America’s favorite three-row SUV just detonated the rulebook.
Kia didn’t just refresh the Telluride — they reinvented it from the ground up.
The 2027 Kia Telluride, now entering its second generation, drops the beloved V6, adds a punchy turbo-four, introduces a 329-horsepower hybrid drivetrain, grows in size, gets more luxurious, and still starts under $40,000.
This isn’t evolution.
This is a takeover.
And the rest of the segment — from the Highlander to the Palisade to the Honda Pilot — is about to panic.
Let’s dive into what makes this new Telluride a category-rewriting monster.
The V6 Is Dead — Long Live the Turbo-Four and the Hybrid
The old 3.8-liter V6 had its fans. Smooth, reliable, 291 horsepower — it was fine.
But “fine” isn’t good enough in 2027.
Kia axed the V6 entirely, replacing it with two modern powertrains that both out-muscle the old engine where it counts.
1. 2.5L Turbocharged Inline-Four (Standard Engine)
- 274 hp
- 311 lb-ft torque (MORE than the old V6)
- 8-speed automatic
- More low-end punch, better towing confidence, improved efficiency
- Standard on lower trims but powerful enough not to feel “base”
This alone would’ve been big news.
But Kia wasn’t done.
2. 2.5L Turbo Hybrid (Optional)
- 329 combined horsepower
- 339 lb-ft torque
- 6-speed automatic (not a CVT — thank you, Kia)
- Up to 35 MPG combined
- 600-mile range
This is a direct shot at Toyota’s hybrid dominance — except Kia is doing it with more horsepower, more torque, and (arguably) better drivability thanks to a geared transmission.
And the best part?
Despite the new tech, towing stays strong at 4,500–5,000 lbs depending on the configuration.
This is one of the most powerful AND efficient family SUVs ever made.
Bigger, Longer, and Ready to Challenge Luxury SUVs
The 2027 Telluride isn’t just more powerful — it’s physically larger.
- 2.3 inches longer overall
- Wheelbase stretched 2.7 inches
- Significantly more third-row comfort
- Max cargo space now almost 87 cubic feet
This pushes the Telluride deeper into full-size territory, giving buyers the space of a Tahoe with the maneuverability of a midsize.
Nothing else in its price bracket offers this combination of room, refinement, and engine tech.
The Design Glow-Up: Baby Range Rover Energy
Kia didn’t hide its luxury ambitions.
The new Telluride looks like a premium SUV pretending it costs twice as much.
Key exterior upgrades:
- Tall vertical LED headlights
- Massive blocky grille
- Squared-off body lines
- New floating roof design
- Bolder proportions overall
It’s “premium adventure” aesthetic is intentional. Kia knows the Telluride has become the family equivalent of a status symbol — and they’re leaning into it hard.
Even better?
The rugged X-Pro trim returns with:
- Chunky all-terrain tires
- Orange tow hooks
- Increased cooling
- Active e-LSD
- Standard AWD
For the family who wants a little “overlanding cosplay,” the Telluride X-Pro remains one of the most capable choices in the segment.
The Interior Goes Full Luxury Cabin — Without Losing Value
Inside, Kia brings the Telluride into the true luxury sphere.
Interior highlights:
- Dual 12.3-inch curved displays
- Real wood and brushed metal trim
- Multi-color ambient lighting
- Improved seats and sound insulation
- Higher-quality leather and stitching
- Updated infotainment with faster graphics
- More cargo room and third-row space
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard
This is no longer “a nice interior for the price.”
This is simply a nice interior, period — competitive with Lexus, Acura, and even Land Rover.
Still Starting Under $40,000 — The Segment Just Took a Big Hit
Somehow, despite the growth, hybrid tech, and luxury upgrades…
The 2027 Kia Telluride still starts under $40,000.
This is devastating for the competition:
- Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid? Starts around $45k
- Honda Pilot? No hybrid at all, and weaker engines
- Hyundai Palisade? Now feels dated
- Mazda CX-90? Smaller
- Ford Explorer? Aging platform, poor interior
- Land Rover Discovery Sport? Double the price
Kia just delivered:
- More power
- More torque
- Better efficiency
- More size
- Better interior
- More features
- More towing
- Better value
…all while staying in the same pricing universe.
The segment isn’t just disrupted — it’s terrified.
Final Verdict: The King of Family SUVs Just Leveled Up
The first-gen Telluride was a phenomenon.
The second-gen version is a declaration of war.
Kia is no longer chasing Toyota or Honda — it’s chasing BMW, Land Rover, and Mercedes.
But unlike those brands, Kia is still pricing its SUV for real families, not luxury budgets.
With a hybrid powertrain delivering 35 MPG, a 600-mile range, a more powerful base model, more interior space, premium materials, and a price that undercuts nearly everyone…
The 2027 Telluride is poised to dominate the three-row segment all over again.
So — what’s your pick?
Hybrid daily driver or stick with the gas turbo?
