up display, but nothing really seemed groundbreaking.
The 2027 Kia Telluride competes with the new-for-2026 Hyundai Palisade, which shares its platform. Other competitors include the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-90, and the Toyota Grand Highlander.
The three-row midsize crossover SUV segment remains one of the most competitive areas of the auto industry. Although details about the 2027 Kia Telluride are still limited, initial impressions suggest it will likely remain a top contender.
Kia is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of November 10, 2025, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
An automotive writer, presenter, and Hollywood actor, Manuel Carrillo III, was delivered home from the hospital in a 1977 Porsche 911 S. He's been obsessed with cars ever since. Manuel started his media career on the radio nearly 20 years ago and has been working in automotive journalism since 2012, holding editorial roles at CNET and Capital One Auto Navigator. He also co-hosted MotorTrend's Seduced by Speed, and his work has appeared in Motor1, Robb Report, DUB Magazine, and JDPower.com. He still owns and drives that very 911 S.
Although both the 2026 Toyota Corolla and Toyota Camry share Toyota engineering and many standard features, they target different buyers. To see how they compare in value, reliability, performance, ...See More
Read the Full Article
Both the 2026 Toyota Corolla and the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 come with comprehensive safety features and connected services, along with large infotainment screens and premium audio. To see how their ...See More
Read the Full Article
Touchscreens are almost universal in modern cars. However, not all display types are the same. An increasing number of the latest cars use something called an OLED display. But what exactly is OLED, ...See More
Read the Full Article
Although the 2026 Toyota Corolla and the 2026 Nissan Sentra target buyers with similar goals, they take different routes. To see how those approaches translate into real world value, reliability, ...See More
Read the Full Article