2026 Kia Telluride Second Generation
When Kia revealed the first-generation Telluride in 2020, it completely changed how people viewed the brand. Its bold, boxy design and feature list rivalled premium SUVs, and it quickly became one of the most successful three-row midsize SUVs in the market.
Now, Kia is preparing to repeat that success with the second-generation 2026 Kia Telluride, skipping the 2026 model year entirely and moving straight from 2025 to 2026. The big question is whether this new Telluride has done enough to take on strong rivals like the Toyota Grand Highlander and the new Hyundai Palisade.
Based on our first in-person look, here is everything you need to know.
Engine and Powertrain Options
Kia has not officially confirmed engines, but expectations are clear.
Expected Engine Options
3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6
Power: 287 horsepower
Torque: 260 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Smooth and refined performance
2.5L Turbo Hybrid
Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
Two electric motors
Combined output: 329 horsepower
Torque: 339 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Expected Fuel Economy
V6: 20 to 22 MPG combined
Hybrid: 29 to 33 MPG combined
The hybrid option is expected to be a major draw due to better fuel efficiency and stronger performance.
Exterior Design Overview
The exterior design is where the Telluride built its reputation, and Kia has clearly chosen evolution rather than reinvention.
Front Design
The 2026 Telluride retains its boxy, Range Rover-like stance, but with sharper detailing.
Key highlights include:
Larger and wider front grille that now dominates most of the front fascia
Blacked-out grille finish, including the Kia logo on higher trims
Signature amber LED daytime running lights, now vertically stacked
Projector LED headlights positioned on the sides of the grille
LED fog lamps integrated into the lower bumper
New exterior lighting animations and ground illumination
The model showcased is the Telluride X-Pro, which is the most off-road-focused version in the lineup.
X-Pro Off-Road Enhancements
On the X-Pro trim, Kia adds:
Real front recovery hooks
Increased ride height
9.1 inches of ground clearance, higher than the Palisade X-Pro
All-terrain tyres
This makes the X-Pro the most capable Telluride ever offered.
Wheel Options
18-inch alloy wheels (base)
20-inch alloy wheels
21-inch alloy wheels (largest ever on a Telluride)
The X-Pro trim gets:
All-terrain tyres
Piano black wheel arch cladding
Unique notches in the wheel arches for a technical, rugged look
Side Design Highlights
Increased overall length by 2.3 inches
Total length approx. 199.2 inches
Pop-out flush door handles for the first time on Telluride
Blacked-out window surrounds
Raised roof rails on X-Pro trims
Floating roof effect with blacked-out pillars
Rear Design
The rear design stays familiar but looks more modern.
Key rear features:
Integrated roof spoiler with hidden rear wiper
Camera for digital rear-view mirror
Fully blacked-out Kia and Telluride badging
Vertical LED tail lamps similar to the outgoing model
Rear recovery hooks on X-Pro
LED reverse lights
Exterior Colours
New Terrain Brown, available in both gloss and matte finishes
Multiple additional colour options planned
No confirmation yet on a two-tone roof option
Towing Capacity
4,000 lbs standard
Up to 5,000 lbs expected, similar to the Palisade
Dimensions and Platform Changes
Compared to the first generation, the new Telluride is larger.
Dimension Changes
About 1 inch taller
2.3 inches longer overall
Nearly 3 inches longer wheelbase
These changes directly improve interior space and third-row comfort.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Kia is expected to make active safety features standard across the range.
Expected safety tech includes:
Highway Driving Assist 2
Assisted lane change
Blind spot monitoring
Forward collision avoidance
Adaptive cruise control
Interior Design and Cabin Quality
The interior is one of the strongest aspects of the 2026 Telluride.
Overall Cabin Feel
Luxurious yet durable design theme
More ambient lighting throughout the cabin
Premium materials across touch points
Larger cabin with improved headroom
Seats and Upholstery
High-quality leatherette upholstery similar to Kia EV9
Possible return of Nappa leather on higher trims
Mesh-style headrests for added comfort
X-Pro branded seatbacks
Seat Features (Front)
Power seat adjustments
Power thigh extension
Four-way lumbar support
Adjustable bolsters
Heated and ventilated seats
Ergo Motion massage seats (new for Telluride)
Heated steering wheel
Two-position memory seats
Interior Colour Options
Multiple colour themes planned
Brown interior option for a premium look
New purple interior option for 2026
Dashboard, Screens and Technology
The dashboard design is modern but functional.
Displays and Controls
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
5-inch climate control display
Head-up display
Dedicated physical climate buttons
Volume roller knob
Infotainment System
Kia CCNC system
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Android Auto
Latest Kia software interface
Steering Wheel
New blocky design
Physical buttons instead of touch controls
Heated and power-adjustable, rare for this segment
Center Console and Storage
Kia has focused heavily on storage usability.
