Kia has pulled the cover off the 2027 Telluride, and a few of the predictions made prior to the reveal have come to fruition, among them the inclusion of a hybrid powertrain. That said, a hybrid powertrain isn’t the only update Kia gave its redesigned flagship SUV. With visual, mechanical, and technological updates throughout the updated three-row SUV, there’s more to love about the Telluride, and that says a lot, as it’s already one of the top choices for today’s SUV buyers.
The Telluride Now Offers Hybrid Power
Kicking off the updated 2027 Kia Telluride is, obviously, the new hybrid engine, though this isn’t a “new” engine in every sense of the word, as it has also made an appearance in the latest Hyundai Palisade hybrid, the Telluride’s corporate twin. That said, it grants the ’27 Telluride a healthy 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, up 38 horsepower compared to the previous model’s ICE mill. Kia predicts it will also clock 35 MPG combined and 600 miles per tank. The 2.5-liter turbo hybrid four-cylinder pairs with a 1.65-kWh battery and two electric motors. Hybrid models come standard with electronic torque vectoring control (E-DTVC), which helps improve handling and stability for maximum control and comfort.
For those not interested in hybrid power, the non-hybrid 2.5-liter turbo-four is available with 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, up 49 pound-feet from the outgoing model. The non-hybrid mill sends power through an eight-speed auto transmission, while the hybrid is mated to a six-speed auto box. AWD is available for both engine options, while the X-Pro AWD model features an electronic limited-slip differential; a center-locking differential lock maintains an even 50/50 front/rear torque split.
Off-Road Adventurers Get Some Added Tools
For both power options, a Rack-Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) system is included, which replaces the outgoing model’s column-mounted system and increases precision steering, feedback, and stability. The X-Pro trim gives the Telluride some off-road confidence in the form of an e-LSD, 9.1 inches of ground clearance, multiple drive modes, and some rugged all-terrain tires. The X-Pro trim also includes the new-for-2027 Ground View Monitor, which, as the name suggests, gives drivers a view of the ground to aid in traversing rough terrain. Finally, the rugged X-Pro features Ground Lighting, which, again, as the name suggests, lights up the surrounding area to illuminate campsites or late-night trail runs.
Exterior Design Gets Sharper, And The Dimensions Get Bigger
The exterior design is meant to capture the spirit of the Rocky Mountains, as well as the vehicle’s namesake town, Telluride. With a broad, muscular stance, chiseled edges, and elegant contours, it’s a smorgasbord of style that is both aggressive and beautiful. This is all achieved whilst capitalizing on modern, clean vehicle design that appeals to today’s buyers. The X-Line and X-Pro trims feature a touch of ruggedness that befits their adventurous demeanors, and include various blacked-out body components, a unique grille and bumper design, and unique wheel and tire options.
As mentioned, the ’27 Telluride is bigger than the outgoing model — 2.7-inch growth in the wheelbase and 2.3-inch growth in length. This translates to more interior room for second and third-row passengers, as well as more cargo space; cargo space is further enhanced thanks to the second row now being able to slide further than before, which increases ease of entry and room for the third row.
Cabin Tech And Comfort Are Not Forgotten
Stepping inside reveals a sanctuary of clean, contemporary style and near-endless comfort. The large curved display sets the tone right from the jump, with wider front relaxation seats that feature power leg rests, an Ergo Motion driver’s seat, and power-operated second-row captain’s chairs available as options. The second and third rows can also be optioned to feature heating functions; the second row offers optional ventilation. Improved NVH features and available indirect LED ambient lighting help achieve the sense of calm that makes the Telluride a hard-to-beat option for families, while additional cupholders, charging ports, and storage solutions make it a true road-trip companion.
The aforementioned curved display spans more than half the length of the dash and is available with dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays, as well as an available 12-inch head-up display. Streaming services, such as Netflix, Disney+, and more, are supported, sending sound through an available 14-speaker Meridian sound system. Kia’s generative AI allows hands-free multitasking, as well as natural conversation for those long, boring trips/commutes alone. Buyers can also connect their smartphones or watches via the enhanced ultrawideband-based Digital Key 2.0 feature. The new Telluride features a stacked suite of standard safety features, both active and passive, that ensure everyone who enters the vehicle is safe in the event of an accident. The ’27 Telluride is set to go on sale in Q1 2026, with pricing, trim availability, and EPA specs coming later.
Source: Kia