The Kia Telluride became an immensely popular SUV when it debuted in 2020. The SUV seemed to get all the big stuff right: a roomy, simple interior, a solid offering of powertrains, great tech, and an affordable price point. It’s all that almost anyone could need, but the time has come for a new generation. For 2027, Kia needs to get a lot right with the Telluride’s replacement, and so far, what we’ve seen is promising.
The Kia Telluride Will Look A Lot Like The New Palisade
2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro
Cole Attisha
The Telluride and the Palisade will continue to share a platform and powertrains, just as they have since the pair first began to coexist in 2020. Of course, that also means the latest Palisade gives us some clues. For one, a new hybrid Telluride is expected as a result of the similarly hybridized Palisade. The Telluride should also benefit from the Hyundai’s 329-horsepower turbocharged hybrid drivetrain. Again, we expect the standard engine to be the company’s long-running 3.5-liter V6 workhorse with front and all-wheel drive.
More capability should be coming down the pipe, just as it did in the Palisade. That means equivalent versions of Hyundai’s XRT trims, which focus on adding some off-road capability to the SUV. Don’t expect anything too serious, but some upgraded tires and special all-wheel drive software should go a long way to making the Telluride a bit more capable.
Expect New Looks And An Updated Interior
CarPix
Predictably, the updated Telluride will also bring with it new looks. Our spy shots reflect a heavy update to the SUV’s front and rear fascias, with some boxier, more sculpted looks in the front. Unsurprisingly, it’ll mirror the Palisade’s edgy, modern looks with a good helping of Kia flair thrown in to help distinguish the two – they certainly won’t look too similar. Kia will implement a look loosely akin to its own EV9, with headlights at the far edges of the bumper reaching down towards the ground, as well as an updated grille and intakes for the engine.
Changes inside should focus largely on new tech, as well as some new looks. We’d expect trim-specific changes to standard features as well. The Telluride should bring to bear the latest in Hyundai/Kia’s infotainment tech, with a pair of large screens dominating the dash in all but the lowliest of trim levels. Kia will also no doubt offer a luxury-oriented trim, as Hyundai does in the Palisade, with high-end leathers and premium looks. Expect more room for cargo, too. The Telluride will debut as a 2027 model year SUV, so expect a bit of a wait before the finished product is debuted.
