Kia Unveils the 2027 Telluride
Kia has just unveiled the second-generation 2027 Telluride, and it’s clear the automaker had one mission in mind: evolve without losing what made the original a runaway success. Since its debut six years ago, the Telluride has become Kia’s flagship gas-powered SUV, winning over families with its blend of luxury refinement and rugged capability. Now, the all-new model takes that winning formula and amplifies it in every direction.
A Confident Evolution
The 2027 Telluride doesn’t reinvent the wheel—it perfects it. Kia’s design team faced a unique challenge: how do you improve on something that already resonated so deeply with buyers? The answer was to stay true to the Telluride’s distinctive DNA while elevating its presence and sophistication.
The result is an SUV that’s unmistakably Telluride, just more of everything. It’s grown 2.3 inches in overall length, the wheelbase has stretched nearly three inches, and it stands one inch taller. These aren’t just numbers on a spec sheet—they translate to improved interior space, enhanced headroom (up to half an inch more with sunroofs), and easier access to all three rows.
Design That Commands Attention
Drawing inspiration from its namesake Colorado town, the new Telluride channels the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains into every chiseled line and sculpted surface. The exterior communicates strength and confidence, from the broad hood with clean lines to the vertical headlamps that frame a high-gloss grille. It’s a look that feels equally at home navigating city streets or parked at a mountain lodge.
One of the most striking design elements is the signature lighting. The original Telluride made its mark with vertical bar tail lamps, and the new generation doubles down on this identity by bringing the same vertical LED strips to the front. Kia’s Star Map lighting graphic creates a beacon-like quality, while the amber-hued DRLs add a modern, high-tech impression. The rear lights maintain that architectural character, appearing flush and precise like a digital display.
Unique details abound, from the sculpted notches in the wheel wells—a bold design choice that’s poised to become another Telluride signature—to the flush door handles borrowed from Kia’s EV lineup. Wheels ranging from 18 to 21 inches feature D-shaped patterns that balance sophistication with strength.
The X-Pro: Adventure Amplified
For those who want their Telluride with an extra dose of attitude, the X-Pro variant delivers. Dressed in blacked-out wheel arches, side mirrors, beltline trim, and D-pillars, the X-Pro embraces a darker, more commanding presence. A bold mesh grille and squared-off lower bumper give it an aggressive, tactical appearance.
But the X-Pro isn’t all show. It backs up its looks with 9.1 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and standard front and rear recovery hooks. The raised roof rails are ready to carry adventure gear, while the innovative Ground Lighting feature projects soft light from the mirrors, beneath the rear doors, and from the rear bumper—illuminating your surroundings and adding real-world utility during nighttime cargo loading or tire changes.
An Interior Sanctuary
Step inside the 2027 Telluride, and you enter what Kia calls a “tech sanctuary”—a space where urban sophistication meets natural warmth. The cabin design philosophy, dubbed “Grandioso,” delivers magnificent yet restrained elegance through rich hues and tactile details.
The color story is particularly compelling. Deep Navy paired with Tuscan Umber creates bold duality, while the all-new Blackberry—a rich purple hue—combined with Sand Beige offers a sophisticated and daring palette befitting a flagship SUV. X models opt for more grounded tones: all-black, deep khaki, or saddle brown finishes that feel both durable and refined.
Thoughtful details elevate the experience throughout. Wood-like textures add organic warmth, real metal accents emphasize precision, and subtle lighting beneath the center console creates a calming ambiance. Mesh headrests in the first and second rows blend modern aesthetics with comfort, while the reconfigurable cargo area features a folding luggage table with integrated ruler markings and a removable partition—a nod to outdoor adventures that merges form with function.
More Than Just Looks
The 2027 Telluride represents Kia’s commitment to building vehicles that don’t compromise. It’s a family SUV that delivers resort-level comfort without sacrificing capability. It’s a design statement that honors heritage while pushing boldly into the future. And it’s proof that second acts can indeed surpass the original.
The new Telluride will make its official debut at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show later this month, with arrivals at dealerships expected in the first quarter of 2026. With ten exterior colors including new shades like Black Jade Green and Terrain Brown (available in glossy and matte finishes), plus a wide range of trim levels, there’s a Telluride configuration for every adventure.
Whether you’re navigating school drop-offs or seeking the road less traveled, the 2027 Kia Telluride is ready to be your companion.
