When the original Kia Telluride arrived in 2020, it redefined what buyers expected from a midsize SUV. It looked expensive, felt premium, and became an instant success with families who wanted something with presence but without the premium price tag. The 2027 Telluride continues that legacy. Kia has not simply updated it; they have evolved it into something that feels more refined and confident in its identity.
This second-generation Telluride now stands as Kia’s flagship gas-powered SUV, serving as proof of how far the brand has come. It is larger, more sophisticated, and clearly designed with an eye toward moving into territory once reserved for traditional full-size competitors.
Design: Familiar DNA with Sharper Execution
From the side and rear, the new Telluride is a striking vehicle. The proportions are longer, lower, and more tailored, giving it a high-end profile that would not look out of place parked beside a new Range Rover. The rear quarter panel and side view share a strong resemblance to that luxury benchmark, which works in Kia’s favor.
The front end, however, is where my few critiques begin. It is bold and assertive, but it does not quite carry the same upscale polish as the rest of the vehicle. Kia refers to this approach as “anti-design,” and while it does stand out, a little more refinement could have brought the entire exterior together.
There are also sculpted details around the wheel wells that appear functional but are simply decorative. They break up the otherwise sleek appearance of the body. Those details aside, the overall proportions are impressive. The longer wheelbase, nearly three inches more than before, gives the Telluride a stronger stance. It looks substantial and capable without becoming too large to handle easily.
Interior: A Premium Family Space
Inside, Kia has created an environment that feels open, calm, and premium. The design follows the brand’s Opposites United philosophy, which balances simplicity and sophistication. The result is a cabin that feels more like a sanctuary than a family hauler.
The increased wheelbase and slightly taller roofline translate to improved comfort for passengers in all three rows. The second and third-row access is easier and more natural, with a slight improvement in headroom. Kia has successfully added interior space while keeping the overall size manageable for urban driving and parking.
The materials are upscale, and the new color combinations feel inspired. Pairings like Blackberry with Sand Beige and Deep Navy with Tuscan Umber add warmth and elegance that rival some luxury brands. Subtle ambient lighting beneath the console enhances the mood, and the rear cargo system features clever storage and partition options that are both functional and stylish.
Lighting and Design Details
Lighting plays a major role in the new Telluride’s personality. The vertical LED signatures, which have become a Telluride trademark, now include Kia’s Star Map graphics for a distinctive glow at both the front and rear. On the X-Pro trim, a new Ground Lighting feature illuminates the area around the vehicle, making it both safer and more visually dramatic in low-light conditions.
Flush door handles, large available 21-inch wheels, and the blacked-out elements on X-Pro models complete a look that feels modern and upscale.
Powertrain and Future Possibilities
Kia has not yet revealed complete powertrain details, but the design hints at future electrification. The slightly raised rear floor suggests that a hybrid variant may be coming. The underfloor packaging appears to have space reserved for a battery, which would align with Kia’s broader sustainability goals.
Final Thoughts
Kia got it right with the 2027 Telluride. The design is sophisticated, the interior feels premium, and the proportions move it closer to the full-size category that many families are ready to embrace. Kia understands what American buyers want from a family SUV that balances luxury, practicality, and style.
The front styling could use a bit more elegance to match the rest of the design, and the decorative wheel-well notches could have been omitted for a cleaner profile. Beyond that, the 2027 Telluride is an impressive evolution of an already standout vehicle.
Although I haven't yet driven it, my initial impressions are strong. If it drives as confidently as it looks, Kia is about to disrupt the segment again.
The all-new 2027 Kia Telluride makes its global debut at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show and is expected to reach showrooms in early 2026.
