The 2027 Kia Telluride has stolen the spotlight at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show, earning the coveted “Best in Show” title for its bold redesign, upscale interior, and advanced new powertrains. As Kia’s flagship three-row SUV, the next-generation Telluride signals how far the brand has moved into premium territory while still targeting mainstream family buyers. From its Range Rover-inspired styling to its new hybrid option, the 2027 model sets a fresh benchmark for large family SUVs.
Bold New Design and Presence
Kia has completely reworked the Telluride’s exterior, giving it a more squared-off, luxury SUV silhouette with styling cues that echo high-end European rivals and the electric Kia EV9. The new front end features a wider grille, slimmer lighting signatures, and more sculpted fenders, while the rear gets refined vertical tail lamps and crisper detailing. Dimensionally, the SUV grows by about 2.3 inches in overall length, nearly 3 inches in wheelbase, and roughly 1 inch in height, enhancing road presence and interior space without looking bloated.
Interior Upgrades and Technology
Inside, the 2027 Telluride moves firmly into premium territory with richer materials, bolder color themes, and a tech layout influenced by Kia’s latest EVs. Top trims offer features such as a massaging driver’s seat, plush upholstery options like Blackberry and Sand Beige, and a cleaner dashboard dominated by wide, connected digital displays. Seating is available for seven or eight passengers, and the stretched wheelbase notably improves second-row legroom while maintaining usable space for adults in the third row.
Key Specs and Powertrain Options
The biggest mechanical news is under the hood: the 2027 Telluride drops its old 3.8-liter V-6 in favor of a downsized but stronger turbocharged four-cylinder and an all-new hybrid system. The standard 2.5-liter turbo-four produces about 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid pairs that engine with electric motors for a combined output of roughly 329 hp and 339 lb-ft. Kia is targeting up to 35 mpg combined and around 600 miles of total range for the hybrid, a massive jump over the previous generation’s roughly 20 mpg combined.
2027 Kia Telluride Highlights
| Feature |
Gas Model |
Hybrid Model |
| Engine |
2.5L turbocharged inline-4 |
2.5L turbo + electric motors |
| Power (approx.) |
274 hp / 311 lb-ft |
329 hp / 339 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain |
FWD or AWD |
FWD or AWD |
| Est. Combined Fuel Economy |
Mid-20s mpg (target) |
Up to 35 mpg (target) |
| Est. Range |
~400 miles (est.) |
~600 miles (target) |
| Seating |
7 or 8 passengers |
7 or 8 passengers |
| Towing Capacity (max) |
Up to 5,000 lb (X-Pro est.) |
Up to 4,500–5,000 lb (targeted) |
Trims, Capability and X-Pro Off-Road Focus
Kia continues to offer a broad trim lineup, with versions such as LX, EX, SX, SX Prestige, and the more rugged X-Line and X-Pro variants aimed at adventurous families. The X-Pro builds on the extra ground clearance of the new chassis with all-terrain tires, recovery points, specialized suspension tuning, and off-road drive modes, paired with tech such as a ground-view camera system. These upgrades make the Telluride more capable on dirt and snow while preserving its comfortable on-road manners.
Why It Won “Best in Show”
Reviewers at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show singled out the 2027 Telluride because it meaningfully improves on a model that was already a segment favorite. The redesign addresses past criticisms around fuel economy and interior tech, while adding a more luxurious cabin, a standout hybrid option, and sharper styling that aligns with Kia’s push upmarket. In a show dominated by electrified SUVs and crossovers, the Telluride managed to stand out as a practical, desirable family vehicle rather than a pure concept or niche performance model.
Market Position and Competitors
The new Telluride continues to compete head-to-head with three-row SUVs like the Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Ford Explorer, but now leans more aggressively into the “affordable luxury” space. With its upscale interior, efficient hybrid drivetrain and strong towing figures, it targets buyers who might otherwise consider premium-brand crossovers but still want mainstream pricing and running costs. As Americans show continued preference for family SUVs and electrified powertrains, Kia’s decision to prioritize refinement and efficiency in its flagship should broaden the Telluride’s appeal even further.
Availability and What Comes Next
Kia says the 2027 Telluride will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2026, built at the company’s West Point, Georgia, plant. Pricing has not yet been finalized, but analysts expect only a modest increase over the current model, with the hybrid likely commanding a premium while still undercutting many luxury rivals. With its 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show “Best in Show” crown and a long list of substantive upgrades, the 2027 Telluride is poised to remain one of the most sought-after three-row SUVs on the market in the years ahead.
