Kia’s best-selling three-row SUV is back with a ground-up redesign for 2027, and early reviews say it’s a winner. The second-generation Telluride trades its old V6 for a turbocharged four-cylinder, adds an available hybrid powertrain, and grows in nearly every dimension. Built at Kia’s factory in Georgia, this new model picks up right where the first generation left off, sitting at the top of the midsize SUV class.
- The 2027 Telluride replaces its naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four making 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.
- The first-ever Telluride Hybrid produces 329 hp from its turbo-hybrid engine and earns an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined on the EX FWD trim.
- Pricing spans ten non-hybrid trim levels from the $40,735 LX up to $58,335 for the X-Pro SX Prestige, while the five hybrid trims range from $48,035 to $59,135.
Two New Powertrains Replace the V6
The biggest mechanical change for the 2027 Telluride is under the hood. Kia ditched the V6 that powered every version of the previous Telluride in favor of its 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which makes 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, a gain of 49 lb-ft over the old V6. That engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes with either front- or all-wheel drive.
Then there’s the hybrid. Kia pairs the same turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a pair of electric motors, one near the engine and the other integrated into the six-speed automatic gearbox, for a combined output of 329 hp and 339 pound-feet of torque. Plenty of shoppers still wonder how does an electric car work, but the Telluride Hybrid’s electric motors blend into a traditional gas powertrain, so the driving experience feels completely familiar. Front-wheel-drive hybrids earn an estimated 35 mpg combined, with AWD dropping to 31 mpg, while gas models manage 22 mpg combined (FWD) or 20 mpg (AWD).
The gas-only model is about half a second slower to 60 mph than the outgoing V6 model, recording a 7.4-second 0-to-60 time, which is still plenty quick for a family SUV.
Bigger, Bolder Looks and a Roomier Cabin
The midsize SUV is larger than its predecessor, adding 2.7 inches to the wheelbase and 2.3 inches in overall length. While it sticks with its traditional squared-off SUV shape, flush door handles and smoother lines make the new Telluride 10 percent more aerodynamic while giving it a more upscale appearance.
The exterior styling is polarizing, though. The face of the Telluride doesn’t come across as refined as the rest of the vehicle, according to some reviewers. Kia says it doesn’t expect the bolder look to hurt sales and is actually increasing production capacity by 50% for the new model at its Georgia factory.
Inside, the improvements are hard to argue with. The 2027 Telluride’s 116.9-inch wheelbase and 199.2-inch overall length translate into greater legroom in both the second and third rows, while a new second-row slide and tilt seat design allows child seats to remain in place while passengers access the back. Cargo space has also grown, with 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 89.3 cubic feet with the second row down.
The new Telluride’s interior closely resembles that of the Kia EV9, the brand’s three-row electric SUV, which has been praised for its modern cabin. Amenities include dual wireless charging pads, heated seats across all three rows, and a 14-speaker Meridian audio system on higher trims.
Off-Road Chops With the X-Pro Trim
If you want a family SUV that can handle dirt roads and trails, the X-Pro model is worth a look. The X-Pro gets an electronic limited-slip differential to direct power to wheels with traction, 9.1 inches of ground clearance, multiple drive modes, and all-terrain tires. It also has a 38.6-inch wading depth without any added equipment, a number that beats both the Ford Bronco Raptor and the Land Rover Defender.
Kia set up a custom off-road course for reviewers that included water fording, steep climbs and descents, rocky terrain, and moguls, and the X-Pro impressed with both its capability and its surprisingly comfortable ride. The X-Pro features an off-road data display showing angles, tire pressure, and traction, along with a new Ground View Monitor that superimposes the tires on-screen to make trail navigation easier.
A Strong Case for Family SUV Buyers
Kia has grown to be the fifth best-selling car brand in the U.S., and the original Telluride, introduced in 2020, was a major reason for that upward move. Sales of the first-generation Telluride doubled from its 2019 debut through 2025. The second generation looks poised to keep that momentum going.
The base LX starts at $40,735 including destination, which gets you cloth seats and manual adjustments. Jumping to the $2,900-pricier S trim adds a power driver’s seat, roof rails, a power tailgate, a sunroof, 20-inch wheels, heated front seats, and second-row captain’s chairs. Hybrid models start at $48,035, and while that’s a lot for a midsize crossover, it lines up directly with the Hyundai Palisade.
Tech features include available streaming through Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube. Digital Key 2.0 lets you start and drive with just your phone or Apple Watch. And safety features like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring come standard across the lineup.
If you’re in the market for a three-row SUV, the 2027 Kia Telluride belongs on your short list. It still brings the value, style, and quality that the previous generation was known for. With two strong powertrain options, a cabin that rivals luxury models, and genuine off-road capability in the X-Pro, this is a second generation that lives up to the hype.
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