---

It still looks a lot like the concept, if not an exact replica

The Kia Telluride seems to be making steady progress on its way to production, as evidenced by these new spy photos. The large crossover SUV was spied testing with much less camouflage than the last time we saw it. So little that we get a pretty clear picture of the front fascia and what appears to be a production grille and front bumper, unadorned with fake bodywork.

Notably, the Telluride still retains much of the square, blocky design shown on the 2016 concept, such as in its tall, sheer nose. But it has softened in a number of ways. The grille is much broader and curves back toward the headlights. It also has a bit of a sweep upward, which is exaggerated by the additional opening below the grille. The headlights have also increased in size compared with the concept, particularly vertically. They also wrap around the fender instead of being inset.

Moving around to the sides and the rear, there's more camouflage, but we can spot some details taken directly from the concept. One of them is the chrome trim surrounding the windows that has a little extension up the B-Pillar. The rear taillights are also heavily inspired by the concept's inverted "L"-shaped lights. Unlike the concept, the production lights appear to span the full width of the rear hatch.

As for when we'll see the production Telluride, we would estimate within a year. A report from January implied that we would be hearing an announcement in the near-future regarding the new family crossover, and this latest prototype is looking pretty close to production specification. Hyundai seems to be on its way to releasing its own version of the three-row SUV, possibly styled after the Grandmaster concept, for 2019 or 2020.

---

---

The Kia Telluride concept received a warm welcome when it debuted at the North American International Auto Show in 2016 and it appears production model will remain pretty faithful to the concept.

In a series of photos posted by The Korean Car Blog, we can get an undisguised glimpse of the all-new crossover which is expected to debut early next year.

As you can see in the photos, the Telluride has a bit of a GMC Yukon vibe as both models have a wide grille, vertical headlights and rounded front fenders. This probably won’t make General Motors happy, but there are plenty of unique styling details further below. These include a silver skid plate, vertical air intakes and a split lower fascia.

While the front fascia is different than the one used on the concept, the sides are virtually the same. However, there have been a handful of minor changes as the production model eschews the front fender vents and adopts traditional door handles.

Moving to the rear, the concept’s distinctive taillights carryover but that’s about it. The tailgate has been significantly modified and there’s a new lower bumper which unfortunately doesn’t feature the concept’s split dual exhaust system.

While we now know what the exterior will look like, the interior remains a mystery. The concept’s cabin was heavily influenced by the Mercedes S-Class, but it’s doubtful that production model will have such lofty ambitions.

The interior isn’t the only mystery as it remains unclear what platform will underpin the model. While the concept was based on a modified version of the Sorento’s platform, Kia officials have suggested it could ride on the same architecture that underpins the K900. If it does indeed ride on that platform, the model may be offered with a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 that produces 365 hp (272 kW / 370 PS) and 376 lb-ft (509 Nm) of torque.

However, it seems more likely that the model will ride on the same platform as the Hyundai Santa Fe and feature similar engine options. As a result, we can likely expect a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 hp (175 kW / 238 PS) and 260 lb-ft (353 Nm) of torque.

---

---

Everyone can find a little something special in New York Fashion Week, whether you like it or not. Yes, even you, Noted Car Dude. That’s because Kia decided it’s about time we start dropping production model debuts in the midst of fancy clothes and high-profile celebrities.

The 2020 Telluride first popped up at the Detroit Auto Show as a concept back at the start of 2016, but things have been pretty quiet since then. It only makes sense that they’d want to come back with a bang, and what better place to grab a lot of unexpected attention than a fashion week?

It’s a reveal that actually makes sense, I promise. See, according to Autoblog, fashion designer Brandon Maxwell arranged a deal with Kia where the car company would donate to his childhood school in Marfa in exchange for the SUV to take a center-stage spot at the show. And, yes: the Kia is even dressed up quite fashionably, with faux luggage and some mud splatters. It’s the kind of #aesthetic that Maxwell was envisioning for his own clothing collection.

