The 2027 Kia Telluride redefines what a modern SUV can be, blending premium craftsmanship with rugged capability. Unveiled ahead of its global debut at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show, the next-generation Telluride continues Kia’s evolution as a design and technology leader in the midsize SUV segment.
A Confident Evolution
Rather than reinventing its beloved flagship, Kia refined it. The 2027 Telluride keeps the strong DNA that made the first generation a success while adopting a sharper, more contemporary profile. With its overall length increased by 2.3 inches and wheelbase extended by nearly three inches, the new Telluride stands broader and bolder. Its stance is unmistakably confident, shaped under Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy that merges strength with elegance.
Design Philosophy: Opposites United
Kia’s creative mantra, Opposites United, drives the 2027 Telluride’s new look. Every angle highlights balance: sharp lines contrast with soft curves, and rugged forms blend with refined finishes. “It was about capturing strength and luxury, tradition and modernness,” explains Tom Kearns, Kia’s Senior Chief Designer. The result is a vehicle that feels timeless yet forward-thinking.
Exterior Presence
Inspired by the mountain town that shares its name, the Telluride’s exterior exudes durability and confidence. A bold hood and vertical LED lighting establish an assertive front end, while the sculpted grille and precision detailing add refinement. The side profile flows with elegance, marked by crisp body contours and sculpted creases that catch the light like facets on a gemstone. At the rear, wide shoulders and clean tail lamps emphasize strength and stability.
The X-Pro Edge
The X-Pro trim pushes the Telluride’s adventurous spirit further. It features dark exterior accents, raised roof rails, black wheel arch moldings, and a unique mesh-type grille. All-terrain tires and 9.1 inches of ground clearance signal true off-road intent, complemented by front and rear recovery hooks for real-world utility. It’s an SUV that looks the part, and plays it too.
Lighting as Art
Lighting plays a starring role in defining the 2027 Telluride’s identity. Twin vertical LED strips flank the grille, echoing the SUV’s signature tail lamp design for a cohesive light signature. This “Star Map” graphic adds a futuristic glow, while amber daytime running lights lend warmth and presence. On X-Pro models, new Ground Lighting projects from the mirrors and tailgate, combining function with a sense of occasion.
Interior Sanctuary
Inside, the 2027 Telluride offers an elevated cabin experience that mixes utility with serenity. The wide horizontal dash creates a feeling of space, while wraparound surfaces provide comfort and connection. Real metal finishes and wood-like accents highlight craftsmanship, and ambient lighting enhances the calm, refined atmosphere.
Functionality meets form with features like mesh headrests, a reconfigurable cargo area, and an innovative rear console that transforms into a small table. Even practical details, like integrated measurement markings on the folding luggage table, add a sense of thoughtful design rooted in real-world adventure.
Colors and Materials
Kia introduces the “Grandioso” design concept to define the cabin’s mood: elegant yet restrained. New color palettes such as Deep Navy with Tuscan Umber and Blackberry with Sand Beige bring bold character, while the X-series interior tones lean darker with khaki and saddle brown finishes. The same design precision extends outside, with new exterior hues like Black Jade Green and Terrain Brown joining the expanded paint lineup.
Power and Performance
While Kia has not yet detailed the powertrain lineup, the second-generation Telluride is expected to continue offering a strong naturally aspirated V6, paired with available all-wheel drive and enhanced off-road capability for X-Pro variants. Performance upgrades are designed to balance power, efficiency, and comfort, hallmarks of a modern flagship SUV.
Summary
The 2027 Kia Telluride builds on a winning legacy with greater presence, precision, and polish. Its design blends rugged confidence with refined sophistication, setting a new benchmark for family SUVs. From the trail to the city, the next-generation Telluride embodies Kia’s vision for adventure, elegance, and progress in one commanding package.
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Source: KIA
