2027 Kia Telluride: New Hybrid, Bigger Size, Still the Segment Benchmark?
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It’s been almost a decade since Kia first showed the Telluride concept in 2016. When the production version arrived in 2019, it didn’t just succeed, it dominated. Demand was so high that dealers jokingly called it the “Selluride.”
Now, Kia is back with the second generation 2027 Telluride, and this time the focus is clear: better efficiency, more tech, and a more premium feel.
What’s New in the 2027 Kia Telluride?
All new turbo hybrid powertrain
Updated platform with larger dimensions
Fresh exterior design with a stronger road presence
New infotainment system and interior upgrades
Improved fuel efficiency and range
Kia hasn’t changed the formula. It has just pushed everything further.
Engine and Hybrid Powertrain
This is the biggest change.
The old V6 is gone. In its place, Kia now offers a 2.5L turbocharged 4 cylinder engine.
Power figures
Standard turbo petrol
274 hp
311 lb ft torque
Hybrid (new)
329 hp
339 lb ft torque
2 electric motors + 1.65 kWh battery
The hybrid setup uses a 6 speed automatic transmission, not a CVT. That matters. It feels more natural while driving.
You can choose:
Front wheel drive
All wheel drive for around $2,000 extra
Fuel Efficiency and Range
This is where the new Telluride makes a real difference.
Up to 36 MPG highway
Around 30 MPG combined
Fuel tank: ~18.2 gallons
Claimed range: up to 637 miles
Even in real driving, expect 500+ miles easily, which is excellent for a three row SUV.
Performance and Driving Feel
0 to 60 mph: ~7 seconds
Weight: just over 5,000 lbs
It’s not quick, but it doesn’t feel slow either.
The hybrid system adds strong mid range torque, which the old V6 lacked. You press the pedal, and it responds immediately.
Driving impressions
Ride quality is soft and comfortable
Steering is light, easy for city use
Cabin remains quiet even at highway speeds
Built for long road trips, not sporty driving
Towing Capacity
Hybrid: 4,500 lbs
Petrol: 5,000 lbs
Still practical for most family needs.
Exterior Design
Kia has gone bold again.
Larger tiger nose grille
Vertical LED lighting signature
More upright, boxy shape
Clean rear design with hidden wiper
It looks bigger and more premium. There’s a clear attempt to give it a Range Rover like presence, and honestly, it works.
Size changes
Wheelbase: ~117 inches
Length: ~199.2 inches
It now sits right in line with rivals like:
Hyundai Palisade
Honda Pilot
Wheels and Ground Clearance
Wheel sizes: 18 inch to 21 inch
Test model: 20 inch alloys
Ground clearance:
Standard: 7.4 inches
X-Pro: up to 9.1 inches
No adaptive suspension, but tuning is well balanced.
Interior: More Premium, More Tech
Kia has improved the cabin without overcomplicating things.
Key highlights
Dual 12.3 inch displays
Additional 5 inch climate display
Around 30 inches of total screen space
New infotainment system (CNCC)
It’s clean, not overwhelming.
Materials
Synthetic leather (SynTex) replaces Nappa leather
Soft touch materials across dashboard
Optional suede headliner
Engineered wood trim
Even without real leather, the cabin feels premium.
Features That Stand Out
Heated and ventilated seats (front and rear)
Driver massage seat
Digital key via smartphone
360 degree camera
Head up display
Meridian sound system
Ambient lighting (up to 64 colors)
Kia has added features usually seen in luxury cars.
Second and Third Row Space
This is still a proper family SUV.
Second row
Up to 41 inches legroom
Heated and ventilated seats
Captain seats or bench option
Tray table and extra storage
Third row
Around 32 inches legroom
Heated seats (new)
Usable for adults on shorter trips
Cargo Space
21.3 cubic feet (third row up)
47.7 cubic feet (third row folded)
88 cubic feet (all seats down)
Hybrid loses a bit of space due to battery placement.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Kia offers a wide set of features:
Highway Driving Assist
Lane keeping assist
Adaptive cruise control
Around 29 driver assistance features
No hands free system yet, but it works well in real use.
Price and Variants
Starting price
Base petrol: ~$39,120
Hybrid: starts at ~$46,420
Top variant (SX Prestige)
Starts around $56,000
Test car: ~$60,000 with options
Key takeaway
Hybrid costs about $3,000 more than petrol EX trim, which is reasonable considering fuel savings.
Sales and Market Position
The Telluride is already a strong seller.