So, yeah, the piece of machinery being displayed at Fashion Week isn’t exactly what’s going into production. This version is fancy. It’s getting dressed up in its specialty hiking gear to go climb some mountains. You’re not going to find off-road bumpers, skid plates, or a ladder on your day-to-day driving Kia. Think of this as the Instagram version of the car you’re actually going to buy.

You can definitely see how the concept influenced this particular design, but there have definitely been some changes. It’s still a pretty square-looking SUV, but Kia have softened the head and tail lights into a much rounder shape. The rear hatch and front end are both softened, not quite so harsh.

Since the Telluride was making its debut at a Fashion Week instead of a car show, the focus is on the looks. Technical details aren’t the forte of a crowd that appreciates anything good looking (including cars). And since there’s still plenty of time before the car is actually going into production—they’re not looking to sell the Telluride until early next year—there’s a good chance that some of those specifics are still in flux.

However, we do know that this is going to be one of the largest crossovers in its class. It’ll be able to hold eight passengers as opposed to the Sorento’s seven. And it’ll be equipped with a V6 engine.

Other than that, though, we’re in the dark about what, exactly, is coming. But I gotta hand it to Kia: they did a damn good job figuring out a way to get everyone’s attention.

---

---

The 2020 Telluride, Kia's newest three-row SUV offering, is set to go on sale soon, and we now know how much it will cost. The base LX model starts at $32,735, and loaded SX versions come in just under $47,000—a good value, considering other competitors in this segment can top $50,000 easily. As expected, it's also priced a bit higher than the Sorento, Kia's other mid-size SUV offering, which also offers a third row but is significantly smaller in most dimensions.

All Telluride models come with a 3.8-liter V-6 engine and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional. Standard equipment on the $32,735 LX includes:

• 18-inch wheels
• Eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench
• 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
• Six USB ports
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring

Next is the Telluride S, at $35,035, which comes with a few desirable upgrades such as:

• 20-inch wheels
• Seven-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs
• 10-way power driver's seat
• Heated front seats
• Power sunroof

The Telluride EX starts at $38,135, which gets you the following:

• Leather upholstery
• 10.3-inch touchscreen
• Eight-way power passenger seat
• Cooled front seats
• Eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench
• Power liftgate

The top of the lineup is the Telluride SX (pictured), which for $42,535 has equipment including:

• 20-inch black wheels
• Dual sunroofs
• LED headlights
• Seven-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs
• Harman/Kardon audio system
• Digital gauge cluster
• 360-degree camera view

A $4000 SX Prestige package is also available, which makes for the most luxurious Telluride available. It has the following:

• All-wheel drive
• Nappa leather upholstery
• Head-up display
• Second-row heated and cooled seats
• Heated steering wheel

The Telluride made its official debut at the 2019 Detroit auto show in January after being previewed during New York Fashion Week. It is slated to go on sale in a few months.

---

You Tube

---

The fantastic Telluride is the latest Kia model to gain the brand's redesigned logo, which it's getting as part of a 2022 model-year update announced Wednesday. The new badge is placed in the center of the grille and above the Telluride script on the tailgate, the same locations as Kia's old oval logo, as well as on the wheel center caps and the steering wheel.

Aside from the new logo, the only other exterior styling changes are a black finish for the center of the grille across the entire model lineup. The Nightfall Edition remains available, which slathers all of the exterior trim in gloss black.

The base LX and midrange S trim levels now get the SX's 10.3-inch touchscreen display as standard, replacing the old 8-inch unit. Those two trims also get automatic climate control and Kia's Highway Driving Assist as standard, which previously were relegated to SX and above, and every Telluride now comes with navigation-based adaptive cruise control with curve assist.

Despite the added features, the price bump for the 2022 Telluride isn't too bad. The LX now starts at $34,015 including $1,225 for destination, an increase of $600 over the 2021 model. At $36,515 the S is $700 pricier than the old model while the $39,015 EX and $43,915 SX are both only $200 more than before. All-wheel drive remains a $2,000 option across the board. Finally, there's the range-topping SX Prestige, which comes standard with AWD. It costs $48,115, which actually makes it $100 cheaper than the 2021 SX Prestige. The 2022 Telluride is already at Kia dealers in the US.

