The 2027 Kia Telluride arrives with a full redesign and keeps everything that made the original a bestseller. We cover the new exterior, the upgraded powertrain options, the three-row interior, the cargo space, and the pricing. So if you are shopping for a large family SUV this year, read this before you test-drive anything else.
Data cross-verified by our NCR Research Lab, Lead Technical Analyst & Editorial Collective
The Kia Telluride has been one of the most celebrated large family SUVs since it launched in 2020. It earned a loyal following by delivering premium interior quality, practical three-row packaging, and genuine value at every trim level. So the stakes for a full redesign are high.
The 2027 Kia Telluride rises to those stakes. Kia sharpened the exterior, upgraded the technology, and refined the powertrain lineup without abandoning the practicality and approachability that made the original so popular. The result is an SUV that feels like a meaningful step forward rather than a superficial refresh.
We drove the new Telluride across a range of conditions, loaded all three rows with passengers and cargo, and evaluated every major system thoroughly. So here is our complete assessment.
2027 Kia Telluride at a Glance
2027 Kia Telluride – NCR Quick Market Intelligence
The 2027 kia telluride specs represent an evolution of the platform rather than a ground-up reinvention. So buyers who loved the original will recognize everything that worked. And the upgrades address the areas where the previous generation left room to grow.
Key Specifications Table
| Spec | 2027 Kia Telluride |
|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | Around $40,000 |
| Base Engine | 3.8L V6 (287 hp) |
| Hybrid Option | Available on higher trims |
| Combined MPG (V6) | Around 21 mpg |
| Max Towing | 5,000 lbs |
| Seating | 7 or 8 |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD |
| 0 to 60 mph | Around 7.5 seconds |
| Cargo (behind 3rd row) | Around 21 cu ft |
| Max Cargo | Around 87 cu ft |
Who the 2027 Telluride Is Built For
Best large suv 2027 searches consistently land families with three or more children, carpool drivers, and buyers who want to avoid minivan ownership without sacrificing genuine passenger space. The Telluride has always threaded that needle better than most rivals, and the 2027 model maintains that strength while adding technology and refinement that push it closer to luxury territory.
If you are evaluating the Telluride against the Hyundai Palisade, our full comparison covers that sibling rivalry in detail. For the context of the Telluride’s long-term reliability history and one known issue owners should understand, our 2023 Kia Telluride transmission slipping guide is required reading before you sign anything.
Exterior Redesign
The 2027 kia telluride redesign takes the original’s confident proportions and updates them with sharper details and cleaner surfaces. Kia resisted the temptation to make dramatic stylistic changes that could alienate existing fans.
Front Fascia and Lighting
The front end adopts Kia’s latest design language with a wider, more horizontal light signature that runs across the full width of the hood line. Star Map daytime running lights appear on higher trims and create a distinctive nighttime look. The grille is taller and more textured than before, giving the front a more commanding presence without crossing into aggression.
Profile and Rear
The side profile retains the upright, planted stance that defines the Telluride character. Flush door handles appear on upper trims. The rear drops the slightly busy tail treatment of the previous generation in favor of full-width horizontal lighting that reads cleaner at distance. So the 2027 Telluride looks more premium from every angle without feeling like a different vehicle.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2027 kia telluride engine lineup carries the proven 3.8L V6 as the volume powertrain and adds a hybrid option for buyers who prioritize fuel economy. So there is now a clear answer for every buyer priority.
3.8L V6 Base Engine
The naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 produces 287 horsepower and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It remains one of the smoothest and most refined naturally aspirated V6 powertrains available in this segment. Throttle response is linear and predictable, which matters more in family duty than outright power. Towing capacity reaches 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, sufficient for a small camper, a jet ski, or a full landscaping trailer.
Hybrid Powertrain Option
The hybrid system available on higher trims adds an electric motor to the V6 to improve fuel economy noticeably in mixed driving. Combined output increases slightly and low-speed torque delivery improves. So city and suburban drivers who cover heavy traffic miles benefit meaningfully from the hybrid option. Highway fuel economy improvements are more modest, as expected from any parallel hybrid architecture.
AWD System
Optional AWD on most trims and standard AWD on the X-Pro variant uses an electronically controlled coupling that can send torque to the rear axle automatically when slip is detected or proactively in specific terrain modes. The system includes terrain modes for snow, mud, and sand. So the 2027 Telluride handles light off-pavement duty without breaking a sweat.
Interior and Cabin Quality
The 2027 kia telluride interior was already the strongest argument for buying the previous generation. The 2027 model raises the standard further with improved materials, larger screens, and more thoughtful ergonomics throughout all three rows.
Dashboard and Technology
A dual 12.3-inch display setup runs the driver information cluster and infotainment system from a single curved unit. The interface responds quickly and organizes information logically. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard from the LX base trim. The navigation routes efficiently and the audio system on higher trims delivers performance that rivals dedicated aftermarket installations.
First Row
Front seats on all trims are well-shaped with good lateral support and long-drive comfort. Heating and ventilation come standard from the EX trim. Massage seats appear on the SX and above. The driving position is elevated and commanding without feeling truck-like, which strikes exactly the right balance for buyers who want confidence without intimidation.
Second Row
The second row is available as captain’s chairs or a bench depending on trim and configuration. Legroom is genuinely generous, and adults in the second row report comfort over extended highway drives. Slide and recline adjustments are easy to operate and cover a wide range of positions. Second-row heating comes standard from the EX trim. USB-C charging ports serve second-row passengers without requiring a reach to the front.
