2027 Kia Telluride Review: The Upscale Redesign That Outsmarts Luxury SUVs

Since 2019, the Kia Telluride has been the family SUV that punches above its price. It arrived with boxy confidence, a premium cabin, and a sticker that made luxury brands sweat. Dealers couldn’t keep them in stock — markups were common, and annual U.S. sales rocketed from 60,000 units to over 120,000 by 2025. That’s double the volume in just six years, outpacing even its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Palisade.

Now, Kia has unveiled the second-generation 2027 Telluride — and it’s not a mild refresh. This is a full redesign that borrows heavily from the flagship EV9 while channeling the spirit of a Range Rover Sport. We got an exclusive first look at Kia’s Design Center in Irvine, California, where the top-spec X-Pro model sat under the lights in a stunning Terrain Brown Matte finish.

The mission was clear: evolve an icon without alienating the families who made it a bestseller. Kia stretched the wheelbase, sharpened the styling, added a hybrid powertrain, and layered in luxury touches that feel closer to $90,000 than $50,000.

The big question: Can Kia keep its luxury-on-a-budget edge while stepping into premium SUV territory? After walking around, sitting inside, and studying every detail of this pre-production X-Pro, the answer is a resounding yes. This isn’t just an update — it’s a statement. Let’s break it down.

Exterior Design: Rugged Sophistication Meets Range Rover DNA

Kia didn’t just tweak the old Telluride — they reimagined it. The 2027 model keeps the signature boxy silhouette but adds smoother, more upscale lines that scream premium. Park it next to a new Range Rover, and you’ll do a double-take. The Telluride might actually look better — cleaner, more purposeful, and far less fussy.

A Bolder Face with Lighting as the Star

The front is dominated by a wider, digitized Tiger Nose grille — now flanked by glossy and matte black accents. The Kia logo is blacked out and smooth (no more textured aluminum). But the real showstopper? Lighting is now the defining face. Dual amber daytime running lights form Kia’s new signature, with full LED headlights tucked lower for a more aggressive stare. LED fog lights sit proudly in the rugged lower bumper.

The X-Pro gets bronze-colored recovery tow hooks and an aggressive front fascia with improved approach angles. Kia hasn’t released exact figures yet, but the X-Pro rides 9.1 inches off the ground — 0.7 inches higher than the Palisade XRT. That’s real off-road cred for a family hauler.

Side Profile: Longer, Sleeker, More Premium

The Telluride has grown up — literally.

• Wheelbase stretched by 3 inches (est. 117″)
• Overall length up 2.3 inches (est. 199″)

It’s still smaller than a Toyota Grand Highlander or Chevy Traverse, but the proportions are perfect. Retractable door handles (a Telluride first) add a sleek, high-tech touch. The floating roofline is accented by black trim, and a dual panoramic sunroof (front opens, rear fixed) floods the cabin with light.

The X-Pro rolls on 18-inch wheels with 255/60 all-terrain tires, wrapped in blocky fender flares that break up the body color dramatically. Black mirrors with integrated turn signals fold electrically, and beefier roof rails hint at adventure.

Rear: Clean, Confident, and Classy

The back is pure Range Rover minimalism — a full-width taillight bar, tucked-away rear wiper, and an integrated roof spoiler. The X-Pro adds orange recovery hooks and black badging. The power liftgate opens to reveal a clean, organized cargo area.

Editorial Note: “From the front, it’s pure confidence. From the rear, it’s almost European. The Telluride now looks like a Range Rover Sport — only smarter and far more attainable.”

Powertrain and Performance: Gas or Hybrid Power

Kia isn’t talking final specs yet, but the Telluride shares its updated platform with the 2027 Hyundai Palisade — so we can make educated guesses.

Expected Powertrains

The hybrid will likely pair the turbo four with an electric motor, just like the Palisade. It’s a big deal — hybrids are rare in this class, with only the Toyota Grand Highlander offering serious competition.

Platform & Capability

• Updated architecture improves NVH, rigidity, and efficiency
• AWD standard on X-Line/X-Pro, available on others
• Towing: Expected ~5,500 lbs (same as current)
• X-Pro extras: All-terrain tires, improved angles, possible hydraulic bump stops

Editorial Commentary: “With the hybrid option coming, Kia’s not just chasing Toyota — they’re leading the charge for electrified family SUVs in this segment.”

