When you think of a family SUV, you probably don't picture glamour. Then along comes the new 2027 Kia Telluride, hitting the red carpet in Los Angeles and politely reminding you that it can wear a tent and a tie at the same time. And it does it very well.
World premiere of the second generation Kia Telluride will be at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 20, 2025. Kia showed the first official photos and key design highlights on November 10, and the new Telluride is expected to hit showrooms in early 2026.
Bigger and more “Range Rover” – but in its own way
The first-generation Telluride was already quite outdoorsy, but the new one goes a step further: an upright silhouette, a taller and wider grille, and the now iconic vertical light signatures front and rear. The front LED daytime running lights in amber wrap almost the entire width of the grille, while the rear end, with vertical LED strips, openly hints at the British supermodel from Solihull – in a good way. The designers call it the “Star Map” graphic; we simply call it “smart identity”.
Dimensions: it's not just the ego that grows
The new length is 199.2 inches (506 cm), which is 5.8 cm more than before. The wheelbase is longer by almost 7.5 cm, and the overall height has grown by another 2.5 cm. In practice, this means more knee and head room and easier entry into the second and third rows of seats.
X-Pro: black trim, mudguards and actual hardware
The X-Pro version doesn't bluff. It comes with all-terrain tires, 231 mm of ground clearance, reinforced roof racks, matte black trim and – best of all – standard tow hooks front and rear. Also new is “Ground Lighting”, which illuminates the car's surroundings from the mirrors, under the rear doors and even from the rear bumper; with the tailgate raised, it helps when changing a tire or finding a lost toy.
Mask and wheels: details that make a face
The X-Pro's grille is different from the more road-going versions; the emphasis is on the grille and the robust lower bumper. Wheels are available in 18-, 20- and 21-inch versions, with thicker spokes on the X-series for a more off-road look. The X-Pro and SX Prestige prototypes also feature a new, cross-shaped eight-spoke wheel design, which neatly ties together the rectangular details across the body. If you squint, you see a Range Rover. If you open them, you see better cost-of-ownership arithmetic.
Pop-out hooks and a bit of aerodynamics
The Telluride now features retractable, flush-mounted door handles – in the style of the EV9 and EV6 electric models. Less drag, more elegance and modernity.
Interior: lounge on wheels
The cabin is designed in the “Grandioso” style: real metal trim, warm wood tones, subtle ambient lighting under the center console and a second-row passenger console that converts into a table. The trunk has a folding shelf with an engraved ruler and a removable divider – practical for camping or family trips. The seatbacks with mesh headrests are the new “it” thing for long drives.
Colors and materials: Deep Navy, Tuscan Umber, Blackberry
The new Deep Navy x Tuscan Umber combination is pleasantly bold, while the Blackberry (deep purple) x Sand Beige is sure to impress on Instagram. The exterior is available in ten colors, including Black Jade Green and Terrain Brown – the latter even in a matte finish.
Screen to screen: enough “big screen energy”
The transverse dual screen – visually low, wide and without unnecessary elements – will remind many of the top-of-the-line Kias of recent years. The X-Pro photos show two 12.3-inch screens, which looks more premium than before, mainly due to the quality materials and details.
Drivetrains: Officially still a secret, but hybrid is the logical choice
Kia has not yet revealed technical data, but because Kia Telluride Sharing its underpinnings with the Hyundai Palisade, a hybrid 2.5-liter turbocharged unit with around 329 hp is expected, as well as a naturally aspirated V6 (3.5 or 3.8 L, depending on the market). Front- or all-wheel drive is very likely. Specific performance figures will be announced at the official launch.
A friendly warning for Europe
The Telluride remains a North American and select market-focused model; don't expect it in the EU lineup (yet). If you're buying in the EU, you'll be choosing between the Sorento, EV9, or - if you have the budget - the Range Rover.
How much, when and how
Official prices for 2027 have not yet been announced. For reference: the current 2025 Telluride in the US costs from 37,885 $ (LX) to 55,180 $ (SX-Prestige X-Pro). For the new generation, expect the base price to be “just under 40,000 $”, but let's wait for official data. First deliveries are scheduled for early 2026.
Bottom line: an interesting giant for the US
The new Telluride remains boxy, confident and spacious, but now offers even more luxury and useful details. The X-Pro is a serious SUV, and the interior is more “boutique hotel” than family bus. Powertrain specifications will be announced at the premiere, but if it follows the Palisade, a hybrid is the logical choice. Prices will remain competitive, and the appearance will continue to stand out - even in the company of prestigious competitors.
