2027 Kia Telluride Redefines Family Luxury with Hybrid Power
When the Kia Telluride debuted in 2019, it was an overnight success — a three-row SUV that combined bold design, luxury features, and family practicality at an attainable price. It didn’t just raise the bar for Kia; it redefined what buyers expected from midsize SUVs.
Fast forward to 2027, and Kia is preparing to launch the next-generation Telluride, signaling a bold evolution for its flagship SUV. Bigger, bolder, more efficient, and tech-packed, the 2027 Telluride aims to build on the success of its predecessor while charting a new path toward electrified performance and premium refinement.
Let’s take a closer look at everything we know about the 2027 Kia Telluride — its design overhaul, engine lineup, interior upgrades, technology advancements, and how it fits into Kia’s growing global strategy.
Gallery: 2027 Kia Telluride
Design: Rugged Sophistication Meets Modern Luxury
The first thing that stands out about the 2027 Kia Telluride is its presence. Kia’s designers have taken everything drivers loved about the current model — its squared stance, upright proportions, and commanding look — and refined it with a more futuristic edge.
According to early reports and spy shots, the new Telluride adopts a more pronounced, vertical front fascia. The iconic tiger-nose grille is now wider and flanked by slim vertical LED headlamps, giving it a luxury SUV aesthetic reminiscent of a Range Rover or Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
Larger and More Dominant
Kia has stretched the proportions of the new Telluride:
- Length: Approximately 2.3 inches longer
- Height: Around 1 inch taller
- Wheelbase: Extended by 3 inches
This increase translates to improved cabin space, particularly for second- and third-row passengers. It’s clear Kia is responding to consumer demand for larger, more comfortable family SUVs that don’t compromise on style.
The side profile retains its signature boldness, with squared-off arches, strong shoulders, and a straight roofline that communicates strength. At the rear, the Telluride features reshaped taillights, a smoother tailgate design, and subtle chrome detailing that adds a hint of luxury without feeling overdone.
It’s still unmistakably a Telluride — just more sculpted, premium, and mature.
Interior: Where Comfort Meets Cutting-Edge Technology
Inside, the 2027 Kia Telluride transforms from a family SUV into a tech-savvy, luxury-inspired space.
More Room, More Refinement
Thanks to its increased wheelbase, the new Telluride’s interior is roomier than ever. The second and third rows now offer more legroom and headspace, ensuring comfort for adults on longer trips. The cargo area also benefits from the stretched dimensions, making the SUV even more practical for large families and adventurers alike.
Kia’s design team has gone all out with materials and craftsmanship. Expect soft-touch surfaces, real metal trims, and optional Nappa leather upholstery — all elements that rival high-end competitors like the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90.
Panoramic Screens and Smart Interfaces
The centerpiece of the cabin is a new dual 12.3-inch display setup, merging the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen into a single, sleek panel. This system runs Kia’s latest ccNC (connected car navigation cockpit) software, featuring:
- Faster processing and smoother animations
- Cloud-based navigation
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates
- Integration with Kia’s digital key and app ecosystem
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 15-speaker premium audio system, and multiple USB-C fast charging ports round out the modern tech package.
The SUV also introduces an AI-powered voice assistant capable of recognizing natural speech and controlling multiple cabin features — from climate settings to seat positioning — using plain language commands.
Performance: Power Meets Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2027 Telluride takes a major step toward electrification while keeping its dependable V6 option for traditional buyers.
Powertrain Options
While official details are yet to be confirmed, sources close to Kia have revealed the following expected engine lineup:
- 3.8-liter V6 (carryover):
Around 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission — ideal for towing and highway cruising. - New Hybrid Powertrain:
Borrowed from the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid, this setup combines a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing around 329 horsepower. This hybrid variant is expected to deliver improved fuel efficiency without compromising performance. - All-Wheel Drive and Off-Road Focus:
Kia is likely to expand its X-Line and X-Pro trims, focusing on rugged capability with features like all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, skid plates, and an off-road driving mode selector.
Towing and Efficiency
The current Telluride is already rated to tow up to 5,500 pounds, and the 2027 model is expected to maintain or exceed that figure. Meanwhile, the hybrid variant could achieve 30+ mpg combined, significantly improving fuel economy for long-distance families.
Driving Experience: Comfort First, Capability Always
Kia engineers have tuned the new Telluride for a balance between ride comfort and confident handling. The longer wheelbase and stiffer platform provide improved stability, while the adaptive suspension system adjusts automatically based on road conditions.
Noise insulation is another major focus area. Kia has added thicker glass, enhanced door seals, and sound-absorbing materials to create a whisper-quiet cabin, rivaling luxury SUVs from Lexus and Genesis.
