03/10/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/10/2026 09:10
Santa Barbara, Calif., March 10, 2026- The all-new 2027 Kia Telluride arrives in Santa Barbara with its first-ever available hybrid powertrain and expanded X-Pro capability, marking the next chapter for Kia's flagship three-row SUV. Designed, engineered and equipped specifically for U.S. consumers, the second-gen Telluride is confident in stance and more refined in execution, building on the presence that helped define the nameplate.
With greater overall length, more cargo space and interior roominess, along with a sanctuary-like cabin outfitted with features and materials typically found in luxury SUVs, the second-generation Telluride arrives standard with a turbocharged powertrain or available turbocharged hybrid powertrain with up to 329 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined1 on the EX FWD trim.
The gasoline-powered 2027 Telluride is available now in LX, S, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line and X-Pro trims. Pricing starts at $39,190 MSRP11 for the LX and ranges up to $56,790 MSRP11 for the X-Pro SX-Prestige.
The 2027 Telluride Turbo Hybrid will begin arriving in showrooms this month and will be offered in EX, SX, SX-Prestige and X-Line trims. Pricing starts at $46,490 MSRP11 for the EX and tops out at $57,590 MSRP11 for the X-Line SX-Prestige.
Exterior Design: Precision in Motion
The Telluride's chiseled exterior design captures the spirit of the Rocky Mountains and its namesake Colorado town. A broad hood establishes a powerful stance, while vertical headlamps frame the high-gloss grille. Advanced lighting signatures create a high-tech, futuristic impression. Fluid body contours lend an elegant shape to the side profile, while aggressively defined triangular creases in the fenders resemble the chiseled facets of a diamond. Upward-flowing character lines give the impression of lifting the vehicle, while sculpted notches in the wheel wells are a smart and deliberate interruption. Flush door handles, as offered on the Kia EV9, lend to a clean and modern appearance. Such details contribute to a reduction in drag coefficient from 0.33 to 0.30 on non-X-Pro models.
Telluride X-Line and X-Pro variants wear blacked-out wheel arches, side mirrors, beltline trim, and D-pillars. Raised roof rails12 reinforce an adventurous profile and are ready to carry the gear that takes you off the grid. Up front, a bold mesh-type grille is paired with a squared-off lower black bumper. The X-Pro comes standard with wider all-terrain tires, an upgraded suspension system, and increased 9.1 inches of ground clearance, while the X-Line boasts unique 21-inch wheels.
Interior Design: A Dreamer's Sanctuary
Inside the Telluride's cabin, opposites unite in a space that is both expansive and intimate; modern and yet harmonized with nature. The dash, instrumentation, and infotainment have a curved, wrap-around design. Wood-based textures add warmth, and hidden door handles tucked into the armrests blend function into form. Meanwhile, a grip handle on the front-center console (a nod to a signature interior element from the first generation Telluride) imbues the cabin with a sense of stability and rugged functionality. Durable SynTex upholstery with available SynTex suede inserts boost visual appeal. Available indirect LED ambient cabin lighting hues add a touch of aesthetic refinement more commonly found in luxury vehicles. In pursuit of a hushed cabin experience, the Telluride features a new available comprehensive Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) package. This includes enhanced triple door seals, expanded use of sound absorbing materials, and increased door glass thickness.
The all-new Telluride treats occupants to greater comfort, including available front relaxation seats6 with power leg rests. The available Ergo Motion driver's seat uses air pockets to provide a massage, adjust cushioning, and support the driver. Also new is the available memory-enabled power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Dual standard wireless charging pads offer convenient charging for both front occupants.
For second-row passengers, newly available power-operated captain's seats with individual heated6 and ventilated seat functions provide first-class accommodations. The available heated third-row seats6 offer a new level of comfort to rear-seat occupants, while in the second row, an available two-tier sliding tray opens to reveal a functional storage compartment. Multiple USB-C fast-charging ports around the cabin make it easy for occupants to plug in devices in all three rows.
