2027 Kia Telluride
Table of Contents
The first generation Kia Telluride changed the brand’s image almost overnight. It looked expensive, drove well, and offered space and features that buyers usually expected from pricier SUVs. Now the all new 2027 Kia Telluride tries to repeat that trick with a new design, new engines, and a more tech heavy cabin.
This is a proper second generation model. Kia skipped straight from the 2025 model year to 2027 for this redesign, which has caused some confusion. But yes, the 2027 model is real, and it brings a lot of changes.
2027 Kia Telluride Engine Options and Performance
The biggest change sits under the hood. The old V6 is gone.
Standard engine
2.5 litre turbocharged four cylinder
274 horsepower
311 lb ft torque
8 speed automatic transmission
Available front wheel drive or all wheel drive
Around 20 mpg combined with AWD
Compared to the old V6, the new engine has slightly less horsepower but around 50 lb ft more torque. In daily driving, that extra torque helps the SUV feel stronger when pulling away from a stop.
Acceleration feels similar to the old model. The turbo engine pushes you back in the seat early, but it does not have the same smooth sound as a V6. Some buyers will miss that refinement.
Hybrid option
2.5 litre turbo engine plus electric motor
329 horsepower
339 lb ft torque
Better fuel economy expected
Slightly lower towing capacity than gas model
Fuel Economy and Real World Numbers
Official combined fuel economy with AWD sits around 20 mpg.
Real world testing over about 354 miles showed:
Around 18.4 mpg combined
Mixed city and highway driving
That is close to the official numbers, but the switch to a turbo four cylinder does not deliver a major efficiency jump over the old V6.
Towing Capacity
Gas models: up to 5,000 pounds
Hybrid models: up to 4,500 pounds
That keeps it competitive in the three row midsize SUV segment.
Exterior Design: Tougher, Boxier Look
The new Telluride keeps the same basic idea as the old one but with sharper lines and a more rugged appearance. Kia clearly did not want to mess with a winning formula.
Key exterior details:
Full LED headlights across the range
Signature amber daytime running lights
Boxy rear design with full width lighting
Hidden rear wiper under roof spoiler
Blacked out logos and trim on X Line versions
Up to 21 inch alloy wheels
Ground clearance up to 9.4 inches on X Pro
Overall length is now 199.2 inches, about 2.3 inches longer than before, and the SUV is also about an inch taller. That gives it a more substantial presence on the road.
Interior: Bigger Screens, Softer Materials, No Real Leather
The cabin has always been a strong point for the Telluride, and that continues here. Even mid trims feel premium.
Seats and materials
Cloth seats on base model
Synthetic leather on higher trims
No real leather available on any trim
Optional massage and relaxation seats on hybrid models
The synthetic upholstery still feels soft and looks premium, but some buyers may miss the option of genuine leather.
Technology highlights
12.3 inch digital instrument cluster
12.3 inch infotainment screen
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Built in navigation on most trims
Optional head up display
Available 14 speaker Meridian sound system
Every model gets:
Two wireless phone charging pads
Smart entry
Remote start
Storage and Practicality
This remains a very practical family SUV.
Interior storage
Deep center console
Large door pockets
Multiple cup holders
Two wireless charging pads
The center console alone can hold up to 19 donuts in a fun capacity test, which tells you how deep it is.
Second Row and Third Row Space
Second row
43 inches of legroom
40.4 inches of headroom
Captain chairs standard on most trims
Bench seat available on some trims for 8 passenger setup
Heated and ventilated second row on top trims
These numbers are class leading and make the Telluride one of the roomiest options in the segment.
Third row
Around 32 inches of legroom
About 37 inches of headroom
It is comfortable for adults on shorter trips, though rivals like the Toyota Grand Highlander and Chevrolet Traverse offer slightly more space.
Cargo Capacity
Behind third row: about 22 cubic feet
Behind second row: about 49 cubic feet
Max with seats folded: about 89 cubic feet
That is very solid for the segment, though not class leading.
Other cargo highlights:
Hands free power tailgate on most trims
Underfloor storage
Full size spare tire
Flat folding second and third rows
Ride Quality and Driving Feel
The ride quality is comfortable overall, though not the absolute best in the class. Some rivals like the Hyundai Palisade and Honda Pilot feel slightly smoother.
Where the Telluride surprises is in handling. It has:
Good body control in corners
Responsive steering
A slightly athletic feel for a big three row SUV
Cabin noise at highway speed measured around 57.5 dB, which is slightly louder than some rivals but still acceptable.
Safety and Driver Assistance
All models include a full set of active safety features, including:
Forward collision warning
Lane keeping assist
Blind spot monitoring
Highway Drive Assist
Higher trims add:
Advanced highway driving assist with lane change function
360 degree camera
Blind spot camera display
Pricing and Trims
Starting price:
Around 39,000 dollars for base model
Top trim:
Around 56,000 dollars for SX Prestige X Pro
Example mid trim:
EX X Line AWD around 47,000 dollars before options
Around 49,500 dollars as tested
Warranty, Reliability, and Resale
Warranty
5 year or 60,000 mile basic warranty
10 year or 100,000 mile powertrain warranty
No complimentary maintenance
Brand resale value
Around 49 percent retained value after five years
About 21 percent after ten years
Roughly industry average
Reliability
Kia currently rates slightly above industry average in combined reliability studies.
What Stands Out After a Week
Strengths
Modernized design without losing the original character
Very spacious second row
Strong torque from turbo engine
Lots of standard tech
Weak points
No V6 option anymore
Fuel economy not much better than before
Some rivals offer more features at similar prices
Verdict: Does the New Telluride Still Make Sense?
The 2027 Kia Telluride sticks close to the formula that made the first one a hit. It looks tougher, adds more tech, and keeps the family friendly layout.
The turbo engine changes the character a bit. It feels punchy, but not as smooth as the old V6. Fuel economy also does not improve much, which may disappoint some buyers.
Still, for families who want space, tech, and a premium feel without jumping to a luxury badge, the new Telluride remains one of the most well rounded three row SUVs in the segment.
