Are you wondering if the all-new 2027 Kia Telluride truly lives up to its promise of being bigger, bolder, and better? As highlighted in the video above, Kia’s popular three-row SUV has received its very first full redesign for the 2027 model year, sparking considerable excitement among automotive enthusiasts and families alike. This comprehensive overhaul aims to build on the Telluride’s reputation for value, style, and practicality, introducing significant changes both inside and out. It’s a compelling evolution that demands a closer look.
Sharing its core platform with the recently revamped Hyundai Palisade, the new 2027 Kia Telluride steps onto the scene with high expectations. Edmunds’ rigorous testing methodology provides trustworthy insights, and their first impressions suggest Kia has worked hard to exceed these benchmarks. Let’s delve deeper into what makes this new iteration a potential game-changer in the fiercely competitive mid-size three-row SUV segment.
Exterior Redesign: Ruggedly Upscale Presence
The 2027 Kia Telluride immediately grabs attention with an exterior design that subtly yet effectively evolves its ruggedly upscale aesthetic. While the overall boxy silhouette and signature vertically oriented head and taillights remain, the new model is noticeably longer and taller. This increase in dimensions isn’t merely for show; it directly translates to more generous interior space, a critical factor for families and adventurers needing ample room for passengers and gear.
Kia offers distinct styling options, which is a clever move to appeal to a wider audience. The off-road-focused X-Pro trim, for instance, features a prominent, aggressive egg-crate grille. This bold front fascia certainly makes a statement, ideal for those seeking a more adventurous look. However, for buyers preferring a more refined aesthetic, other Telluride models showcase a toned-down design with elegant vertical slats, presenting a handsomer and more classic appearance.
Around the back, the new taillights offer a tidy, modern update to the previous design. They seamlessly integrate with the vehicle’s broader appeal. The video points out a resemblance to the current full-size Range Rover – a comparison that speaks volumes about the Kia Telluride’s elevated design aspirations. This clean, unfussy rear-end design adds to its premium feel. Along the sides, unique creases above the front and rear fenders make the sheet metal look pinched, giving the hood a super-wide visual effect. This sophisticated sculpting creates a truly distinctive profile.
Adding a touch of modern luxury, the 2027 Kia Telluride incorporates new motorized pop-out door handles. While rare among three-row SUVs, this feature is common on many electric vehicles, including Kia’s own EV6 and EV9. Their inclusion on the Telluride further emphasizes Kia’s commitment to blending cutting-edge design with premium functionality, making this SUV stand out in its class.
Interior Sanctuary: Comfort Meets Adventure
Step inside the 2027 Kia Telluride, and you’ll discover a cabin designed to impress, even in the XRT Pro trim, which prioritizes ruggedness. The overarching theme is one of rugged adventure blended with upscale comfort. Soft-touch materials are abundant throughout the cabin, creating a luxurious tactile experience. Unique touches, like the faux forged carbon-look trim on the center console and dash, enhance the adventurous flair.
The interior layout features a horizontal design, reminiscent of the Hyundai Palisade, but with its own distinct character. The large touchscreen setup is familiar from other new Kia models, such as the EV9. However, the placement of the climate panel between the driver display and the infotainment screen presents a minor ergonomic challenge. When driving, this panel can be partially obscured by the steering wheel, making quick adjustments less intuitive than ideal.
Thoughtful Storage Solutions and Ergonomics
Storage in the 2027 Kia Telluride is generally well-considered, providing practical solutions for everyday items. While the main center console bin is shallower than some might expect for a vehicle of this size, an additional bin next to the cupholders offers convenient storage for smaller items. The cupholders themselves are versatile, with sections that can be pushed away to create more space when needed. Modern connectivity is a priority, with two wireless charging pads in the center console and three USB-C ports located just above them for front passengers, ensuring devices stay charged and connected on the go.
Front seat comfort is a strong suit of the new Telluride. The seats strike a “Goldilocks” balance – not too firm, not too soft, but just right for long journeys. In the XRT Pro trim, a combination of suede and leather materials adds to the luxurious feel. Kia’s signature mesh headrests, which feel like “little hammocks” for your head, are available and provide exceptional comfort. For added luxury, these front seats are heated and cooled, and the driver’s seat boasts Kia’s Ergo Motion massage function. While not a deep tissue massage, it subtly shifts pockets of air within the seat, effectively reducing fatigue on extended drives.