The 2027 Telluride boasts a 116.9-inch wheelbase, and 199.2-inch overall length (an increase of 2.7 and 2.3 inches, respectively). This translates into greater legroom comfort in the second and third rows. A new second-row slide and tilt seat design is intended to allow a variety of child seats to remain in place while accessing the third row. It also slides further forward than before, allowing for more room to access the third row13. The increased vehicle length allows for more cargo space14 behind the third row and contributes to an overall maximum cargo area of 89.3 cubic feet15 (88.3 cu ft feet in Turbo-Hybrid). With the second row upright, there is 48.7 cubic feet15 (47.7 cu ft in Turbo-Hybrid) of cargo space. With all seats upright, there is 22.3 cubic feet15 of cargo space (21.3 cu ft in Turbo-Hybrid) behind the third-row seats. Cargo area features behind the third row include a standard folding luggage table with integrated cupholders, as well as a lower storage area with movable and removable dividers for flexible storage solutions.16
Telluride Technology: Connected to Your World
At the heart of the Telluride's dash is an infotainment system that is as intuitive as it is pleasing to the eyes. The innovative Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system spans more than half of the dash and is available with dual 12.3-inch panoramic digital displays17. The ccNC operating system features over-the-air18 update capability, enabling vehicle software updates, enhancing onboard systems including info-screens and navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay19 and Android Auto20 are standard across all trims. Furthermore, Kia's generative AI voice assistant21 allows for a more natural conversation, including the ability to ask for suggestions, or even play some voice games on the go. This can all be initiated simply by saying, "Hey, Kia…". For audiophiles, the available Meridian22 premium stereo system benefits from two additional speakers for a total of 14 as well as a larger 10-inch subwoofer. The enhanced ultrawideband-based Digital Key 2.023 allows customers to use their compatible Apple and Samsung smartphones or an NFC-enabled smart card as virtual vehicle keys to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. These keys can be shared with up to three friends and family on compatible devices, including an Apple Watch19.
The Telluride SXP models also come equipped with an enhanced Full Display Digital Rear View Mirror, providing a wide, unobstructed field of view for the driver. The larger 12-inch head-up display (HUD)25 projects key vehicle information, including speed, turn-by-turn navigation, and safety alerts directly on to the windshield.
True connectivity defines the 2027 Telluride, with available Entertainment and Data Services9, which supports streaming for Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube. Additionally, available display themes10 allow the driver to express themselves with exclusive artwork from some of Disney's© most iconic brands, which will be introduced throughout 2026. Display themes are also available for all 30 NBA teams. Getting home is more convenient thanks to Kia myQ Connected Garage26. Using geo-fencing, the system can detect your vehicle's proximity and automatically opens or closes the garage door as you approach or leave home. Experience all the new ways to stay connected and entertained with these upcoming features and more, all available in the Kia Connect Store.
Telluride Powertrain: The Power of Choice
Whether you are an urban explorer, an outdoors enthusiast, or just want to conquer the commute, the Telluride delivers. The 2.5-liter turbo and 2.5-liter turbo hybrid powertrains are both enhanced for a wide range of conditions, delivering lively power, and the capability for towing toys on a weekend adventure. The Telluride 2.5-liter turbo develops 274 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque. This is a stout increase of 49 lb.-ft. over the previous ICE powertrain. Power is routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels or an available all-wheel drive3 system. Standard on X-Pro and available on all other trims, the integrated tow hitch blends into the rear bumper and can be hidden from view when not in use. When equipped, the turbo powertrain delivers up to 5,000 pounds of towing27 capacity while the Turbo-Hybrid can tow up to 4,500 pounds25, and the available self-leveling rear suspension system helps to deliver confidence while towing.
Telluride models equipped with all-wheel drive provide active distribution of torque to help improve off-road traction in a variety of circumstances. X-Pro all-wheel-drive models with the Electronic Limited Slip Differential (E-LSD) takes confident control a step further by being able to calculate certain driving conditions and control the AWD to modulate power from front to rear and from left to right. A center differential lock maintains an even 50/50 front/rear torque split.
The turbo hybrid powertrain ushers in a new era for the Telluride, providing confident performance and acceleration, with a rating of an EPA-estimated 35 mpg1 combined and a total driving range of 637 miles2 (Turbo Hybrid EX FWD only). The Telluride hybrid combines the 2.5-liter turbo powertrain with a 1.65-kWh lithium-ion battery and electric motors to make a combined 329 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque. That's up to a 38-hp increase over the powerplant in the previous Telluride (291 hp) and 77 lb.-ft. more torque (262 lb.-ft.).
The Turbo-hybrid routes power through a 6-speed automatic transmission, sent to an available all-wheel drive system3. The hybrid is standard with Electrification - Vehicle Motion Control (e-VMC), with the system designed to help the driver achieve improved handling and stability by leveraging braking and motor control. The result is sophisticated power delivery and handling dynamics in a smooth, quiet ride.
