The 2027 Kia Telluride returns as a second-generation midsize SUV with a massive redesign, a larger footprint, and updated proportions.
Planned for release as a 2027 model, the new Telluride and Seltos are Kia’s next generation of bold designs. We’ve had the opportunity to spend some time with the new X-Line Hybrid, and here are our first impressions.
Design
At the front, vertical headlamps flank a high-gloss grille, while a wide hood with straight lines creates a squared stance. Moving to the sides, the Telluride features fluid body contours that merge over the wheels to form triangular creases on the fenders.
Floating wheel cladding, sculpted wheel-well notches, and a tapered roofline form part of the new signature. The rear end uses a rising beltline and broad fender surfaces to create a planted look.
Kia has also shifted to a different lighting design, with twin LED vertical strips at the front, a feature that aligns with the existing rear light signature. The lighting graphic uses Kia’s Star Map pattern, with amber DRLs returning in a revised shape.
Rear lamps use twin bars separated by body-color elements for graphic clarity. Exterior colors expand to ten options, with new choices including Black Jade Green and Terrain Brown in both glossy and matte finishes.
Interior
The 2027 Telluride Hybrid’s interior adopts a wide horizontal layout with wraparound surfaces. Wood-like textures, metal accents, and soft lighting beneath the center console lift the ambiance of the cabin. Rear passengers have access to a console that can convert into a functional table.
Available mesh headrests appear in the first- and second-row seats. The cargo hold incorporates a folding luggage table with useful ruler markings.
Increases in overall length and height support easier entry into the second and third rows and add up to half an inch of headroom in models equipped with sunroofs. Color combinations include Deep Navy with Tuscan Umber and a Blackberry hue paired with Sand Beige.
Experience in the 2027 Telluride X-Line Hybrid
Ingress into the Telluride Hybrid is easy, helped by wide-opening doors. The front seats deliver strong back support, good under-thigh and thigh support, and noticeable side bolstering even for a six-foot occupant. Headroom is generous, and outward visibility is not restricted. Ambient lighting adds a sporty touch to the well-equipped cabin.
The center console includes adjustable cupholders and dual wireless charging pads. The dashboard integrates three displays, with the instrument cluster, infotainment screen, and climate display grouped together and positioned low on the dash.
Physical controls remain for volume, temperature, and fan speed, creating a mixed digital and tactile interface that greatly improves usability compared to touch-only layouts.
With the front seat set for a six-footer, the second row offers good knee room and excellent headroom. Captain’s chairs in this configuration provide a comfortable seating position, and large shoes can slide under the front seat. Outward visibility remains strong, and grab handles assist ingress and egress.
Access to the third row feels easier now, enabled by a button on the second-row seatback that slides the seat forward. While it includes heating, USB-C ports on both sides, and large side windows for outward visibility, space is constrained for tall adults. The seating position and knee angle make the third row more appropriate for shorter adults and children.
Specifications
The 2027 Telluride features a bigger, boxier shape, with a length of 199.2 inches, which is 2.3 inches longer than the outgoing model. The wheelbase also increases by 2.7 inches to 116.9 inches, while overall height stays at 70.5 inches (with roof rails) in the higher variants. Wheel sizes include 18-, 20-, and 21-inch options.
Powering the 2027 Kia Telluride HEV is a 2.5-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder GDI engine that works with electric motors and a 1.65-kWh lithium-ion battery for a combined 329 hp (+38 hp) and 339 lb-ft (+77 lb-ft) of torque.
Power is routed through a 6-speed automatic transmission, with optional AWD, and Kia says the hybrid is rated at up to a Kia-estimated 35 mpg (combined) with a Kia-estimated total driving range of 600 miles. Towing is rated at up to 4,500 lb.
Price & Release Date
While pricing has not yet been announced, U.S. dealer arrivals are scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, with EX, SX, X-Line SX, SX Prestige, and X-Line SX Prestige variants planned. We expect the 2027 Telluride Hybrid to fall in the USD 45,000 to USD 55,000 price range, positioned right above the 2026 Sorento Hybrid.
Meanwhile, the Canadian-spec 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid is expected to arrive at dealers later this year. Final Canadian trim details and official pricing have yet to be announced.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
