Kia’s cash cow just got a serious makeover. The Telluride dominated American driveways since 2019, frequently ranking among the hardest vehicles to actually find on dealer lots.
Now the second generation arrives, looking like it raided Range Rover’s design studio.
The 2027 model stretches 2.3 inches longer and sits an inch taller than before. Wheelbase grows nearly three inches to boost interior space.
Kia calls the design “unapologetically boxy” which translates to sharp edges, vertical lighting, and flush door handles that pop out when unlocked.
That front end makes a statement. Vertical headlamps frame a massive grille, though the X-Pro trim shown here features weird black rectangles that look unfinished.
Standard models swap those for vertical slats. Amber running lights dominate while LED headlights shrink into small blocks that disappear into the grille when off.
The rear end channels Range Rover even harder with vertical taillights and smooth surfacing.
Designers clearly studied luxury SUVs rather than playing it safe with the family hauler formula. It works better than expected.
Inside, ditch the physical buttons for touchscreen controls, though Kia mercifully kept large, clearly labelled switches for essential functions.
The dashboard stretches across the panel in a single wide screen, similar to other recent Kia models, and the shared climate and stereo controls from the EV6 and smaller SUVs have been removed.
Center console adds substantial handholds while storage now includes a drawer accessible from rear seats. X-Pro trim gets engineered carbon fibre, which sounds fancy but probably means fake.
Other models use engineered wood, also likely fake. Either way it looks premium and differentiates nicely from sibling Palisade.
Seven and eight-seat configurations return. Second row captain’s chairs offer proper space while new single-button operation buckles and slides seats for third row access.
That third row still suits kids primarily though shorter adults squeeze in when necessary.
Kia stayed quiet on powertrains but expect Palisade’s setup to carry over. That means a 287-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 or a 329-horsepower hybrid using a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder. Both offer front or all-wheel drive configurations.
The X-Pro adds an extra inch of ground clearance, blacked out D pillars, unique wheel arch details, and functional tow hooks below that controversial grille. Expect other trims at Los Angeles Auto Show later this month.
Current Telluride spans 10 trim levels priced between $36,000 and $54,000. Sales climbed every year since launch with over 444,000 units sold total.
Through October this year, sales jumped 11%, indicating Americans can’t get enough three-row SUVs.
First quarter 2026 delivery means dealers should have stock by spring. Given the current model’s perpetual shortage, expect similar demand for this bolder iteration.
