2027 Kia Telluride Debuts With New Turbo Engine and First-Class Seating

Revealed earlier this month, Kia has officially debuted the 2027 Telluride at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show. While we’ve had a few days to get accustomed to the new look, Kia had not shared the technical specifications of the new crossover until now. 

A lot has changed for the second-generation Telluride, which follows a complete revamp of its cousin, the Hyundai Palisade. The Telluride gets new powertrains (including an efficient hybrid), a tougher X-Pro variant, more cargo space, massaging seats, and the brand’s latest technologies. Here’s a look at everything that’s new.

Design and Dimensions

We’ve discussed the design at length before in a comparison with the first-generation Telluride, so we’ll only say that it’s clearly a boxier and more imposing look than before. 

Kia has managed to reduce the drag coefficient from 0.33 to 0.30, partly thanks to details like flush-fitting door handles. The X-Line and X-Pro models are the most aggressive-looking of the bunch with their blacked-out elements and mesh-type grille; the X-Line has 21-inch wheels and the X-Pro has widener all-terrain tires.

At just under 200 inches in length, the new Telluride has grown by 2.3 inches, and the wheelbase is 2.7 inches longer. This frees up 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row in the non-hybrid model, as opposed to 21 cubic feet in the outgoing model. Cargo space is 46.3 cu-ft behind the second row and 86.9 cu-ft behind the first. Kia also promises better legroom in the back rows and improved access.

Related: Grab These 2025 Kia Telluride Lease Deals This November Before the New One Arrives

New Standard Turbo and Optional Hybrid

There’s been a big change in the powertrain department for the 2027 Telluride. Whereas the new Palisade sticks with a standard V6, the Telluride has dropped its 3.8L V6 in favor of a 2.5-liter turbo mill—Kia’s lengthy press release failed to mention cylinder count at any point, but it’s safe to say this is a four-cylinder, especially since the same engine is used in a hybrid version. As standard, it produces 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque; although power is down by 17 hp, torque increases by a healthy 49 lb-ft. An eight-speed automatic transmission routes power to the front wheels or all four optionally, and towing maxes out at 5,000 pounds, the same as the old V6.  

A more efficient option is the new Telluride hybrid, which adds electric motors and a 1.65-kWh lithium-ion battery to the 2.5L turbo-four. This setup makes 329 hp and 339 lb-ft, yet is also capable of 35 mpg combined and a driving range of 600 miles. The old Telluride V6 managed 22 mpg combined, so this is a significant improvement. AWD is available here too, but hybrids use a six-speed auto instead, and an electronic dynamic torque vectoring control system is standard. The towing capacity drops slightly to 4,500 lbs if you opt for the hybrid.

The improved X-Pro variant with AWD has an electronic limited-slip differential and a center differential lock, which can maintain a 50/50 front/rear torque split. This improves traction on looser surfaces.

All Tellurides have a new Rock Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) system, replacing the older column-mounted system and claimed to offer better precision, stability, and driver feedback.

Related: The 2027 Kia Telluride Has A Lot To Get Right: Here’s What Might Be Coming

More Capable X-Pro

Off-road trims of otherwise purely on-road-biased crossovers are more popular than ever—just look at Honda and the success it’s having with its TrailSport models. Kia is keen to capitalize on this trend, so has significantly improved the X-Pro derivative.

As mentioned, this trim gets wider all-terrain tires and an E-LSD. The suspension has additional stroke and allows for up to 9.1 inches of ground clearance, comfortably exceeding the 8.4 inches of the previous X-Pro. A special Terrain Mode and front/rear recovery points have been added, too.

A new Ground View Monitor that operates at speeds of below 6 mph displays a composite view of the ground when tackling more challenging trails. Using an off-road vehicle status screen, drivers can also view pitch, roll, and steering angle. Finally, a Ground Lighting system on the front, rear, and sides of the crossover is unique to the X-Pro.

An Even More Comfortable Interior

As exciting as the new engines and off-road enhancements are, this is still a family vehicle first and foremost, so its success hinges on the execution of the interior. Kia has worked hard to create a space that looks premium, is more spacious, and which comes with all the gadgets expected of a family crossover.

Features steadily rise as you cycle through the trim levels, which are the LX, S, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, and X-Pro. Seating has been given much attention, with available front relaxation seats with power leg rests, and an optional Ergo Motion driver’s seat with massaging. Combined with an available powered steering column, finding the perfect driving position should be easier than ever.

Rear passengers are not forgotten, as power-operated second-row captain’s chairs are now available with both heating and ventilation. Even the third-row seats can be heated, and upholstery options include SynTex imitation leather and SynTex suede. Depending on the trim, the Telluride seats seven or eight occupants.

Moving to the tech, dual 12.3-inch panoramic digital displays are available as part of the new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit operating system. Over-the-air software updates and Kia’s generative AI voice assistant are compatible with this setup. Other tech highlights include an optional 14-speaker Meridian sound system, Digital Key 2.0, a larger 12-inch head-up display, and Entertainment and Data Services. The latter supports streaming of content from YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+, which should keep the kids happy.

As expected, there’s a wide range of driver-assistance and other safety equipment. The Telluride gets 10 standard airbags and Highway Driving Assist 2 is available; this system maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead and also keeps the Telluride in its lane. A standard Rear Occupant Alert System uses in-cabin radar motion sensors to detect occupants, with the driver receiving visual and/or audible alerts. 

Final Thoughts

The move away from the V6 is one of the most significant changes to the Telluride, but with more torque and efficiency that should be improved, it’s an improvement overall. The new hybrid also provides genuinely decent efficiency, something the older Telluride couldn’t deliver.

The first-gen model was the first Kia vehicle designed for America and it was an absolute hit. This second attempt build on that recipe and is poised to once again become one of the country’s favorite three-row crossovers.

Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date in Q1 2026.