2027 Kia Telluride Review: Bigger, Bolder and Finally Fuel Efficient

Kia just dropped the second generation of its best selling three-row SUV, and the 2027 Telluride is turning heads for all the right reasons. With a brand new hybrid powertrain hitting 35 mpg combined, a bolder design, and room for the whole family, this might be the most complete midsize SUV on the market right now.

New Hybrid Powertrain Changes the Game

The old 3.8-liter V6 is officially gone. 1Under the hood of the 2027 Telluride is a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-4 with 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, sent to the front wheels or all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic.

That is 17 fewer horses than the outgoing V6 but 49 more lb-ft of torque.

4 In the Telluride Hybrid, a pair of electric motors work with the turbo engine to deliver 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. This is the one most buyers should be looking at.

The biggest headline is fuel economy. 15The second-generation Telluride arrives with an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined on the EX FWD trim. That is a massive leap from the old model, which could only muster about 20 mpg combined.

Here is how the two powertrains compare side by side:

18 The Telluride Hybrid utilizes a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.65-kWh battery, and two motors to develop a combined 329 horsepower. The battery recharges itself through braking, so there is no need to plug in. You just gas up and go like any regular vehicle.

2027 Kia Telluride hybrid three-row SUV redesigned exterior front view

Bigger Body, More Room for Families

Kia did not just slap a new engine in the old body. This is a full ground-up redesign.

23 The new car comes in at 199.2 inches long and has a wheelbase of 116.9 inches. That is an increase of 2.3 inches and 2.7 inches, respectively. 7 The cabin comfortably seats seven passengers with class-leading second row legroom of 41.4 inches, so even taller adults can stretch out without feeling cramped. 7 Gas models have the option for a bench seat if you need seating for eight.

The third row is a different story. Kids will fit just fine, but adults will want to keep those trips short. 7Cargo space starts at 21.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 47.7 cubic feet behind the second, and maxing out at 88.3 cubic feet when everything is folded down.

One clever addition? A fold-out luggage table that slides in behind the third row, complete with cupholders. Small touch. Big win for road trip snacking.

Off-Road Ready with the X-Pro Trim

The Telluride X-Pro is where things get adventurous.

15 The newly upgraded X-Pro adds wider all-terrain tires, a new advanced E-LSD system, new multi-terrain AWD mode, a new off-road vehicle status screen, and a new Ground View Monitor, all riding on an elevated 9.1 inches of ground clearance.

During the press launch in Santa Barbara, journalists drove the X-Pro through a sprawling 7,000-acre California ranch. 7It was a 45-minute drive with a course that included water crossings, silt that clouded the air, and plenty of inclines and descents.

The verdict from multiple reviewers? 6The off-road-themed X-Pro model also gets a whole lot more rugged, making it a genuine rival for rugged three-rows like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, GMC Acadia AT4 and even the Toyota 4Runner.

One small gripe worth noting. The off-road camera display shuts off at just 6 mph. Even Kia insiders reportedly admitted it would be better if it stayed on until 10 or 15 mph. Not a deal breaker, but something to keep in mind.

Key X-Pro Features at a Glance:

• 9.1 inches of ground clearance
• Electronic limited-slip differential (E-LSD)
• All-terrain tires with wider footprint
• Multi-terrain AWD with Snow, Mud, and Sand modes
• Front and rear recovery hooks
• Off-road vehicle status screen

Tech, Comfort and a Cabin That Feels Premium

Step inside, and it is clear Kia is chasing luxury buyers.

6 Informed by the EV9 and other newer Kias, the interior takes on a clean and decidedly upscale vibe, with more room and even more tech features. Twin 12.3-inch displays stretch across the dash, and the response times are quick and smooth. 3 The interior was exceptionally comfortable and was equipped with 10-way-adjustable heated and cooled massaging seats. The massage function was operated using a button on the door. That is a smart move by Kia. Nobody wants to dig through five menus while driving just to get a back rub. 25 There are twin 12.3-inch digital displays, and new connectivity functions, including the ability to stream YouTube, Netflix and Disney+. 23 The new Telluride can be had with two wireless charging pads, heated seats for all three rows, and a 14-speaker Meridian audio system. 10 The brand’s Highway Driving Assist 2 is an optional extra and is essentially an advanced adaptive cruise control that can also make lane changes for you in certain conditions.

One drawback reviewers noticed: 4The climate controls are split between a 5.5-inch display and a few physical controls on the dashboard. The small screen is blocked by the steering wheel, making it difficult to see and reach from the driver’s seat.

Pricing, Rivals and Who Should Buy This SUV

Let us talk money.

15 Pricing starts at $39,190 MSRP for the LX and ranges up to $56,790 MSRP for the X-Pro SX-Prestige. Add $1,545 for the destination fee across the board. 12 The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid starts at $48,035, including the destination fee.

That is about $2,800 more than the outgoing model at the base level. But 12the hybrid Telluride begins at a higher trim with more features, omitting the lower LX and S trims entirely. When compared trim to trim, there is a smaller $2,700 price gap between the EX trims on both versions.

How does it stack up against the competition?

27 Kia claims up to 35 mpg combined for its Telluride Hybrid, whereas the regular Grand Highlander Hybrid manages up to 36 mpg combined. However, the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max gets only 27 mpg, so the Telluride Hybrid offers the most competitive combination of power and efficiency. 27 Kia has a much better warranty. The 2027 Telluride will be covered by a five-year/60,000-mile limited vehicle warranty and a class-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. By comparison, Toyota’s limited warranty runs for just three years/60,000 miles and its powertrain warranty for five years/60,000 miles. 1 Sales have increased 108% since the Telluride’s first year, with Kia moving 123,281 of the things last year, and its market share has surged from 3.5% in 2019 to 8% in 2025. 1 Kia says its factory in Georgia is increasing production capacity by 50% for the new model.

That tells you everything about the confidence Kia has in this SUV.

The 2027 Kia Telluride is not a perfect vehicle. The brakes feel soft for something that now tips over 5,000 pounds in some trims. The bold front grille will divide opinions. And the base turbo-four does not wow anyone with straight-line speed. But when you step back and look at the full picture, it is hard to argue against this SUV. The hybrid powertrain alone saves you hundreds of dollars a year at the pump compared to the old V6. The cabin feels like it belongs in something twice the price. And for families who want a little dirt under their tires on weekends, the X-Pro is more than up to the task. If you are shopping for a three-row family SUV right now, the Telluride deserves a spot on your list. What do you think about the new design and the switch from V6 to a turbocharged four-cylinder? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.