Kia’s second-generation flagship SUV evolves its award-winning formula with more space, a commanding new design, and clever tech. We have all the details.
Let’s be honest: replacing a legend is the hardest job in the automotive world. When the original Kia Telluride debuted six years ago, it didn’t just enter the three-row SUV segment; it conquered it. It was a runaway success, a perfect storm of chiseled good looks, near-luxury interior, and mainstream value that redefined what a family hauler could be.
So, what do you do for an encore? How do you follow up a home run? If you’re Kia, you don’t reinvent. You evolve.
Kia has offered the first look at the next-generation 2027 Telluride, and the mission was clear: preserve the essence and design DNA that made the original a standout, but elevate its presence and sophistication. This wasn’t a blank-slate project; it was about building on a legacy.
The result is a flagship that is bigger, bolder, and still proudly, defiantly boxy. This is everything you loved about the Telluride, turned up to eleven.
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The 2027 Telluride: By the Numbers
The new Telluride makes its presence known immediately, and the spec sheet confirms it’s not an illusion. The 2027 model is:
- 2.3 inches longer overall.
- Has a wheelbase stretched by nearly three inches.
- Stands one inch taller.
This growth isn’t just for show; it directly translates to improved interior space, especially for second and third-row access. Taller occupants will also appreciate up to a half-inch of extra headroom, even in models with a sunroof.
This second-generation SUV will make its official world debut at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show later this month. Mark your calendars, because it’s expected to land in showrooms in the first quarter of 2026.
A Bolder, More Chiseled Statement
Guided by Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, the 2027 Telluride masterfully blends ruggedness with elegance.
The front end is an unmistakable statement. A broad, clean hood establishes a powerful stance, flanked by new vertical headlamps that frame a high-gloss grille. The side profile is where the “chiseled” inspiration—drawn from the namesake Colorado town – really shines. Aggressively defined triangular creases in the fenders look like the facets of a diamond.
Two new signature details stand out:
- Flush Door Handles: Borrowed from its EV siblings like the EV6 and EV9, these lend a clean, modern, and premium appearance.
- Sculpted Wheel Well Notches: In a confident break from convention, the wheel wells feature a smart, deliberate sculpted interruption. It’s a unique detail poised to become a new Telluride identifier.
The “Star Map” Signature Lighting
The original Telluride’s vertical “exclamation point” tail lamps were iconic. For the second generation, Kia has doubled down, applying that strong vertical signature to the front as well.
Twin vertical LED strips now frame the grille, featuring Kia’s “Star Map” lighting graphic. The signature amber-hued Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) return, but in a sleeker, more modern expression.
At the rear, the tail lamps become more architectural. A strip of body color now separates the twin light bars, accentuating their graphic clarity. The entire lighting package feels flush and precise, like a high-tech digital display.
Meet the X-Pro: More Than Just an Appearance Package
For those whose adventures go where the pavement ends, the Telluride X-Pro returns with a more commanding and capable character.
It wears the expected X-series uniform: blacked-out wheel arches, side mirrors, beltline trim, and D-pillars. Raised roof rails are standard, ready for gear, and the front features a bold mesh-type grille paired with a squared-off lower black bumper for a tactical look.
But this isn’t just an aesthetic. The X-Pro pushes beyond with:
- 9.1 inches of ground clearance.
- All-terrain tires.
- Standard front and rear recovery hooks.
Unique to the X-Pro is a new Ground Lighting feature. Soft light projects from the rearview mirrors, from beneath the rear doors, and from the rear bumper to illuminate the surrounding area. Additional lighting from the raised tailgate helps with tasks like changing a tire or accessing cargo in the dark. When the front doors open, puddle lamps illuminate “Telluride” on the ground below.
Inside the “Tech Sanctuary”
The interior, dubbed a “Tech Sanctuary,” is where the Telluride solidifies its flagship status. The cabin’s design concept is “Grandioso”—defined by a magnificent yet restrained elegance.
A wide, horizontal layout creates a sense of grandeur, while a bold wraparound design gives a feeling of enclosure. Flowing surfaces are complemented by wood-like textures and real metal accents, while sturdy grab handles signal the SUV’s rugged intent.
But the clever, functional details are what will go viral:
- Functional Table: In the rear, the passenger console transforms into a functional table.
- Mesh Headrests: Available for the first and second rows, these add a modern look and comfort.
- Reconfigurable Cargo: The utility area features a folding luggage table that includes integrated ruler markings and a removable partition—a perfect nod to outdoor adventure.
New interior colorways are sophisticated and daring. Choices include a bold Deep Navy with Tuscan Umber and an all-new Blackberry: a rich purple – paired with Sand Beige. X models get more grounded tones like all-black, deep khaki, or saddle brown.
This attention to color extends to the exterior, with a palette of ten colors. New options include a stunning Black Jade Green and a rugged Terrain Brown, both of which will be available in glossy and matte finishes.
The Benchmark Just Moved.
The second-generation 2027 Telluride is a masterclass in confident evolution. Kia recognized what made the original a phenomenon and systematically amplified every part of it. It’s bigger, more sophisticated, more rugged in X-Pro form, and packed with clever features that show a deep understanding of what families actually want in an SUV.
The king hasn’t just defended his crown; he’s had it resized.