Key features:
Dual wireless phone chargers
Electronic gear selector
Large center console with sliding covers
Adjustable cup holders
New center pass-through storage area
Integrated grab handles
Audio, Lighting and Roof
Additional premium touches include:
Meridian premium audio system with metal speaker grilles
Extensive ambient lighting
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Digital rear-view mirror with camera feed
Suede headliner on higher trims
Sunroof Setup
Standard front sunroof
Panoramic glass roof for second row
Second-row glass panel does not open
Second Row Comfort and Features
Second-row space remains a strong point.
Expected features:
Over 40 inches of legroom
Sliding and reclining second-row seats
Heated and ventilated second-row seats
Rear sunshades
Fold-out table in center console
USB ports and cup holders
Roof-mounted climate controls
Note:
No power-operated second-row seats
No power sliding function like Palisade
Third Row Seating
The third row remains practical for adults.
Third Row Highlights
Around 32 inches of legroom
Improved headroom due to increased vehicle height
Ceiling-mounted air vents
USB ports
Cup holders
Limitations:
No heated third-row seats
No power-folding third row
No power sliding third-row seats
Cargo Space and Practicality
While official numbers are not confirmed, estimates are based on previous models.
| Configuration | Approximate Space |
|---|---|
| Behind third row | ~20 cubic feet |
| With third row folded | Much larger |
| With second and third rows folded | ~87 cubic feet |
Additional features:
Hands-free power tailgate
Manual folding third row
Underfloor storage
12V power outlet
150W power socket
Integrated ruler in cargo area
Pricing Expectations
Official pricing is not announced yet.
Estimated Price Range
Base model: around $38,500
Top-end petrol trims: around $56,000
Hybrid top trims: close to $60,000
This reflects an increase over the current Telluride, which starts near $36,000.
Launch Timeline and Availability
Expected on sale: Q1 2026
First deliveries likely early 2026
Final Verdict
The second-generation 2026 Kia Telluride successfully builds on what made the original a massive success. It looks bolder, feels more premium inside, offers improved space, introduces a hybrid powertrain, and adds meaningful technology without overcomplicating things.
For buyers looking for a three-row midsize SUV that blends rugged design, family practicality, luxury features, and modern tech, the new Telluride appears ready to remain a segment benchmark.
2026 Kia Telluride FAQs
Is the 2026 Kia Telluride a completely new generation?
Yes. The 2026 Kia Telluride is an all-new second generation model. Kia has skipped the 2025 model year and moved directly from the 2024 Telluride to this redesigned version.
What makes the design of the new Telluride different from the previous model?
The second generation Telluride keeps its boxy and upright silhouette but introduces a wider grille, vertically stacked lighting, pop-out door handles, updated wheels, and more modern detailing while retaining the original character.
What is special about the X-Pro variant shown here?
The X-Pro is the most off-road capable Telluride. It features real recovery hooks, all-terrain tyres, a lifted suspension, and 9.1 inches of ground clearance, which is higher than the equivalent Palisade X-Pro.
How large is the 2026 Kia Telluride compared to the outgoing model?
The new Telluride is around 2.3 inches longer, about an inch taller, and rides on a longer wheelbase. This improves interior space, especially in the second and third rows.
What wheel sizes are expected on the 2026 Telluride?
Kia is expected to offer 18-inch wheels on rugged trims like the X-Pro, with larger 20-inch and 21-inch alloy wheels available on higher and more premium variants.
What engine options are expected for the new Telluride?
The base engine is expected to be a 3.5-litre V6 producing around 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Kia has also confirmed a hybrid option with a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine and electric motors producing a combined 329 horsepower.
What fuel economy can buyers expect?
The V6 version is expected to return around 20 to 22 miles per gallon combined. The hybrid variant is expected to deliver significantly better efficiency, likely between 29 and 33 miles per gallon combined.
What transmission options will be available?
The V6-powered Telluride is expected to use an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid version is likely to feature a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
What are the key interior highlights of the 2026 Telluride?
The cabin features a new dual-screen layout with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment system, ambient lighting, premium materials, available massaging seats, heated and ventilated seating, and a Meridian audio system.
How practical is the second and third row seating?
The second row offers generous legroom, sliding and reclining seats, heated and ventilated functions, and even a fold-out table. The third row provides usable adult space with good headroom, USB ports, cup holders, and ceiling-mounted air vents.
How much cargo space does the new Telluride offer?
While official figures are not confirmed, cargo space is expected to be around 20 cubic feet behind the third row and approximately 87 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.
What safety features are expected to be standard?
The 2026 Telluride is expected to offer a full suite of active safety features as standard, including advanced driver assistance systems and Highway Driving Assist 2 with assisted lane changing.
What is the expected price of the 2026 Kia Telluride?
The base price is expected to start around $38,500, with fully loaded versions reaching approximately $56,000 for petrol models and close to $60,000 for the hybrid.
When will the 2026 Kia Telluride go on sale?
Kia has indicated that the new Telluride will arrive in dealerships in the first quarter of 2026.