Ride and Handling: Comfortable, Confident, and Capable

We haven’t driven it yet, but Kia promises a softer, more refined ride with better sound insulation. The 9.1-inch ground clearance on X-Pro models gives real light off-road ability — think gravel roads, snowy driveways, or forest trails.

The suspension is tuned for comfort first, capability second. Expect a quiet cabin, minimal body roll, and confident highway manners. The X-Pro should feel planted on dirt, while lower trims prioritize smoothness.

Interior Design: Premium Luxury Without the Price Tag

Step inside the 2027 Telluride, and you’ll forget you’re in a Kia. This is EV9-inspired luxury — clean, modern, and packed with premium materials.

Cockpit: A 30-Inch Digital Wall

The dashboard features a seamless 30-inch display wall:

• 12.3″ digital cluster
• 12.3″ infotainment (wireless CarPlay/Android Auto)
• 5″ climate control screen

It’s perfectly sized — not overwhelming like some 50-inch setups. The CNCC software supports over-the-air updates, and lower trims may get analog gauges.

Materials & Comfort

• Soft-touch plastics with faux stitching
• Engineered carbon fiber or engineered wood trim (X-Pro)
• Upgraded leather + suede two-tone
• ErgoMotion massaging driver seat with memory
• Heated steering wheel, power tilt/telescoping
• Solid door thud — feels expensive

The center console is clever: a push-to-close lid hides cupholders, and a twist dial shifter frees up space. Wireless charging, three USB-C ports, and a 360° camera with crisp resolution round it out.

Color Options

• Tuscan Umber + Navy
• Blackberry (purple) + Beige
• All-black (shown — a bit dark)

Editorial Take: “Step inside and it’s easy to forget this is a Kia — it feels closer to a $90,000 SUV. The Telluride has officially outclassed every mainstream rival.”

Second and Third Row Space: Room for Everyone

The Telluride has always been a people-hauler. The 2027 model improves on that.

Second Row (Captain’s Chairs in X-Pro)

• Heated & ventilated
• Sliding + reclining with good range
• Flat floor, retractable sunshades
• Pull-out center console with storage
• Tri-zone climate on ceiling
• Massive glass roof (fixed rear panel)

At 5’7”, I had tons of legroom with the seat all the way back.

Third Row

• Seats 7 (captain’s) or 8 (bench)
• Est. 32–33.9 inches legroom (based on Palisade)
• Manual fold-flat (no power — a miss)
• USB ports, vents, LED lights
• Usable for kids or short adult trips

Editorial Comment: “The third row still isn’t limo-like, but for kids or short trips, it’s genuinely usable — something few SUVs can claim.”

Cargo and Practicality: Built for Families

• ~20 cu.ft. behind 3rd row
• ~46 cu.ft. behind 2nd row
• ~87 cu.ft. max

Underfloor storage is smartly divided, and a full-size spare is included. The power tailgate is standard on upper trims.

Pro Tip: “While it misses power-folding seats, the manual strap release works easily — and the underfloor bins are perfect for road-trip gear.”

Technology & Safety: Smarter, Safer, Sharper

Kia Drive Wise Suite

• Adaptive Cruise with Lane Centering
• Highway Driving Assist 2
• Forward Collision Avoidance
• Blind-Spot View Monitor
• 360° 3D camera
• Driver attention camera
• Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance

Connectivity

• OTA updates
• Digital key
• Built-in navigation
• Heads-up display (top trims)

Editorial Tone: “Kia’s latest safety suite rivals that of Audi and Volvo — proof that safety doesn’t need a luxury badge.”

Pricing and Trim Expectations (2027 Model Year)

Launch: Early 2026 (U.S.), mid-2026 global.

Early Verdict: Has Kia Outdone Itself Again?

Pros: ✅ Bold, Range Rover-inspired design ✅ Hybrid powertrain adds efficiency ✅ Best-in-class interior quality ✅ Comfortable and quiet ride ✅ Generous standard tech

Cons: ❌ No power-folding 3rd row ❌ Slightly darker interior tones ❌ Pricing creeping toward luxury brands

Editorial Conclusion: “The 2027 Kia Telluride isn’t just a refresh — it’s a statement. Kia has managed to evolve its best-seller into something aspirational yet accessible. This is no longer a family SUV that’s ‘good for the price’ — it’s simply good, period.”

Comparison Snapshot

Source: 2027 Kia Telluride Is An Upscale Redesign For A Very Popular 3-Row Family SUV