---

---

It was a little over a month ago when Kia unveiled the 2022 Telluride with the company's swanky new logo and a bit more standard equipment. For more significant changes, you will want to wait until the 2023 model year provided the facelifted version will be introduced within the next 12 months. Meanwhile, a heavily camouflaged prototype of the midsize SUV has been caught up close and personal at home in South Korea.

Even though the Telluride has only been out for a couple of years and it's selling like hotcakes, Kia is in somewhat of a hurry to give its largest SUV sold in North America a nip and tuck. The same holds true for the mechanically related Hyundai Palisade, which will be updated in 2022 as well per a presentation made for investors.

The heavy disguise might tempt you into believing the Telluride will be getting a full makeover, but we're inclined to believe this will be a typical mid-cycle revision. After all, why mess with a winning recipe? Peeking through the mesh camo are redesigned headlights and taillights featuring fresh graphics while likely maintaining the same cluster shape.

Kia has already tweaked the front grille for the 2022 model year and it looks as though the so-called tiger nose is getting a new design yet again, with vertical elements to replace the mesh-like setup of the current Telluride. However, this change could be limited to a certain trim level and may not be adopted by all flavors of the popular SUV. Mildly resculpted bumpers should round off the changes on the outside.

The spy video also gives us an opportunity to take a peek inside the predominantly white cabin where everything but the dashboard is exposed. We are not holding our breath for any big changes inside, especially since the 2022 Telluride already has the bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen for the infotainment as standard equipment.

Considering Kia revised the SUV in June and this is only our first sighting of the facelifted model, an official premiere is unlikely to take place anytime soon. The revised Telluride might debut in its domestic market by the end of the year, but the US-spec model is likely earmarked for a release at some point in 2022.

---

---

The Telluride is one of Kia’s most important models in North America where the SUV is selling in very decent numbers. It was recently updated for the 2022 model year with more standard equipment (see the related articles below), and there’s evidence that a more comprehensive facelift is currently in the works for the 2023 model year. Now, months before its official debut, we have a very good idea of what it could look like.

Earlier this week, we saw a prototype of the 2023 Telluride testing in South Korea and this was used by our pals at Kolesa.ru as a base for the renderings you see in the gallery below. They draw what we believe is a pretty accurate picture of the refreshed SUV unveiling small but notable changes at the back and up front.

Given the Telluride’s good market results, we don’t expect this facelift to bring major visual revisions. Instead, Kia will likely tweak the front fascia a little by changing the internal graphics of the headlights, as well as the radiator grille pattern giving it more pronounced shapes. Also, those LED lights integrated into the bumper of the current model might disappear with the facelift.

At the back, the test prototype from earlier this month suggested there will be little modifications to the taillights. Depending on the trim level, there might be other changes, though the camouflage is not letting us see more for now. We expect to begin seeing less disguised test cars in the very near future.

The Telluride is still a relatively fresh model on the market and with the refresh from June this year, we don’t expect to see the 2023 model before the first months of next year. Sure, the domestic market model could show up before the end of 2022, but the US model won’t arrive this soon.

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

Hyundai and Kia typically reveal their models at home in South Korea before showing them to the rest of the world. That’s not always the case as models like the Palisade and the equivalent Telluride usually get updates in North America ahead of other regions. The largest SUVs the two brands sell in the United States have been around for three years and will bring their facelifts next week at the New York Auto Show.

Less than 24 hours after Hyundai previewed the 2023 Palisade, Kia is now doing the same with its 2023 Telluride. As spy shots have already revealed, the three-row SUV will gain redesigned headlights with a different LED signature for the daytime running lights consisting of two vertical lines that run parallel. The shadowy exterior image doesn't depict an existing trim level as we're looking at the rugged X-Pro arriving with the mid-cycle refresh.