Second and Third-Row Experiences
Rear seat comfort in the 2027 Kia Telluride mirrors the front, offering a comfortable balance in firmness. The second-row seats are highly versatile, sliding forward and backward and reclining to optimize space for passengers or accommodate third-row occupants. A notable premium feature for this class is the inclusion of heated and cooled second-row seats. Storage options in the second row are also robust, featuring a pull-out bin and a sliding tray, two cupholders, and two USB-C ports conveniently located in the front seatbacks.
Accessing the third row is remarkably easy, a crucial factor for family SUVs. A single press of a button, located either on top or the side of the second-row seat, tilts and slides it forward, creating a clear path. This ingenious design means that even with a child seat installed in the second row, third-row access remains unimpeded. Once inside, the third row offers adequate space, though headroom might feel a little snug for taller adults (e.g., someone 5’11” might find their hair brushing the ceiling, as mentioned in the video). However, legroom is decent, and passengers benefit from two cupholders on each side and two additional USB-C ports, making it a comfortable space for shorter trips.
Cargo Versatility and Practicality
Cargo space has always been a key strength of the Kia Telluride, and the 2027 model continues this tradition. The redesigned SUV maintains a solid amount of cargo capacity behind the third row, making it highly practical for daily errands or weekend getaways. One aspect to note is the relatively high lift-over height on the lifted XRT Pro trim, which could require a little more effort when loading heavy items.
While the second and third-row seats are manually folding, rather than power-folding like those in the Hyundai Palisade, they still offer excellent versatility. Crucially, both second-row seats can be folded down from the rear cargo area, a highly convenient feature when loading larger items. Although this mechanism doesn’t fold them completely flat from the back, a quick walk around to push them fully down creates an expansive, near-flat cargo floor, ready for any adventure. Furthermore, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, seamlessly integrating smartphone functionality into the infotainment system.
Under the Hood: Power, Efficiency, and the Hybrid Edge
Perhaps the biggest news for the 2027 Kia Telluride lies beneath the hood. The previously used V6 engine, often described as mediocre, has been retired. In its place are two highly anticipated new powertrain options that promise improved performance and efficiency, fundamentally altering the driving experience of the new Telluride.
The new base engine is a robust 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. This unit delivers more torque than the outgoing V6, providing a more immediate and engaging driving feel, even if it has a slightly lower horsepower rating. While specific performance figures are pending further testing, this turbocharged engine is expected to offer a more dynamic and responsive ride, suitable for both city driving and highway cruising.
However, the real showstopper is the all-new hybrid model. This powertrain option brings an unprecedented level of power and, crucially, exceptional fuel efficiency to the 2027 Kia Telluride. Kia boldly claims that the hybrid model will achieve up to 35 miles per gallon combined. This figure is not only seriously impressive for an SUV of this size but also slightly edges out the Hyundai Palisade, which shares the same powertrain. To put this in perspective, it nearly matches the fuel economy of the significantly less powerful Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, making the Telluride Hybrid a compelling choice for eco-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on space or performance. This focus on hybrid technology signifies Kia’s commitment to advancing efficiency across its SUV lineup.
The 2027 Kia Telluride: An Enduring Value Proposition
While pricing details for the 2027 Kia Telluride have yet to be announced, its historical reputation for delivering impressive value among mid-size three-row SUVs suggests this trend will continue. Assuming pricing aligns closely with its platform-mate, the Hyundai Palisade, the Telluride is poised to offer a premium cabin experience and an extensive list of features that often surpass competitors.
Highlights such as heated, ventilated, and power-operated second-row captain’s chairs underscore the luxury available. Even the third-row seats can be heated, a feature that truly elevates passenger comfort across the entire vehicle. The overall interior look and feel exude a premium quality, making the 2027 Kia Telluride a formidable contender. Its blend of adventurous personality, robust new powertrains, and upscale amenities solidify its position as a top choice for discerning SUV buyers.
Telluride Trail Talk: Your Questions Answered
What is the 2027 Kia Telluride?
The 2027 Kia Telluride is Kia’s popular three-row SUV that has received its first full redesign for this model year, aiming to be bigger, bolder, and better.
What are the main changes for the 2027 Kia Telluride?
The 2027 Kia Telluride features a complete redesign, including a noticeably longer and taller exterior, a more spacious and comfortable interior, and all-new engine options.
Does the new Kia Telluride offer a hybrid engine option?
Yes, a significant new addition is the all-new hybrid model, which is expected to achieve an impressive 35 miles per gallon combined fuel efficiency.
Is the interior of the 2027 Kia Telluride spacious?
Yes, the redesigned Telluride is longer and taller, providing more generous interior space for passengers and cargo across all three rows.