The Telluride Hybrid also features Stay Mode. Stay Mode leverages the Telluride hybrid's battery pack to operate climate control, cabin lighting, stereo, and other vehicle systems for up to an hour28 or until the Hybrid battery is drained to about 20 percent without activating the internal combustion engine.
Regardless of powertrain, the Telluride is available with a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with memory, and comes standard with Rack Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS), replacing the column-mounted system found in the previous generation. R-MDPS offers improved feedback and responds more quickly to driver inputs. Precision is also enhanced, providing improved handling through corners and better high-speed stability.
Adventure-Ready X-Pro: Equipped to Explore
The Telluride X-Pro is designed for rugged excursions without compromising the dependable attributes that make it a stellar family vehicle the rest of the year. The Telluride X-Pro adds an exclusive suspension with additional travel stroke, e-LSD, and an impressive 9.1-inches of ground clearance, as well as multiple Drive Modes, including Terrain Mode. This rugged halo variant of the Telluride features front and rear recovery points29, and all-terrain tires, giving enthusiasts the critical power delivery and increased traction that they need while getting away from it all.
It also delivers the technology they need to help master the trails, thanks to the introduction of the Ground View Monitor4. This system displays a composite view of the ground when driving below 6 mph. It uses onboard cameras and can be selected from the new off-road vehicle status screen accessed through the infotainment system. Among other important information, the screen illustrates pitch, roll and steering angle. Lastly, exclusive to the X-Pro, Ground Lighting on the front, side and rear areas surrounding the Telluride help illuminate your family's outdoor adventures.
Telluride ADAS: Confidence and Added Peace of Mind
The all-new 2027 Telluride is equipped with a robust roster of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)30, including newly added standard Hands on Detection (HoD), Lane Following Assist 2 and In-Cabin Camera. Parking Distance Warning-Forward is now also standard, along with Parking Distance Warning-Reverse.
Available Highway Driving Assist 231 is a driver convenience system that is designed to help maintain a predetermined distance from the vehicle detected in front, keep the vehicle within detected lane markers on certain highways, and assist in lane changes under certain conditions. Standard Lane Following Assist is a driving convenience feature that is designed to help the vehicle stay in the center of detected lane markers.
Other helpful ADAS features include Blind-Spot Collision Warning and available Blind-Spot View Monitor, which are designed to help detect vehicles approaching from behind in the next lane and, in a variety of circumstances, applying brakes to help mitigate some collisions while making lane changes.
The Telluride comes standard with a Rear Occupant Alert System32, which goes beyond a mere reminder. This system uses in-cabin radar motion sensors to detect the presence of occupants in the second and third rows. When the vehicle is parked and turned off, an initial visual reminder is issued to the driver. If the reminder does not yield a response, a secondary alert-both audible and visual-is activated to further prompt the driver. Finally, the feature can send a push notification to a compatible smartphone with the Kia Access app installed. Safe Exit Warning and Safe Exit Assist33 is designed to provide alerts to occupants if another vehicle is approaching when exiting the vehicle.
Among its 10 standard airbags, the redesigned Telluride now comes equipped with a front-row center airbag. Located between the driver and front passenger, this new additional airbag is intended to reduce front-passenger impacts in certain collisions.
Kia America - about us
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2025. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several SUVs proudly assembled in America*.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert
* Select trims of the 2025 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes Hybrid and Plug-in Hvbrid models), Sorento (excludes Hybrid and Plug-in Hvbrid models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
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1 Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle's condition. For more information, please see https://www.fueleconomy.gov.
2027 Telluride Hybrid EX FWD is rated at an EPA-estimated 34/36/35 MPG (City, Highway, Combined).
2027 Telluride Hybrid EX AWD is rated at an EPA-estimated 30/32/31 MPG (City, Highway, Combined).
2027 Telluride Hybrid SX FWD is rated at an EPA-estimated 32/34/33 MPG (City, Highway, Combined).
2027 Telluride Hybrid X-Line SX AWD is rated at an EPA-estimated 30/32/31 MPG (City, Highway, Combined).
2027 Telluride Hybrid SX Prestige AWD is rated at an EPA-estimated 30/32/31 MPG (City, Highway, Combined).
2027 Telluride Hybrid X-Line SX Prestige AWD is rated at an EPA-estimated 30/32/31 MPG (City, Highway, Combined).
2 Based on range listed at fueleconomy.gov, which cautions that range assumes 100% of a full tank used before refueling. Actual range may vary. Kia recommends you refuel as soon as possible after the low fuel warning light illuminates or sooner.