The Telluride X-Pro was only a matter of time considering Kia trademarked the suffix for the big SUV (and the Sorento) at the end of last year, hinting at an X-Pro lineup expansion beyond the Sportage. In the compact crossover's case, the X-Pro comes with standard AWD and all-terrain tires. In addition, the smaller model has selectable multi-terrain drive modes with snow settings.

More significant changes will occur inside the cabin where the other teaser released by Kia shows the 2023 Telluride switching to the side-by-side screens of the Sorento and Sportage. It was bound to happen since the flagship SUV's cabin was starting to look a tad outdated with its tacked-on infotainment system. The dashboard still has three central air vents, but some of the physical controls beneath might have been "swallowed" by the touchscreen.
Both the updated Telluride and Palisade will premiere on April 13 at the NY Auto Show before going on sale in the coming months for the 2023 model year. Meanwhile, Kia is still selling the body-on-frame Borrego in its domestic market where the tough SUV is called Mohave. It's the same 2008 vehicle underneath the skin, but massively facelifted.

---

---

Three years after bursting onto the scene as one of the most in-demand and award-winning three-row eight-passenger SUVs in the U.S., the Kia Telluride returns for 2023 with an array of enhancements that build upon the success of the original. The Telluride has not only attracted over 75 percent of its buyers as new to the Kia family, but because of high customer satisfaction, Telluride owners have the most brand loyalty of any midsize SUV when returning to market for another vehicle. Big, capable, and powerful, the Telluride is as ready as ever for adventures of all kinds, from family road trips across the country to off-road excursions bound by few limits.

The SUV that swept the "triple crown" of automotive accolades and claimed the most recent award for best resale value from JD Power now wears new design elements inside and out and brings an expanded list of ADAS safety technology for greater peace-of-mind and driver confidence. With class-leading passenger room, the Telluride arrives with two all-new trim levels for 2023: X-Line and X-Pro. These iterations exude a more rugged personality with features and capabilities that allow the Telluride to venture off the beaten path and explore new realms of wilderness.

Designed for America

Designed specifically for the U.S., Kia Telluride has been a head-turning proposition from the very start. Retaining its bold and sophisticated appearance, the Telluride undergoes some exterior restyling for a more rugged and refined look in the new model year:

• Revised vertical headlamp design (standard LED) and available foglamps
• New bumpers and grille
• Revised taillamps
• New rear fascia and trim
• Revised lower door garnish trim/side sills
• New wheel designs for every trim
• Three new exterior colors
• Midnight Lake Blue
• Dawning Red
• Jungle Wood Green

As before, the Kia Telluride interior captures a feeling of upscale exploration in a spacious, three-row, eight-passenger environment with class-leading passenger room. Thoughtful new updates include:

• Curved and seamless dual 12.3-inch display screens - gauge cluster (available) and navigation
• Redesigned dashboard with revised trim panels and HVAC vents
• Redesigned steering wheel
• New interior color packages

Introducing Two New Adventure-Ready Trim Levels: X-Line and X-Pro

The new Kia Telluride introduces two new trim levels - X-Line and X-Pro - for Kia owners who choose to go off the beaten path every so often. Both all-wheel drive models offer a roster of exclusive upgrades and enhancements over other Telluride trims. As seen below, the X-Pro model builds off the X-Line model. Furthermore, the X-Line model replaces the former Telluride Nightfall Edition.