Early test drives report smoother cornering, reduced body roll, and improved visibility — making the 2027 Telluride as comfortable in city traffic as it is on winding mountain roads.
Safety and Driver Assistance: Next-Level Intelligence
The 2027 Kia Telluride comes loaded with the brand’s next-generation ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). This includes an expanded version of Kia Drive Wise, which features:
- Highway Driving Pilot 2.0 – offering semi-autonomous lane changing and adaptive cruise control with smoother braking.
- Blind-Spot View Monitor – displays live camera feed when signaling.
- 360° Parking View with Smart Parking Assist – for tight urban maneuvers.
- Intersection Collision Avoidance and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Prevention.
Kia has also added Driver Attention Warning Plus, which monitors fatigue and distraction through facial recognition technology — a rare feature in this price segment.
In the event of a collision, a multi-collision braking system automatically reduces secondary impacts, further protecting passengers.
Tech and Connectivity: The Digital Ecosystem
Beyond luxury and safety, Kia is pushing the envelope with smart connectivity. The 2027 Telluride is built around the company’s “Connected Mobility Platform”, which enables continuous software updates and seamless integration with mobile apps.
Key Highlights:
- Digital Key 3.0: Unlock and start the SUV using your smartphone or smartwatch.
- Remote Vehicle Monitoring: Track your Telluride’s status, charge level (for hybrid), and location through Kia Connect.
- Biometric Authentication: Face and fingerprint recognition to start the car or load personalized settings.
- Smart Cabin Air System: Monitors air quality and auto-adjusts filters and climate control for cleaner, fresher air.
These features elevate the Telluride beyond just a family hauler — it’s now a connected living space on wheels.
Chart: 2027 Kia Telluride Key Specifications (Expected)
| Category | Details |
| Engine Options | 3.8L V6 / 2.5L Turbo Hybrid |
| Power Output | 291 hp (V6) / 329 hp (Hybrid) |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy (est.) | Up to 30 mpg combined (Hybrid) |
| Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 passengers |
| Infotainment | Dual 12.3-inch display setup |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 5,500 lbs |
| Safety | Highway Driving Pilot 2.0, ADAS suite |
| Cargo Space | 21 cu ft (rear seats up) / 87 cu ft (folded) |
Market Position: Premium Practicality
With competitors like the Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer, and Chevrolet Traverse, the Telluride has consistently stood out for offering luxury-level value at a more accessible price point.
The 2027 model aims to continue that legacy, likely starting around $39,000 for base trims and stretching to $55,000+ for fully loaded AWD or hybrid variants.
It’s clear Kia is positioning the Telluride closer to the luxury SUV segment while maintaining the reliability, warranty, and everyday usability that earned it widespread acclaim.
Global Potential: Expanding Horizons
The Telluride has primarily been a North American success story, but its second-generation update could change that. With SUVs dominating markets like India, Australia, and the Middle East, the 2027 Telluride’s appeal could extend globally.
If Kia adapts the model for right-hand drive (RHD) markets and focuses on local assembly, it could easily challenge established premium players like the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, and Jeep Meridian.
For India, where Kia already enjoys success with models like the Seltos and Carens, the Telluride could serve as a halo SUV, enhancing the brand’s image in the premium segment.
Final Verdict: Kia’s Flagship Evolves with Confidence
The 2027 Kia Telluride isn’t just an SUV — it’s a reflection of how far the brand has come. From a newcomer to a benchmark, the Telluride has transformed Kia into a serious contender in the global luxury SUV space.
The next-generation model builds on everything that made the first Telluride a success — comfort, capability, and design — while adding hybrid technology, advanced safety, and elevated luxury.
For families, adventurers, and tech-savvy drivers alike, the 2027 Telluride represents the perfect blend of practicality and prestige. It’s not just a step forward for Kia; it’s a giant leap for affordable luxury mobility.
Read: 2026 Honda Prelude Returns: Hybrid Coupe Revives a Legend
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When will the 2027 Kia Telluride be released?
Kia plans to debut the new Telluride at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show, with sales beginning in early 2026.
Q2: Will there be a hybrid version of the Telluride?
Yes. The new Telluride will feature a turbo-hybrid powertrain delivering around 329 hp for better fuel economy and performance.
Q3: What’s new in the 2027 Telluride’s design?
The SUV features a larger body, a bold new grille, vertical headlights, and a more premium interior with dual digital displays.
Q4: How much will the 2027 Kia Telluride cost?
Pricing is expected to start around $39,000 and go up to $55,000+ depending on trim and configuration.
Q5: Will the 2027 Telluride be available internationally?
While initially aimed at North America, Kia is exploring global rollout options, especially in premium SUV markets like the Middle East and Asia.
