2027 Kia Telluride Goes With 4 Cylinders Only, Adds Hybrid Variant
One week after its design was first revealed, the second-generation Kia Telluride is now making its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show and will arrive at dealerships this winter as a 2027 model. Incidentally, there is no 2026 model.
We've already talked about the exterior, which is even boxier than the outgoing Telluride and defined by a polarizing front end (especially on the rugged X-Pro model), so let's focus here on the powertrain options, interior and technologies.
- Also: First Look at 2027 Kia Telluride Reveals Bold Exterior, Awesome Interior
- Also: The Best Three-Row Midsize SUVs in 2025
V6 is Gone
Unlike the redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade, which retains a V6 engine, the 2027 Kia Telluride makes do with four cylinders only in the form of a turbocharged 2.5-litre unit. Output drops from 291 to 274 horsepower, but torque jumps from 262 to 311 lb-ft.
An eight-speed automatic transmission remains part of the mix, and all-wheel drive will continue to be included as standard equipment in Canada, of course. Maximum towing capacity also remains unchanged at 5,000 lbs.
Finally a Hybrid
Despite all of its qualities, which earned it a Best Buy award in the three-row midsize SUV segment from our team at The Car Guide for six consecutive years (along with the aforementioned Palisade), the Telluride suffered from relatively high fuel consumption. The discontinuation of the V6 should help, but it's the addition of an optional hybrid system that will truly make a difference.
This new powertrain combines the same turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery, not to mention a six-speed automatic transmission. While towing capacity decreases to 4,500 lbs, output and torque increase to 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft, respectively.
Average fuel consumption should be around 8 L/100 km if the Palisade Hybrid is any indication. That's not as good as a Toyota Highlander Hybrid, but still very respectable. Official ratings from Natural Resources Canada will be published at a later date.
Roomier and More Refined
Beyond its Range Rover-like appearance, the 2027 Kia Telluride is more spacious than its predecessor thanks to an increased length of 5.8 cm and a wheelbase extended by 6.8 cm. The revised interior offers more space, comfort, refinement and versatility.
The redesigned front seats are available with power-adjustable legrests and a massage function for the driver, while the second-row bench seat no longer requires the removal of child seats to access the third row (and can still be replaced with captain's chairs, obviously). Meanwhile, the cargo area has expanded from 601 to 631 litres—or from 2,455 to 2,529 litres with all the rear seats folded down.
In the first row, the dashboard and centre console have both been redesigned. The former once again features two 12.3-inch screens on a single panel (now with YouTube, Netflix and other apps on the infotainment system, not to mention an AI-powered voice assistant), while the latter retains grab handles but incorporates two wireless charging pads for smartphones. The new steering wheel looks hefty and the temperature control dials have been replaced with buttons.
The 2027 Kia Telluride, still produced in Georgia (the U.S. state, not the European country), will go on sale by the end of March, as mentioned earlier. Details regarding the model lineup and content for the Canadian market will be announced soon. Expect the starting price to increase from about $53,930 (including fees) to nearly $57,000.