2025 sales: ~123,000 units
Kia aims for ~150,000 units annually
Built in Georgia, USA, with increased production capacity.
Verdict: Should You Consider It?
The 2027 Telluride doesn’t try to reinvent itself. It improves what already worked.
What works well
Hybrid efficiency and range
Comfortable ride quality
Spacious interior
Strong feature list
Premium feel without luxury pricing
What could be better
No adaptive suspension
Synthetic leather instead of real leather
Some design choices may not appeal to everyone
Final Thoughts
The new Telluride feels like a natural evolution.
It’s still a family SUV at heart. But now, it’s more efficient, more refined, and slightly more premium.
If you want a three row SUV that does everything well without going luxury brand, this remains one of the safest choices in the segment.
Sources and References
Official Sources
2027 Kia Telluride Official US Page
Official Kia US website with features, trims, and core specs.Kia Telluride Hybrid Overview (Kia Media USA)
Official press release with detailed hybrid specs, MPG, and range.2027 Telluride Hybrid Specifications (Kia Media)
Full technical specifications including engine, battery, and drivetrain.
Trusted Automotive Publications
Car and Driver Telluride Overview & Specs
Independent review with verified specs and performance breakdown.MotorTrend: 2027 Telluride Hybrid Details
Deep dive into powertrain changes and platform updates.Autoblog Pricing & Hybrid Details
Pricing analysis, MPG estimates, and market positioning.Kelley Blue Book Pricing News
Reliable pricing data and trim-level insights.
Additional Supporting Sources
Car and Driver Hybrid Specs Page
Quick technical specs for hybrid variant.MotorTrend Hybrid Pricing Breakdown
Detailed comparison of trims and hybrid pricing.Kia Telluride Hybrid Dealer Info (US Market)
Practical specs, MPG, and feature summary.
Background / Context Source
Kia Telluride History & Sales Data
Sales figures and generation timeline for context.
2027 Kia Telluride FAQs
What is new in the 2027 Kia Telluride?
The 2027 Kia Telluride is a fully redesigned second generation model. It gets a new turbocharged engine lineup, including its first ever hybrid, updated styling, a larger body, and a more advanced infotainment system.
Does the 2027 Telluride still have a V6 engine?
No, Kia has replaced the V6 with a 2.5 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine. It produces 274 horsepower and 311 lb ft of torque.
What are the specs of the Telluride hybrid?
The hybrid combines the 2.5L turbo engine with two electric motors and a 1.65 kWh battery. Total output is 329 horsepower and 339 lb ft of torque.
What is the fuel economy of the 2027 Kia Telluride hybrid?
Kia claims up to 36 MPG on the highway. Combined fuel economy is around 30 to 31 MPG depending on drivetrain.
What is the driving range of the Telluride hybrid?
The hybrid can deliver up to 637 miles on a full tank based on Kia estimates. In real world driving, it should still comfortably exceed 500 miles.
How fast is the 2027 Telluride?
The hybrid model can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 7 seconds. It feels responsive thanks to strong mid range torque from the hybrid system.
What transmission does the Telluride hybrid use?
It uses a 6 speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT, which gives a more natural driving feel.
Is the 2027 Telluride available with all wheel drive?
Yes, both the standard and hybrid models offer front wheel drive and all wheel drive. AWD costs around $2,000 extra.
What is the towing capacity?
The hybrid can tow around 4,500 pounds, while the non hybrid version can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
How big is the 2027 Telluride?
The new model is slightly larger than before. It has a wheelbase of about 117 inches and an overall length of around 199 inches.
How much cargo space does it offer?
It offers about 21.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 88 cubic feet with all seats down.
How many people can the Telluride seat?
It can seat up to seven passengers with captain chairs or eight passengers with a bench seat in lower trims.
What are the interior highlights?
The Telluride offers dual 12.3 inch displays, a 5 inch climate screen, heated and ventilated seats, a driver massage function, ambient lighting, and a premium Meridian sound system.
Does it have real leather seats?
No, Kia now uses a high quality synthetic leather called SynTex instead of Nappa leather, but it still feels premium.
What is the ground clearance?
Standard models offer about 7.4 inches of ground clearance, while the X Pro version increases it to around 9.1 inches.
How much does the 2027 Kia Telluride cost?
The base model starts at around $39,120. The hybrid starts at about $46,420, while a fully loaded SX Prestige can exceed $60,000.
Is the 2027 Telluride worth buying?
If you want a spacious, comfortable, and fuel efficient three row SUV with strong features and a premium feel, the new Telluride remains one of the best options in its segment.
