There’s been a bit of confusion surrounding the latest Telluride, and it’s easy to see why. There will be no 2026 Kia Telluride; instead, the all-new 2027 Telluride will be available for drivers to experience first-hand in early 2026.
So if you’ve been waiting to experience the latest Kia Telluride for sale, the delay may be slightly disappointing. That said, we can assure you the new Telluride will be well worth the wait. From new and improved powertrains to features that might make you double-check whether you’re shopping for a luxury SUV, we’re just as excited as you are to meet the 2027 Telluride in person.
For now, however, we have to be a little patient. Let’s take a look at everything the 2027 Telluride has to offer and join in the anticipation.
More Potent Powertrain Options
Perhaps the most significant update to the 2027 Kia Telluride is its new powertrain options, which are not only more fuel-efficient but also lighter, more powerful, and more technologically savvy.
Gone is the brand’s hulking 3.8L V6. Instead, you get two new engine options. The base engine is a 2.5L turbocharged gas-powered four-cylinder that makes 274 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, and drivers can choose between front-wheel and all-wheel drive, depending on the trim level.
Even more exciting is the addition of an all-new hybrid powertrain option. This unit takes the standard 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder and adds a battery pack and electric motors for a combined 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, which far outpace the old V6’s 291 hp and 262 lb-ft.
If efficiency and ease of use are some of your favorite things, the new 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid is an excellent choice. Kia has estimated this powertrain’s combined fuel economy at 35 MPG, with a range of 600 miles on a full tank and full charge.
Part of this efficiency is thanks to Stay Mode, a new technology that balances battery power and gas power by monitoring battery usage. The hybrid battery pack can power the cabin and vehicle systems for about 20 minutes independently of the engine. The result is fewer trips to the gas station to fill up, with plenty of pep to get you across town quickly.
Abundant Space & Capabilities
The 2027 Kia Telluride is offered in an impressive array of trim levels: the entry-level LX, S, and EX, the mid-tier X-Line EX, SX, X-Line SX, and X-Pro SX, and the top-tier SX-Prestige, X-Line SX-Prestige, and X-Pro SX-Prestige.
Of these, the LX, S, EX, and SX are offered with front-wheel drive; the other six trims come standard with an all-wheel drivetrain. And while the standard configuration across the lineup includes second-row captain’s chairs, for a total occupancy of seven, the LX and EX trims have a second-row bench seat that brings occupancy up to eight.
Spaciousness is no problem either, as the 2027 Telluride has a cavernous interior thanks to its increased body length. With all seats occupied, you’ll find 22.3 cu.ft. of space for belongings behind the third row. With the third row folded down, this grows to 46.3 cu.ft. of cargo room, and folding all the seats reveals a massive 86.9 cu.ft. of space for larger cargo. As a bonus, the second row can be folded remotely via buttons in the rear.
A 2027 Telluride equipped only with the gas engine is prepared to tow up to 5,000 lbs, while hybrid models can tow up to 4,500 lbs. X-Pro trims are further outfitted with an integrated tow hitch, though this handy feature is available on other trims, as well, allowing you and your toys to be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Reach Higher Levels of Luxury
Those who spend a substantial amount of time commuting find that it’s not so much the size of the space, though, but how comfortable it is. While captain’s chairs are pretty comfy by design, Kia takes the concept to the next level with available Relaxation Seats and thigh support.
Heated and ventilated, these seats can be added to the front and second rows of the 2027 Telluride. Even the third-row passengers can enjoy heated outboard seats, while an optional Ergo Motion feature in the driver’s seat provides perfect support and even a light massage with a series of adjustable air pockets.
Standard tech features across the trim lineup include a tri-zone climate control system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity), and a suite of 19 advanced driver assistance features.
This suite of driver assistance features includes cameras, radar, and sensors placed around the exterior to provide prompt safety notifications, such as blind-spot collision warnings for exiting parallel parking, side-lane change assistance, intelligent speed limit assistance, and a surround-view monitor.
Top trims can be outfitted with sensible and helpful features like a digital rearview mirror, a 12-inch head-up display with built-in navigation, or delightful features like a 14-speaker Meridian premium surround sound system (with a subwoofer and external amp), and a 74-color changeable interior mood lamp.
Kia also gives owners of a 2027 Telluride the option of Entertainment & Data Services. This unassuming package unlocks a full range of technological personalization: You get streaming access to Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube, along with display themes and artwork for legendary Disney characters and all 30 NBA teams.
For busy drivers on the go, Kia’s generative AI voice assistant lets you use your phone, discover new media, play voice-only games, or get suggestions and recommendations with a simple prompt of “Hey, Kia” followed by your question.
Be Ready to Go With an X-Pro
While the 2027 Kia Telluride is undoubtedly road-trip-ready, its X-Pro trims are off-road-ready, as well. Equipped with standard all-wheel drive, Kia Tellurides with an X-Pro trim offer a selectable Terrain drive mode that allows for greater control in snow, mud, and sand.
The X-Pro trims feature an exclusive off-road-tuned suspension system and are equipped with an electronic limited-slip differential in the rear to provide the right amount of torque and tension to all the right places. Furthermore, the 9.1 inches of ground clearance and all-terrain tires help a Telluride X-Pro navigate and clear plenty of obstacles.
Kia has also equipped every Telluride X-Pro with additional technology to help drivers navigate unfamiliar terrain more easily. Not only do these trims come with LED projector-style headlamps to guide the way, but they also have ground lighting that illuminates the front, sides, and rear of the Telluride’s exterior.
Also on board is the new Ground View Monitor. This system of cameras broadcasts to the infotainment screen via the Off-Road Vehicle Status menu and provides a composite view of the ground below you at speeds up to 6 mph. The Off-Road Vehicle Status menu also provides details about pitch, roll, and steering angle, giving you the information you need when things get steep or slick.
Get Ready for the 2027 Kia Telluride
According to the design team at Kia, the 2027 Telluride should be hitting the streets in early 2026. While that could mean a few days or a few months, we’re all waiting with great anticipation.
From trying out the new hybrid powertrain to personally experiencing the Relaxation Seats with Ergo Motion, the 2027 Kia Telluride promises to deliver many of the features that drivers dream about in one exceptional model, and we can’t wait to try it out for ourselves!
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.