3 No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive safely.
4 Ground View Monitor does not display live video and is not a substitute for safe driving. GVM may not display all objects beneath the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
5 Comparison based on publicly available data regarding second row legroom in 2025 and 2026 midsize 3-row SUV as of November 2025. Midsize 3-row SUV class as defined by Kia segmentation.
6 Reclining seat and/or elevating footrest can reduce the effectiveness of the safety restraint system and may lead to additional injury in an accident
7 Heated seats are only on outboard seats.
8 Charging system only works with select devices. Refer to the vehicle's Owner's Manual for warnings and instructions.
9 Additional subscriptions may be required for streaming services. Vehicle must be parked for video streaming and gaming features.
Entertainment and Data Services is available only in eligible vehicles. A Kia Connect subscription is required. Use of Entertainment and Data Services is subject to agreement to the Kia Connect Privacy Policy (Privacy Policy) and Terms of Service (Terms of Use & Service | Kia). Verizon is the network provider for Entertainment and Data Services, which uses Verizon's 4G LTE network to transmit data. Data usage applies, and data speed and storage depend on package purchased. Entertainment and Data Services may require vehicle cellular connectivity and availability of vehicle GPS signal; certain services may collect location information. Coverage not available everywhere. See https://www.verizon.com/coverage-map/ for coverage map. Use of Entertainment and Data Services is subject to Verizon Wireless's Customer Agreement https://www.verizon.com/about/terms-conditions/overview.
10 Display Themes are only available on models that have the latest ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit) based infotainment system. An active Kia Connect subscription is required to utilize Display Themes. Without and active Kia Connect subscription, Display Themes will not be operational. Once purchased, Display Themes are limited to use on the specific vehicle tied to purchase and cannot be transferred to other vehicles.
11 MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.
12 Roof rail crossbars and roof rack attachments sold separately and not included. Always carry cargo safely.
13 Tilt and slide function of the 2nd-row seats are limited to the following bench seats:
Bench (LX and ICE EX ): Only applicable to the RH (front passenger) side only (the 40 portion of the 60/40 split)
Captain's Chairs (all trims except LX and ICE EX): Applicable to both seats.
14 All cargo should be evenly distributed and properly secured and never piled higher than the seatback.
15 Includes lower storage area
16 Lower storage area with removable dividers is exclusive to ICE Turbo model. Not available on HEV.
17 Distracted driving can result in the loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation.
18 Over-the-Air features and updates may require an additional cost and may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. Kia Connect subscription is required and Kia Connect terms and conditions apply.
19 Apple CarPlay runs on smartphone cellular data service. Normal data rates apply. Apple and CarPlay are trademarks of Apple, Inc.
20 Android Auto vehicle user interface is a product of Google and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play store and an Android compatible smartphone running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android, Android Auto, and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC.
21 Kia Connect subscription required. Use of the feature is subject to the Kia Connect Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. May be currently unavailable for vehicles purchased or sold in Massachusetts that are not eligible for Kia Connect. Kia does not make any warranties about the accuracy of the information provided. Distracted driving can result in a loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation.
22 Meridian® is a trademark of Meridian Audio Ltd.
23 Digital Key requires an eligible Kia Connect subscription and a compatible smart device with an active data plan. Normal cellular service rates may apply when using a smart device.
24 Full Display Mirror® is a registered trademark of Gentex.
25 Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drive safely and use caution.
26 Kia myQ Connected Garage is available only on vehicles with a ccNC head unit. Kia Connect and myQ accounts are required to activate your myQ-enabled garage door opener. This feature depends on various other factors in the vehicle such as LTE network coverage to transmit data. Coverage not available everywhere. Certain services may collect location information and data usage applies. Kia Connect terms and conditions apply. Kia myQ Connected Garage is subject to a functioning link between Kia Connect and myQ accounts, as well as myQ systems availability. Speed of the network communication is dependent on the systems and LTE network coverage.
27 Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner's Manual for towing capacity, additional instruction and warning. Always use caution while towing.
28 When using destination-linked mode
29 Requires additional equipment. See Owner's Manual for instructions. Always use caution when using recovery hooks.
30 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are not substitutes for safe driving, and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
31 When engaged, Highway Driving Assist is not a substitute for safe driving, may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle, and only functions on certain federal highways. Always drive safely and use caution.
32 Rear Occupant Alert is not a substitute for one's attention and may not detect all movement within the vehicle. Always check the vehicle interior when exiting the vehicle.
33 When engaged, Safe Exit Assist is not a substitute for one's attention and may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle. Always pay attention to traffic and to the area around your vehicle when exiting the vehicle.