Kia’s best-selling three-row SUV just got a ground-up makeover, and early reviews from Santa Barbara test drives are glowing. The second-generation 2027 Kia Telluride enters the market with a new hybrid option, a turbo four-cylinder replacing the old V6, and a bigger body that gives families even more room. If you’ve been eyeing this SUV, here’s what the redesign brings to the table.
- The 2027 Telluride is an all-new design with more equipment, style, off-road ability, and an optional hybrid drivetrain.
- Pricing starts at $40,735 for the LX and goes up to $58,335 for the X-Pro SX Prestige, or $59,135 for the Hybrid X-Line SX Prestige.
- The Telluride Hybrid puts out 329 horsepower while returning up to 35 MPG combined, with a range of about 637 miles.
New Powertrains Replace the Familiar V6
The outgoing Telluride’s naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 is gone. Under the hood of the 2027 Telluride is a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four making 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic. That’s down 18 horsepower but up 49 lb-ft over the V6. In the real world, that extra torque means the engine feels strong pulling away from stoplights and during passing maneuvers.
The big news, though, is the hybrid. Kia pairs the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors, one near the engine and another integrated into the six-speed automatic gearbox, producing a combined 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel-drive hybrids return an estimated 35 mpg combined, with AWD dropping that to 31 mpg. Compare that to the gas model’s 22 mpg combined with FWD or 20 mpg with AWD, and the hybrid’s fuel savings add up fast.
You can’t get a hybrid X-Pro, though. That off-road trim sticks with the turbo-four only.
A Bigger, Bolder Design Inside and Out
The 2027 Telluride rides on a 116.9-inch wheelbase and stretches 199.2 inches overall. That’s 2.7 inches more wheelbase and 2.3 inches more length than the outgoing model. Flush door handles and smoother lines make the new Telluride 10 percent more aerodynamic while giving it a more upscale look.
Inside, the cabin takes obvious cues from the Kia EV9 electric SUV. The interior closely resembles the EV9’s great cabin, which still feels modern and fresh a few years after launch. Dual 12.3-inch screens sit across the dash, and the new Telluride can be equipped with two wireless charging pads, heated seats for all three rows, and a 14-speaker Meridian audio system.
The cabin comfortably seats seven passengers with second-row legroom of 41.4 inches, which leads the class. Gas models also offer a bench seat option if you need seating for eight. Cargo space starts at 21.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expands to 47.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and maxes out at 88.3 cubic feet with everything folded down.
The X-Pro Goes Off-Road for Real
The off-road-themed X-Pro model gets a whole lot more rugged, making it a genuine rival for tough three-rows like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, GMC Acadia AT4, and even the Toyota 4Runner. The X-Pro gets an electronic limited-slip differential, 9.1 inches of ground clearance, multiple drive modes, and all-terrain tires.
The all-wheel-drive system with off-road tires provides solid traction on steep climbs, and hill-descent control works well on loose downhill sections. The X-Pro also features an off-road data display showing angles, tire pressure, and traction, plus a new Ground View Monitor that projects the tires’ path ahead. It won’t crawl over boulders, but for dirt roads, muddy fields, and fire roads, it handles the job with confidence.
Trim Levels and Pricing Breakdown
Kia offers the Telluride in ten trim levels ranging from the LX at $40,735 to the X-Pro SX Prestige at $58,335. The five trims of the Telluride Hybrid start with the EX at $48,035 and top out with the X-Line SX Prestige at $59,135, all prices including the $1,545 destination charge.
The trims most buyers will choose fall between about $43,000 and $53,000, which lines up directly with rivals like the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Toyota Grand Highlander, Mazda CX-90, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L. With Kia Tellurides in stock and now arriving at dealerships, there’s plenty of variety across trim levels and color combinations. Depending on the trim, you can get denim blue, emerald green, or sand beige in either gloss or matte finishes, along with matte grey and wheels up to 21 inches.
Is the 2027 Telluride Worth the Upgrade?
Telluride sales have increased 108% since the model’s first year, with Kia moving 123,281 units last year alone. Kia is so confident in the new model that its Georgia factory is increasing production capacity by 50%.
Keeping the Telluride in the $40,000 to $60,000 range while building a vehicle that competes with models costing far more is quite an achievement. The hybrid alone makes a strong argument for the upgrade, saving thousands in fuel costs over a typical ownership period. If you’re shopping for a three-row SUV that looks great, drives well on and off the pavement, and won’t break the bank compared to premium competitors, this second-generation Telluride belongs at the top of your test-drive list.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.