Kia Makes Big Changes to the Telluride for 2027

Kia and the Hyundai group have made names for themselves because of their willingness to take big design swings, and that quality is on full display with the all-new 2027 Telluride. Featuring a massive grille, modern lighting, and crisper design lines, the new design may divide opinions but certainly won’t be met with indifference.

Kia said in a release that the design has been created with a view to communicating strength. Indeed, the broad hood with its straight horizontal lines creates a wide base for the design. The large grille gets a high gloss finish in the standard model and is blacked out for the more off-road-focused X-Pro trim.

No matter which trim you opt for, the grille is bracketed by vertical daytime running lights that help the new model fit in with Kia’s latest design language. Indeed, the 2027 Telluride features flush doorhandle, an element borrowed directly from the Kia EV6 and EV9.

Sharp design lines can be seen on the hood and in the fenders, while character lines flow upward to create an athletic stance. Floating wheel cladding adds a sense of ruggedness to the Telluride and sculpted notches are intended to catch the eye and become one of the SUV’s defining design features.

Speaking of lighting, the second-generation Telluride will also get new lights under the rearview mirror, beneath the doors, and the rear bumper to help illuminate the area around the vehicle. The X-Pro model will also get lights in the tailgate (when raised) to help with tasks like changing a tire.

In the U.S., the Kia said the model would be available in 10 exterior paint hues, with Black Jade Green and Terrain Brown (available with a glossy or matte finish) would join the lineup. Inside, Deep Navy and Tuscan Umber return to the lineup and buyers will be able to select a new combination, Blackberry (a dark purple) and Sand Beige, for their vehicle. Buyers who opt for the X-Pro model, meanwhile, get a selection of interior colourways that are more grounded and include black, khaki, and saddle brown.

Elsewhere, Kia said that the cabin gets a big wide dashboard to emphasize the size of the cabin. In terms of materials, the automaker has turned to the classics, combining wood-like materials with real metal accents.

On a more practical level, Kia also worked to reconfigure the interior to make entering and exiting the vehicle easier, especially for passengers in the third row. Indeed, the second-generation Telluride will be 58 mm (2.3 inches) longer than the first-generation model. It will also have a longer wheelbase (around 75 mm [3 inches]) and a 25 mm (1-inch) increase in overall height, all of which will allow it to accommodate more stuff and will give occupants as much as 13 mm (0.5 inches) of extra headroom.

Further details on the 2027 Telluride, including its powertrain and tech suite, will be revealed later this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The model is expected to reach U.S. roads by the first quarter of 2026.