2027 KIA Telluride
When the Kia Telluride first stormed onto the scene, it did not just enter the three-row SUV market; it conquered it.
With its chiseled good looks, near-luxury interior, and an unbeatable value proposition, the Telluride became the benchmark, the family hauler everyone recommended.
However, in the fast-paced world of automotive design, even champions cannot rest on their laurels. As we look toward the horizon, the conversation is already shifting to the next-generation Telluride. The big question on everyone’s mind is: how can Kia possibly top a masterpiece?
We are peering into our crystal ball, gathering insider whispers, and analyzing industry trends to paint a picture of the 2027 Kia Telluride.
This is not just a refresh; we anticipate a ground-up Kia Telluride redesign that will again set the standard for the modern family SUV.
A Radical New Face: Exterior Redesign Inspired by the Future
Forget subtle nips and tucks. The 2027 Kia Telluride is expected to embrace a bold new aesthetic, heavily influenced by its all-electric big brother, the EV9. Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, which blends natural forms with futuristic elements, will be fully displayed.
Expect the friendly, approachable face of the current model to evolve into something more assertive and technologically advanced.
We anticipate a full-width “Digital Tiger Face,” replacing the traditional grille with a sleek panel that can incorporate intricate lighting signatures.
The signature vertical “Star Map” LED daytime running lights, a standout feature on the EV9, are almost certain to appear, giving the next-generation Telluride an unmistakable presence on the road, day or night.
The overall silhouette will likely remain boxy and commanding—a key part of its appeal—but with cleaner lines and more sophisticated surfacing.
Flush door handles, aerodynamic wheel designs, and a “floating roof” effect could all contribute to a more premium and futuristic look. This will not be just an update but a statement designed to make the competition look dated overnight.
The Cabin Reimagined: A Tech-Forward Mobile Lounge
If there is one area where the current Telluride already punches far above its weight, it is the interior. For the 2027 Kia Telluride, Kia is poised to double down.
The centerpiece of the new cabin is a sweeping, panoramic curved display, seamlessly integrating the driver’s gauge cluster and the central infotainment system into one cohesive unit.
This feature, already wowing drivers in other new Kia models, will elevate the Telluride’s cabin from premium-feeling to genuinely cutting-edge.
Beyond the screens, expect a focus on sustainable and high-quality materials. Recycled fabrics, open-pore wood trim, and soft-touch surfaces will create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
We also predict an evolution in functionality. Look for improved third-row access, more clever storage solutions, and even second-row captain’s chairs with integrated ottoman-style leg rests, borrowing another trick from the EV9’s playbook.
Cargo space, already a strong point, will likely be optimized further, ensuring this remains the ultimate road trip machine.
Advanced technology will be woven throughout. Expect standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an array of USB-C ports in all three rows.
An enhanced head-up display (HUD), an upgraded Meridian premium audio system, and Kia’s next-generation Digital Key, which allows you to use your smartphone as a key, will solidify its position as a technology leader in its class.
The Powertrain Revolution: Enter the Hybrid
This is where the most significant changes are coming. While the current Telluride’s smooth 3.8-liter V6 engine is beloved, the future is electrified.
The headline news for the 2027 Kia Telluride will be the introducing of new powertrain options, specifically a hybrid.
We anticipate two distinct possibilities. The most likely candidate is a traditional hybrid (HEV) system, similar to the one in the Kia Sorento and the rival Toyota Grand Highlander.
This would pair a smaller, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, significantly boosting fuel economy without sacrificing the smooth, potent acceleration buyers expect.
This move directly addresses one of the few criticisms of the current model: its middle-of-the-pack MPG figures. A hybrid SUV Telluride with over 30 MPG combined would be a game-changer.
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant is also possible, offering 30-40 miles of all-electric range for silent, emissions-free commuting before the gasoline engine kicks in for longer journeys.
While the robust V6 may remain available in some trims to appease traditionalists, the smart money is on the turbocharged hybrid becoming the volume-selling powertrain.
Pricing and Release Date: When Can You Get One?
This is the million-dollar question. While nothing is official, we can make an educated prediction based on industry cycles.
Expect Kia to officially unveil the next-generation Telluride in late 2026, with models beginning to arrive at dealerships in the spring or summer of 2027.
As for the Kia Telluride price, a modest increase is inevitable given the advanced technology and new powertrain development.
The current Telluride starts in the mid-$30,000s and can climb into the low $50,000s. The 2027 Kia Telluride will likely see its starting price nudge closer to the $40,000 mark, with top-tier hybrid models potentially reaching the high $50,000s.
Even with this increase, expect Kia to maintain its aggressive value-first strategy, packing in more standard features than its key competitors like the Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Grand Highlander.
Preparing for a New Reign
The 2027 Kia Telluride is shaping to be more than just a sequel; it is a complete reinvention. By blending futuristic design cues from the EV9, a genuinely luxurious and tech-packed interior design, and the much-needed addition of efficient hybrid SUV powertrains, Kia is not just defending its crown—it is forging a new one.
The future looks incredibly bright for the legion of current Telluride owners and the countless families waiting for the next big thing in the three-row SUV space. The king may be preparing to retire, but the heir apparent looks ready to rule for a long time.