Kia Telluride X-Line

• Exterior
  • Unique radiator grille design
  • Bridge-type roof rails
  • Body-color door handles
  • Exclusive 20-inch wheels
  • "X-Line" badging
• Interior
  • "X-Line" embossing on front seat upper backrest
  • Exclusive color packages
• Chassis and Capability
  • Higher ground clearance (+10mm)
  • Improved approach and departure angles
  • Tow mode for optimized trailering performance (shift logic, sway control)
  • Upgraded Traction Control System (TCS)

Kia Telluride X-Pro (in addition to or in place of X-Line features)

• Exterior
  • Exclusive 18-inch black wheels and 18-inch all-terrain tires (Continental)
  • "X-Pro" badging
• Interior
  • "X-Pro" embossing on front seat upper backrest
  • 110-volt inverter outlet (cargo area)
• Chassis and Capability
  • Increased towing limit from 5,000 pounds to 5,500 pounds

As Powerful and Capable As Ever

The new Telluride continues to provide a capable and confidence-inspiring experience for driver and passengers, alike. Major mechanicals remain virtually unchanged, yielding the SUV's composed ride and performance:

• Atkinson Cycle LAMBDA II 3.8L V6 GDI engine producing 291 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb.-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• Four-wheel independent suspension
• Rigid body structure due to the monocoque shell that is composed of 59.4 percent advanced high-strength steel
• Available self-leveling rear suspension. Ride height is automatically calibrated depending on vehicle load to optimize control and stability
• Choice of four drive modes - Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort - each using different settings for powertrain, drivetrain, and steering effort mapping to provide the desired driving experience. In addition to the four regular drive modes, in vehicles equipped with AWD, drivers can select from two different modes, "Snow" and "AWD Lock" for specific driving conditions
• Available active on-demand all-wheel drive helps provide enhanced driving performance by actively distributing torque between front and rear wheels depending on road conditions and driver input. The system utilizes electro-hydraulic AWD coupling to precisely activate the multi-plate clutch, constantly redistributing the amount of power transferred to the front and rear wheels. During normal driving, power is distributed according to the drive mode selected. "Eco" and "Comfort" modes can deliver up to 20 to 35 percent of the power to the rear wheels, respectively. "Sport", "Smart" and "Snow" modes can deliver up to 50 percent of the power to the rear wheels. "AWD Lock" mode delivers power evenly to all four wheels
• Standard towing rated up to 5,000 pounds (5,500 pounds for X-Pro trim)
• Newly added Downhill Brake Control (DBC) maintains a controlled descent on steep roads

A New Level of Convenience Technology

The 2023 Kia Telluride adds new technology features that makes ownership easier and more convenient:

• Upgraded 12.3-inch navigation screen (increased from 10.3 inches)
• Optional Full Display Mirror with HomeLink functionality (replacing standard rearview mirror)
• Available Smart Power Liftgate with "Auto Close" functionality

Kia Connect services provide advanced embedded connectivity:

• Digital Key: Allows customers to use their compatible iPhones, Apple Watches, and Samsung Galaxy smartphones as a virtual vehicle key to lock, unlock and drive. Furthermore, these keys can be shared with friends and family over text messages on available devices
• In-vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot connects up to five devices to 4G LTE-based internet
• Map and Infotainment Over-The-Air (OTA) updates: Keeps maps and infotainment system updated automatically with the latest functionalities to deliver the best driving experience
• Kia Access App with smartwatch compatibility through Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy smart watches to access features like remote climate control, door lock/unlock and more
• Stolen vehicle tracking and immobilization capability
• Connected Routing: The server-based system calculates the optimal route by using real-time and predicted traffic information based on past information and AI that has learned the user's preferred route.
• Smart Speaker Integration lets customers use Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant enabled smart speakers or devices to remotely control some functions (such as remote start)

Technology highlights carried over from the previous model year include:

• Available 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system (AM/FM/SiriusXM)
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Available wireless smartphone charging
• Up to six USB charging ports - two in each row. Five ports are standard (updated from A type to C type)
• Multi-Bluetooth wireless connectivity allows two phones to connect simultaneously for audio streaming
• Head-Up Display: Upgraded from 8.5-inches to 10-inches. Added information makes this system especially useful. Provides turn-by-turn navigation, speed, smart cruise control and blind-spot warnings (available)
• Driver Talk: Uses a microphone to enhance communication with second- and third-row passengers
• Quiet Mode: Cuts audio output in second and third row so the audio choices of the front occupants are only heard in that row
• Rear Occupant Alert: Uses ultrasonic sensors designed to detect child or pet movement in the second and third row after the car's doors have been locked and then can issue audible alerts to the driver

