The 2027 Kia Telluride rolled into the LA Auto Show looking like it spent the last few years at the gym. Gone is the smooth V6 that powered every previous Telluride, replaced by a turbocharged four-cylinder making 274 horsepower and a hybrid version pumping out 329 horses. That hybrid model gets an estimated 35 mpg combined, which should make Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia buyers think twice about their options.
- The 2027 Telluride ditches the V6 for a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 274 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, plus a new hybrid version rated at 329 hp with 35 mpg combined.
- Kia stretched the wheelbase by 2.7 inches and added 2.3 inches to the overall length, translating to more legroom in the second and third rows plus nearly identical cargo space despite the bigger dimensions.
- The X-Pro trim comes loaded with off-road gear including 9.1 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, an electronically locking differential, and recovery hooks for serious adventure capability.
What Changed Under the Hood
The real story lives under the hood. Kia swapped out the old 3.8-liter V6 for a smaller but torquier 2.5-liter turbo-four. You’re getting 17 fewer horses than before, but here’s the thing: torque jumped by 49 lb-ft to 311 total. For moving a big three-row SUV around town, that extra twist matters more than raw horsepower numbers on a spec sheet.
But the real star of the show is the hybrid. Same 2.5-liter turbo base, but now with dual electric motors and a small 1.65-kWh battery pack. Total output hits 329 hp and 339 lb-ft, which beats the old V6 by a healthy margin. The hybrid uses a six-speed automatic instead of the standard model’s eight-speed, and Kia says you can expect around 600 miles of total range on a tank. Not bad for a vehicle that weighs close to 4,500 pounds.
The timing couldn’t be better for Kia. While GMC truck dealers are still moving plenty of Acadias thanks to brand loyalty, the Telluride’s redesign arrives just as buyers are getting more open to cross-shopping Korean brands against American ones. That 35 mpg hybrid figure is going to start a lot of conversations, especially when you compare it to the Traverse’s best combined rating of around 22 mpg or the Acadia’s 23 mpg. We’re talking about a difference of 12 to 13 mpg on paper, which adds up to real money at the pump.
Bigger Box, More Room
Kia made the Telluride larger everywhere that counts. The wheelbase grows by nearly three inches, which sounds small until you realize that space goes straight into legroom for everyone stuck in rows two and three. Overall length increased by 2.3 inches, and height went up an inch. The result is a vehicle that’s noticeably more spacious without being awkward to park.
Cargo space behind the third row actually increased slightly to 22.3 cubic feet, up from 21 cubes in the previous generation. Fold those back seats down and you get 46.3 cubic feet. Drop everything flat and you’re looking at 86.9 cubic feet of total cargo room. That’s basically identical to the old model despite the Telluride’s bigger footprint.
One smart update: the second-row bench seat now slides farther forward and lets you keep most child seats installed while accessing the third row. Anyone with kids knows how annoying it is to unbuckle and reinstall car seats just to get grandma in the back. Kia paid attention to real-world use cases here.
X-Pro Takes It Off Road
The X-Pro trim is where Kia gets serious about capability. You get 9.1 inches of ground clearance, which matches or beats most body-on-frame SUVs. All-terrain tires come standard, along with recovery hooks front and rear. The electronically locking differential helps when one wheel’s spinning in mud, and there’s a center differential lock that maintains a perfect 50/50 front-rear torque split when you need maximum traction.
Styling gets the full treatment too. Black wheel arches, a mesh grille, raised roof rails, and a squared-off bumper give the X-Pro a tough look that backs up its trail-rated credentials. Inside, you’ll find “engineered carbon fiber” trim instead of the wood-style accents on other models. The hybrid X-Pro can tow 4,500 pounds, while non-hybrid versions pull 5,000 pounds max.
Tech and Comfort Upgrades
Inside, Kia went upscale without getting ridiculous about it. Dual 12.3-inch screens handle instruments and infotainment, both integrated into one curved display panel. The system runs Kia’s newest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit software with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even an AI voice assistant that responds to “Hey, Kia.”
Available features include relaxation seats with power leg rests up front, massage functions for the driver, heated seats in all three rows, and a 14-speaker Meridian audio system. There’s dual wireless charging pads, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with memory settings, and ambient lighting throughout the cabin. Higher trims get bold color combinations like Deep Navy with Tuscan Umber or Blackberry with Sand Beige.
What This Means for Buyers
Kia hasn’t announced pricing yet, but expect the 2027 Telluride to start north of $40,000 when it hits dealers in early 2026. The current generation starts around $38,000, and with all these upgrades, a modest bump makes sense. Even with a price increase, the Telluride delivers a lot of vehicle for the money.
The hybrid will likely command a premium of several thousand dollars over base models, but it might be worth it for buyers keeping vehicles long-term. The fuel savings add up fast when you’re talking about a 13 mpg improvement in combined ratings. Run the math on 15,000 miles per year and you’re looking at hundreds of dollars in savings annually.
Production happens at Kia’s West Point, Georgia facility, and the company skipped the 2026 model year entirely to focus on getting this new generation right. The 2027 model arrives as an LX, S, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, or X-Pro. That’s seven trim levels to choose from, which gives buyers plenty of options whether they want basic transportation or a loaded family hauler.
The Verdict on Kia’s New Heavyweight
The original Telluride caught everyone off guard when it landed six years ago. It looked better than it had any right to, drove well, and cost thousands less than competitors. This redesigned version builds on that formula while adding the efficiency buyers actually want. The hybrid option alone makes the Telluride stand out in a segment where fuel economy has never been a priority.
GM’s three-row twins better bring their A-game. The Telluride just raised the bar, and buyers are paying attention.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.