First Look at 2027 Kia Telluride Reveals Bold Exterior, Awesome Interior
One week before its official debut at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show, and a few months before its arrival at dealerships scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, the second-generation 2027 Kia Telluride has surfaced online, showcasing a bold new design that will leave no one indifferent.
The company says that the challenge was to evolve rather than reinvent its three-row midsize SUV. The silhouette and some of the design cues do look familiar, but overall, the exterior transformation is admittedly striking.
- Also: Next-Gen Kia Telluride is Coming Soon, Here’s What to Expect
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Before going any further, we should clarify that Kia has released pictures of two different models: the rugged X-Pro (shown in new Terrain Brown) and the luxurious SXP (dark grey). The latter is not currently offered in Canada, only in the U.S.
Bigger and Even Boxier
Embodying Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, the 2027 Telluride is even boxier than the original. It now stands 2.3 inches (nearly 6 cm) longer, with a wheelbase stretched by almost three inches (7.5 cm) and a height increase of one inch (2.5 cm).
"With Telluride, it was a matter of being tailored and restrained—dare I say, anti-design," said Tom Kearns, VP and Senior Chief Designer at Kia Design Center America. "With that approach, it was about capturing strength and luxury, tradition and modernness, into a single expression."
The new Telluride is aesthetically inspired by the landscapes of its namesake Colorado town, Kia claims, but it also has some Range Rover influence—except for the front fascia which is far from a pretty sight, especially in X-Pro trim, although we like the “Star Map” signature of the new headlights.
By all accounts, the vehicle’s appearance is much more refined on the sides and rear, from the new-look wheels (18 to 21 inches in size) to the roof rails and the liftgate, the latter featuring beautifully modernized taillights. The glass area is larger, improving visibility. Also, don’t miss the sculpted notches in the wheel wells or the flush door handles similar to those found on Kia's electric vehicles.
The Telluride X-Pro further stands out with numerous black accents, raised roof rails, squared-off lower bumpers allowing for better off-road angles, as well as all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance (9.1 inches or 23.1 cm total). Let’s not forget the front and rear recovery hooks in a contrasting colour or the new Ground Lighting feature that illuminates the surrounding area of the vehicle.
A Tech Sanctuary
These two words are how Kia describes the interior of the 2027 Telluride, where everything has been redesigned including the digital interface, dashboard, controls, steering wheel and centre console. The latter now offers dual wireless charging pads for smartphones, sturdy grab handles and more versatile storage.
Ambient lighting is more prominent and material selection is improved, although the wood-like textures won't appeal to everyone. The passenger console in the second row transforms into a functional table, while the reconfigurable cargo area features a folding luggage table with integrated ruler markings and a removable partition for extra convenience.
What else? Kia promises more generous space and easier access to the second and third rows. Up front, look for redesigned seats with available EV9-like mesh headrests for superior comfort.
To learn more about the new 2027 Telluride, including technologies and powertrain options (one of which is expected to be a hybrid system shared with the 2026 Hyundai Palisade), don't miss our coverage of the Los Angeles Auto Show starting November 20.