Expanded ADAS Suite

As Kia's flagship SUV, the new Telluride is brimming with technology to keep occupants safe. The long list of ADAS features grows for 2023 with several new additions, including two new standard systems (ISLA, FCA-JT):

• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA): Maximum speed sign recognition that alerts driver and also limits the speed of the car depending on the settings (standard)
• Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control - Curve (NSCC-C): Leverages the navigation system to lower the vehicle's speed proactively before upcoming curves in the road (available)
• Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2): A driving convenience system that maintains the distance from the vehicle in front and the lane position on the highway, and also assists in lane changes (available; HDA 1.5 is standard on Telluride)
• Forward Collision Avoidance - Junction Turning (FCA-JT): Detects oncoming vehicles while turning left at an intersection (junction). If a collision appears likely, the system applies the brakes to stop the car (standard)
• Forward Collision Avoidance - Junction Crossing (FCA-JC): Detects crossing vehicles while passing through an intersection. If a collision appears likely, the system applies the brakes to stop the car (available)
• Forward Collision Avoidance - Lane Change Oncoming (FCA-LO): Assists in preventing collision with oncoming vehicles while passing other vehicles by providing steering input (available)
• Forward Collision Avoidance - Lane Change Side (FCA-LS): Assists in preventing collision with cycles/vehicles in the front of the car while changing lanes by providing steering input (available)
• Forward Collision Avoidance - Evasive Steering Assist (FCA-ESA): Assists in preventing collision with obstacles/pedestrians/vehicles in front of the car while driving straight by providing steering input (available)

The Kia Telluride's long list of carryover ADAS (standard and available) systems include:

• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA)
• High Beam Assist (HBA)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist-Rear (BCA-R)
• Blind Spot View Monitor (BVM) (available)
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
• Parking Distance Warning - Forward (available) and Reverse
• Surround View Monitor (SVM) (available)
• Highway Driving Assist (HDA) (HDA 1.5 - standard; HDA 2.0 - optional)
• Lane Following Assist (LFA)
• Safe Exist Assist (SEA)

---

---

The new Kia Telluride was announced this week with some subtle styling updates that included the return of amber running lights for the 2024 model year, and this decision was led by customer demand. We wondered if this was the result of supply chain issues being resolved, but it turns out that this was purely to make customers happier.

CarBuzz reached out to Kia and received the following response: "The amber lights are applicable to all 2024 Telly headlights [...] it was not a supply chain issue. Telluride customers loved the amber lights, and the 2024 MY represented a good time to bring them back. They add a distinctive look to an already amazing design. Not very juicy, I know, but there it is."

The Telluride is one of the best SUVs on sale and has been for a long time, with almost nothing about the SUV falling short in the eyes of most consumers. Yet Kia still decided to make changes that its customers demanded, which bodes well for the brand as a whole. Kia design boss Karim Habib recently said that he thinks customers are getting bored of SUVs and that Kia will thus "try different things," but clearly, that does not apply to the Telluride.

Last year's facelift was not extreme, and this year's is even more subtle, which seems to be what customers want - just with amber lighting.

As a reminder, the 2024 Kia Telluride in all forms is just $100 more expensive than the 2023 model. Besides the return of amber running lights, the X-Line and X-Pro trims got gloss black trim around the headlights, grille, doors, and bumpers, replacing the dark metallic silver finish previously used. All versions continue to use the 3.8-liter V6 producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, which goes to either the front axle or all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

With a capable engine, attractive pricing, and headlights that customers love, the Telluride is sure to continue racking up impressive sales figures. Let's hope the same customer-based decisions are made in the brand's electric era, in which the combustion-free Kia EV9 will take over from the Telluride.