Third Row
The third row remains one of the best in class for adult comfort in a non-luxury SUV. Legroom and headroom are both above segment average. Heating is available on upper trims. Dedicated climate vents and USB-C charging ports mean third-row occupants are not afterthoughts. Entry and exit require a normal step through a wide opening with the second row slid forward, and the process is smoother than in most competitors.
Cargo Space
Behind the third row, cargo space measures around 21 cubic feet, sufficient for a full grocery run or a set of carry-on bags. Fold the third row and the space expands substantially. Fold everything flat and the Telluride approaches van-like capacity at around 87 cubic feet. The power tailgate is available from the EX trim and includes a hands-free kick sensor on the SX Prestige. The load floor sits at a practical height for most users. Under-floor storage in the cargo area provides a dedicated space for charging cables, a first aid kit, or valuables.
Safety
The 2027 Telluride carries Kia’s comprehensive safety suite as standard equipment across all trims. Forward collision avoidance with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection comes standard. Lane keeping assist, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and driver attention warning all operate without requiring an upgrade package. The X-Line and X-Pro trims add terrain-specific safety modes that adjust intervention thresholds for off-pavement conditions.
IIHS and NHTSA testing for the full 2027 model year was still underway at the time of this review. The previous generation scored Top Safety Pick Plus. We expect similar results from the updated structure and sensor suite.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2027 kia telluride price starts around $40,000 for the LX and climbs to approximately $56,000 for the fully loaded SX Prestige. The trim ladder runs LX, EX, X-Line, SX, X-Pro, and SX Prestige. Each step adds meaningful equipment rather than cosmetic changes, which has always been a Telluride strength.
The EX represents the value sweet spot for most buyers. It adds the full technology suite, the power tailgate, and comfort features without the premium of the SX. The X-Pro targets buyers who want genuine trail capability with recovery equipment and an all-terrain tire package. The SX Prestige delivers the full premium experience with Nappa leather, a panoramic sunroof, and the complete driver assistance stack.
To see how the Telluride fits into Kia’s broader 2025 lineup strategy, our 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid review shows the mid-size sibling below it. For those interested in Kia’s minivan alternative, our 2025 Kia Carnival review covers the people-mover that shares this market segment. And our 2025 Kia EV3 review covers Kia’s growing electric lineup for buyers considering the EV route.
How It Compares
Against the Hyundai Palisade, the Telluride offers a slightly more rugged character and a lower base price. Against the Honda Pilot, the Telluride wins on interior quality and loses narrowly on third-row ease of access. Against the Toyota Highlander, the Telluride offers more standard equipment per dollar and a stronger standard powertrain. Against the Ford Explorer, the Telluride delivers better interior materials and a more pleasant overall cabin experience.
The Telluride’s strongest competitors remain within its own family. The Palisade targets similar buyers with a slightly more premium positioning. But for most families, the Telluride’s value equation, interior quality, and well-calibrated sizing make it the default first choice in the segment.
Verdict
The 2027 Kia Telluride is the best large non-luxury family SUV in America. It delivers more interior quality, more practical packaging, and more standard equipment per dollar than any direct rival. The redesign addresses the areas where the previous generation left room to improve, and it does not disturb what was already working.
If you are buying for a family of five to eight passengers and you want a three-row SUV that is genuinely comfortable across all rows, the 2027 Telluride belongs at the top of your test-drive list. The hybrid powertrain option makes the value case even stronger for buyers who cover high annual mileage in mixed conditions.
Our recommendation is clear. Start with an EX test drive, consider the SX for the full technology suite, and add AWD if your climate or terrain warrants it. You will not be disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 Kia Telluride
What is new on the 2027 Kia Telluride?
What is the starting price of the 2027 Telluride?
Does the 2027 Telluride offer a hybrid powertrain?
Is the third row comfortable for adults?
How much can the 2027 Telluride tow?
Which trim is the best value on the 2027 Telluride?
⚠️ Professional Notice:
All pricing figures in this article are based on Kia official MSRP data and NCR research lab aggregation as of August 2026. Real transaction prices vary by trim, options, dealer, and geographic region. Confirm current pricing with your local dealer before any purchase decision. Fuel economy figures reference EPA estimates. Real-world mpg varies based on driving style, load, terrain, and weather conditions.
IIHS and NHTSA crash test results for the 2027 model year were pending at publication. Verify the latest published safety ratings before purchase. Towing ratings are manufacturer-published figures and vary by configuration and towing package. NextCarReview.com does not receive compensation from any manufacturer or dealer in exchange for rankings or editorial coverage.
Data Sources and Verification
- Kia Motors America official press materials and technical documentation – 2027 Telluride specifications, pricing, and powertrain data
- EPA fuel economy estimates – US Environmental Protection Agency 2027 model year fuel economy data
- NCR independent testing data – highway and urban driving evaluation, cargo loading, three-row passenger assessment, and towing test, August 2026
- IIHS and NHTSA safety rating records – Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Competitor specification data – Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer official 2027 documentation
- NCR research lab pricing data – August 2026 dealer listing aggregation across US markets
The NCR Research Team is NextCarReview’s editorial collective specializing in automotive data analysis, EPA fuel economy research, and IIHS safety evaluation. Every specification in our guides is cross-verified against NHTSA.gov, EPA Fuel Economy.gov, and OEM press materials before publication.
