All-New 2027 Kia Telluride Teased Ahead of Full Reveal

Kia teases the second-generation Telluride ahead of November's full reveal. New design emphasizes ruggedness, updated tech, and expected hybrid and V6 powertrains. Pricing should start under $40,000; full debut at Los Angeles Auto Show November 20.

A full reveal takes place next month

The Telluride is one of Kia’s most important models in the United States. Designed specifically for this market, it has won numerous awards and consistently achieved high sales since going into production in 2019. Now that Hyundai has revealed a new Palisade—which shares a platform with the Telluride—we knew a second-generation Telluride couldn’t be far off, and now Kia has teased it. The new look is one of an even more rugged, upright three-row SUV than the current model, so let’s take a closer look.

The latest Telluride has big shoes to fill, and Kia needs to get a lot right for the popular SUV to continue to build on what came before.

‘Opposites United’ Design Language Evolves

Kia’s design language aims to blend the contrasts found in nature and humanity and apply them to its vehicles. Whatever that means, what we have here is certainly distinctive. The new Telluride is all sharp lines. It has a tall, blocky hood, and below this are new vertical daytime running lights with an amber/red glow. The Kia logo stands proud on the new grille, and Kia has also confirmed the vehicle will feature the company’s Star Map LED lighting.

“Inspired by its namesake Colorado town, aggressively defined triangular creases in the fenders resemble the chiseled facets of a diamond and capture the essence of the towering Rocky Mountains,” said Kia.

The new Telluride also features a beltline that rises gently as it approaches the D-pillar, which rakes forward—this touch makes the telluride look like it’s moving even when it’s not. A floating roof effect is created by the black inserts at the top of the pillar. A second teaser image shows the SUV with a dual sunroof, which is likely an option.

Whereas the new Palisade looks more like a luxury SUV than ever before, this Telluride teaser suggests a more rugged-looking family vehicle.

Expected Powertrains and Features

We anticipate that the new Telluride will get the same V6 and four-cylinder hybrid powertrains used by the new Palisade. That means around 329 horsepower for the hybrid and much better efficiency than the outgoing Telluride, which only had V6 power. All-wheel drive should be widely available across the trim lineup, if not standard.

As with any new model release, the interior will get a significant tech update. Expect screens aplenty, although the Koreans do still see value in equipping their models with physical controls for often-used functions. Depending on the trim, the new Telluride should be able to seat up to eight people, but more luxurious trims will likely have second-row captain’s chairs in place of a bench.

Pricing and Availability

Prices are unconfirmed at this stage, but the 2027 Kia Telluride should still start at under $40,000 in base form, rising to well over $50,000 for trims with more features and/or better capability.

The global debut of the new Telluride will take place at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 20, so there’s less than a month to go before we see the new SUV in full. 

Kia has just come off record third-quarter sales, and the new Telluride is likely to keep the momentum going when it arrives.