---

---

It's not often that the reveal of a new family SUV gets our hearts racing, but Kia's Telluride is an exception. Having won almost as many 10Best awards as Jordan won championships, the Telluride is a crowning achievement for a brand that was once the epitome of economy transportation. In less than a month, Kia will reveal the second generation of its biggest SUV, and today the automaker teased that debut with two tantalizing images.

The 2027 Kia Telluride definitely won't be getting any smaller, and the current iteration measures almost 197 inches long, about 78 inches wide, and over 69 inches tall. Still, based on the teaser photos, it appears that its shape will have sharper edges. Kia says in a press release that the SUV has a "square-shouldered, upright silhouette," and that's obvious from the front and top views.

What's also clear is that Kia will keep the Telluride's distinctive amber daytime running lights, which remain vertically oriented but now have a much larger pattern. The top shot also shows that the Telluride will be available with dual sunroofs, and it looks like the side glass could be uninterrupted by traditional pillars, but our eyes could just be playing tricks on us. We can also see roof rails in the images, suggesting that Kia will show off an off-road-oriented X-Pro model or something similar.

Kia will reveal the 2027 Telluride on November 20 at the Los Angeles auto show. As for what's under the hood, we expect it to preserve the standard 3.8-liter V-6, but we're pretty confident that it will adopt a hybrid powertrain for the first time. The Hyundai Palisade Hybrid will likely donate its 329-hp configuration, but we'll find out for sure next month.

---

---

2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro Revealed with Range Rover-Like Details

Nov 10, 2025

We now know what the 2027 Kia Telluride looks like, and fans of the brand will like how the new shape leans into the boxy design that everyone admired about the first one. The front end of the mid-size three-row SUV goes for a full-width front grille, which includes the signature vertical daytime running lights (DRL) in amber at the extreme edges. The Telluride has grown 2.3 inches, but it hides it well on a wheelbase that has been stretched by 2.7 inches. Interestingly, the longer length and wheelbase are an exact match with the related 2026 Hyundai Palisade.

The rear view has a bit of a Range Rover vibe, which is never a bad thing. It does have a character line between the lower half of the taillights, which suggests a horizontal split into tailgate and liftback, but it's just a character line. The whole thing lifts as one, as on the Palisade. In the taillights, two vertical LED elements echo the DRL signature in front.

The side profile has two features that are potentially controversial, but it already starts to make a kind of sense after a short time viewing it. Each wheel well has an index mark at 12 o'clock, and the fender character line comes down to meet them.

It looks a bit odd at first, but then you see how the lines flow into the doors with a similar crease below. It almost feels like the fenders have been pulled out, with some sort of device attached to the index mark. Tom Kearns, vice president and senior chief designer, said that every new design should "look a bit uncomfortable" the first time you see it; otherwise, he hasn't gone far enough to future-proof it.

The model we saw is the once-rumored X-Pro trim. It has handsome tow hooks on the front and rear and rides on knobby 18-inch Continental CrossContact tires, just like the camouflaged prototypes we saw earlier. A Kia video showed how well the X-Pro can do off-road, although we didn't know at the time that it was an X-Pro. Also, we still don't know what it has under the hood, as that is still under wraps until later this month. But we're pretty certain we know what the answer is: it will most likely get the Palisade's 287-hp 3.5-liter V-6 as well as the 2.5-liter turbo-four hybrid that makes 329 horsepower.

Inside, the Telluride has a gorgeous interior that wraps around the driver and passenger. It doesn't have any of the Palisade's "balloon animal" design theme, as the Telluride's interior is entirely unique. The one feature they do share is the twin 12.3-inch screens that sit side by side to serve as the instrument panel and the infotainment touchscreen. Most of the controls are handily marked and seem easy to understand and operate. There are sturdy grab handles, engineered wood, and real metal accents. Our X-Pro featured Forged Carbon atop the center console that looked convincing.

We'll know a lot more about the model availability, the pricing, and the fuel economy at the Los Angeles auto show later this month. But we already know when you can buy the 2027 Kia Telluride. Mark your calendars for the end of the first quarter of 2026.

---