Kia has given its best-selling Telluride a complete makeover, and the changes go way deeper than the surface.
The 2027 model drops the old V6 entirely for a two-pronged turbo four lineup that includes the Telluride’s first-ever hybrid.
The base engine is a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
That’s 17 horses down on the outgoing V6 but gains 49 lb-ft of twist, which matters more for hauling families and gear.
Power runs through an eight-speed automatic to either front or all-wheel drive.
Topping the range is the Turbo Hybrid, pairing that same 2.5-litre turbo with a 1.65-kWh battery and electric motors for 329 horses and 339 lb-ft.
Kia estimates around 35 mpg combined, a massive jump over the old V6’s 20 to 22 mpg figures. Range should hit roughly 600 miles on a tank.
The hybrid gets a six-speed auto and standard electronic dynamic torque vectoring.
A clever Stay Mode lets the battery power climate control, lights, and audio for about 20 minutes without firing up the engine.
Towing capacity sits at 5,000 pounds for the turbo and 4,500 for the hybrid.
The styling takes obvious cues from the EV9 electric SUV but carves its own identity with cleaner surfaces and gentle flares.
The look is unapologetically boxy with Range Rover vibes, complete with flush door handles that pop out when unlocked.
Vertical LEDs front and rear nod to the old Telluride, but the grille is totally new and likely divisive.
The rugged X-Pro trim wears an aggressive block grille, exposed tow hooks, all-terrain rubber, and 9.1 inches of ground clearance.
It gets an electronically limited-slip differential that splits torque side to side and front to rear, plus a centre diff lock for fixed 50/50 distribution.
Inside, twin 12.3-inch screens sit in a rectangular housing borrowed from the EV9. The steering wheel looks properly modern, and the old console shifter moved to the column.
Physical buttons stay large and clearly labeled, thankfully avoiding the fussy shared climate and stereo controls found in smaller Kias.
The cabin grows thanks to a bigger footprint. The new Telluride stretches 2.3 inches longer, sits an inch taller, and rides on a wheelbase that’s 2.7 inches longer than before.
Seven and eight-seat configurations are available, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench that slides and buckles with one button press for easier third-row access.
Safety kit includes ten airbags, Highway Driving Assist, and rear occupant alert using radar sensors that’ll ping your phone if someone’s left in the back seat after shutdown.
Kia builds the Telluride at its West Point, Georgia plant. Deliveries start first quarter 2026, with full details dropping at the LA Auto Show later this month.
The EV9 has shown that Kia can do bold design. Now the Telluride gets to cash that same check.
