The 2027 Kia Telluride1 has made a striking first impression before its official reveal at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Wrapped in a custom-designed camouflage created by Kia Design Center America (KDCA), the pre-production model embarked on a demanding off-road trek, proving its strength while teasing the SUV’s final design.
An Artistic Camouflage with a Purpose
According to Tom Kearns, Vice President and Senior Chief Designer at KDCA, the goal was to make the all-new Telluride1 stand out while concealing its form. The wrap draws from the “Opposites United” design philosophy, using intersecting outlines of the vehicle’s sketches to obscure its body lines and proportions. The result is a pattern that both hides and celebrates the creative process behind the SUV’s design.
“We decided to approach the camouflage from an artistic perspective,” said Kearns. “By using overlapping sketches, we created a motif that connects the design’s beginning and end, an embodiment of Opposites United itself.”
Opposites United in Motion
Kia’s Opposites United design language, introduced by Executive Vice President Karim Habib in 2021, is centered around the balance of contrast and harmony. The philosophy draws from natural and human dualities, expressing strength and serenity through sculptural yet sharp elements. The Telluride1’s wrap brings this vision to life through fluid color transitions and intricate linework.
Inspired by artists like Keith Haring and Mr. Doodle, the wrap simplifies Telluride1’s complex design sketches into dynamic, interwoven lines. The gradient shifts from warm orange hues at the front to cool purples at the rear, symbolizing energy and calm, two opposites unified in motion.
A Hidden Story in the Details
Beyond the bold graphics, subtle map coordinates appear along the lower doors: 37.9375° N, 107.8123° W, pointing to Telluride, Colorado, the SUV’s namesake. This small detail ties the prototype’s modern artistry to the rugged American landscape that inspired its identity.
Performance Tested in Harsh Terrain
The camouflage Telluride1 wasn’t just a design showcase. Its off-road journey through California’s Alabama Hills pushed the SUV to its limits. The challenging route, set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada peaks, featured rocky trails, steep climbs, sandy washes, and water crossings, testing both durability and traction.
Russell Wager, Vice President of Marketing at Kia America, explained that the goal was to demonstrate the Telluride1’s real-world capability: “Most camouflaged prototypes are seen parked or driving on highways. We wanted to do something different, show it in action, where the Telluride truly belongs.”
Power, Control, and Capability
Though Kia has yet to reveal full performance specifications, the pre-production Telluride1 showcased robust power and composure throughout its off-road test. Its advanced suspension setup and refined all-wheel-drive system handled uneven terrain with ease, confirming the SUV’s reputation for strength and stability. The off-road scenes underline Kia’s ongoing evolution toward blending bold design with practical performance.
Summary
With its bold camouflage and commanding off-road presence, the 2027 Kia Telluride1 is setting the stage for an impressive global debut. Blending artistic expression with proven capability, the upcoming flagship SUV represents Kia’s continued commitment to innovation and creativity. The full reveal is set for November 20 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where the Telluride1 will finally shed its disguise.
Disclaimer: Content on this site is for informational purposes only. Vehicle specs, pricing, and availability may change. Always verify details with official sources before making decisions. Opinions are those of the authors.
Source: Kia
