Kia unveils redesigned Telluride for 2027

2027 Kia Telluride
Photo: Kia USA

Kia has revealed the first details of the redesigned 2027 Telluride, offering an early look at the second generation of its popular midsize SUV. The new model will make its world debut later this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show, with market arrival expected in the first quarter of 2026.

2027 Kia Telluride
Photo: Kia USA

Related: First Impressions: 2025 Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid SX AWD

Since its debut in the USA back in 2019, the Telluride has been one of Kia’s most successful models, recognized for its mix of comfort, practicality, and rugged appeal. For the second-generation model, Kia focused on evolution rather than reinvention by retaining the signature boxy design while enhancing size, sophistication, and presence.

2027 Kia Telluride
Photo: Kia USA

The 2027 Telluride grows 58mm longer overall, with a wheelbase increase of nearly three inches and a one-inch height gain. The design follows Kia’s Opposites United philosophy, which combines strength and elegance through sharp angles, smooth curves, and balanced proportions.

2027 Kia Telluride
Photo: Kia USA

“It was about capturing strength and luxury, tradition and modernness, into a single expression,” said Tom Kearns, VP and Senior Chief Designer at Kia Design Center America.

Kia says that the updated Telluride draws inspiration from the rugged landscapes of Colorado, blending durability with a refined, modern look. The front features a broad hood, vertical headlamps, and a clean, high-gloss grille for a stronger, more assertive stance. The sides highlight upward-flowing lines and sculpted fenders, while flush door handles, also seen on the EV6 and EV9, contribute to a cleaner appearance.

At the rear, a rising beltline and sculpted bumper enhance the SUV’s planted profile.

2027 Kia Telluride
Photo: Kia USA

The Telluride X-Pro variant emphasizes a more adventurous character with blacked-out trim, roof rails, and a mesh-type grille. It also features all-terrain tires, 231mm of ground clearance, and standard front and rear recovery hooks for light off-road use.

The new signature lighting setup reinforces the Telluride’s recognizable vertical light appearance. Twin LED strips now frame the grille, incorporating Kia’s “Star Map” lighting graphic. At the rear, twin light bars are separated by body-colored panels for a clean, geometric finish.

2027 Kia Telluride
Photo: Kia USA

Exclusive to the X-Pro is a Ground Lighting feature, which projects soft light from the mirrors, doors, and rear bumper to illuminate the vehicle’s surroundings. Puddle lamps project “Telluride” lettering beneath the front doors.

Inside, the Telluride adopts a wider, more horizontal layout designed to feel open yet secure. Materials combine wood-like textures, genuine metal accents, and soft ambient lighting. Increased dimensions provide easier access to the second and third rows, as well as slightly more headroom.

2027 Kia Telluride
Photo: Kia USA

The cabin’s design theme, called Grandioso, uses rich colors and premium finishes. Options include Deep Navy with Tuscan Umber, Blackberry with Sand Beige, and rugged black or khaki tones for the X-Pro models.

2027 Kia Telluride
Photo: Kia USA

New exterior colors, including Black Jade Green and Terrain Brown, are available in both glossy and matte finishes, complementing ten different shades.

The 2027 Kia Telluride will continue to serve as the brand’s flagship SUV, blending modern design, improved utility, and refined craftsmanship while maintaining the strengths that made the original a standout in its class.

That being said, with the Hyundai Palisade available in the Philippines, would it make sense for Kia to finally bring in the Telluride locally?

Written by
Carlos Miguel Divino

Carlos Miguel Divino

Senior Writer

Carlos has lived and breathed cars his entire life. His abundant wealth of knowledge, extensive seat time on the world's best driving roads, and unsatiable curiosity for anything with wheels all mesh together to produce works of passion. IG: @cmdrives.ph Email: [email protected]

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