The Kia Telluride has been a smash hit since its launch in 2020, consistently ranking among the brand’s top sellers and dominating the three-row SUV market. Now, after five years of success, Kia is ready to refresh this popular vehicle for the 2027 model year, showcasing a striking new look and promising interior upgrades.
While full specifications are still under wraps, early glimpses from Kia reveal a Telluride that’s noticeably bolder and more rugged than its predecessor. The most prominent change lies in the front end: a wider, taller grille dominates the design, stretching nearly to the headlights.
Kia has differentiated the look based on trim levels. The SXP boasts a gloss-black grille with vertical slats, while the off-road-focused XRT model gets a black mesh pattern that extends down to the bumper. Adding to the SUV’s presence are sharp creases along the front and rear fenders, emphasizing its chiseled stance. A sleeker roofline and broader hood further accentuate this more assertive profile, while the floating roof design element now seamlessly flows into the trunk lid. New cladding around the wheel arches adds a functional touch, completing the rugged aesthetic.
At first glance, the Telluride’s silhouette even hints at the luxurious Range Rover, showcasing Kia’s ambition to elevate its presence in the premium SUV segment.
Vertical headlights and taillights contribute to the modern feel, and exclusive eight-spoke wheels with a cross pattern are available on the SXP and X-Pro models. The X-Pro also gets bright orange recovery hooks, hinting at its off-road capabilities.
Don’t be fooled by just looking; the 2027 Telluride is actually bigger than before. Kia stretched the wheelbase by nearly three inches, resulting in a total increase of 2.3 inches overall length (now measuring 199.2 inches bumper to bumper). This expansion promises more generous passenger and cargo space within the cabin.
Inside, the 2027 Telluride features an equally comprehensive redesign. A captivating dual-screen setup spans from behind the steering wheel across to the center dashboard. Although exact dimensions haven’t been confirmed by Kia, this expansive display clearly surpasses the previous model’s optional 12.3-inch screens.
Upscale touches abound throughout the cabin. Real wood and metal accents adorn the dashboard, door panels, and center console, adding a refined ambiance. Higher trim levels boast new two-tone leather seating with mesh headrests, while new color choices like Deep Navy and Blackberry blend harmoniously with accent tones such as Tuscan Umber and Sand Beige.
The powertrain remains a mystery for now, though industry speculation heavily points towards mirroring the updated Hyundai Palisade’s options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter hybrid setup and a powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Pricing details are also under wraps, but a modest increase over the current model year is anticipated. Expect the 2027 Telluride to start slightly above the 2026 model’s $37,885 base price for the LX trim and under the current top-tier SX Prestige X-Pro’s $55,180.
All will be revealed when Kia unveils the redesigned Telluride at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month.
