Quick Highlights:
- Kia’s next Telluride breaks cover on November 20 at the L.A. Auto Show.
- Design’s gone sharper and boxier, more upright than before.
- First time we’ll likely see a hybrid under the hood.
- No 2026 model — the new one lands in showrooms early next year.
So Kia will skip the 2026 Telluride altogether as it preps the next big thing — the second-generation 2027 Kia Telluride, set to debut this November. The move gives Kia room to reset and refine one of its most celebrated models, and from the first teasers, it’s clear the brand isn’t playing it safe.
The Telluride has long been the family SUV that punched well above its price tag, but now it’s about to get a whole lot bolder. While the automaker isn’t ready to show everything just yet, the early images hint at a design that’s more evolution than revolution — yet carries an unmistakably tougher attitude.
The teasers show a silhouette that’s boxier and more upright, with Kia calling it “square-shouldered” and “upright.” From the top-down angle, sharper edges frame what appear to be dual sunroofs and integrated roof rails, likely previewing a rugged X-Pro trim. The Telluride has always balanced refinement and resilience, but this next generation looks ready to push both further than ever.
Boxier, Brighter, and Built for Attention
In front, the vertical amber running lights return, a hallmark of the current Telluride, but now reimagined with a bolder, triple-stack LED pattern that gives it even more road presence. Kia’s design team says the new creases in the hood and fenders draw inspiration from the Rocky Mountains, a fitting reference for a model named after a Colorado town.
A “floating roof” treatment, achieved through a blacked-out D-pillar and distinctive body line above the doors, further modernizes the SUV’s profile. And the large rear glass section hints that Kia is serious about making all three rows feel airier and more connected to the outside world.
While Kia hasn’t yet confirmed exact dimensions, expect it to stay close to today’s footprint — about 197 inches long and 78 inches wide — but the fresh geometry should make it look more commanding on the road.
Powertrain Expectations: Hybrid’s the Word
Under the hood, the 3.8-liter V6 that’s powered the Telluride since launch will likely remain, but this time it’s expected to be joined by a hybrid option. Given that the redesigned Hyundai Palisade—its corporate cousin—just gained a 329-hp hybrid setup, it’s only natural for the Telluride to follow suit. That would make it Kia’s most powerful and efficient three-row SUV yet.
This will also mark the first hybrid Telluride, a big step for a model that’s been as much about smooth V6 power as it is about family-hauling comfort. Expect more details on specs, trims, and fuel economy when the wraps come off at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 20.
Why Kia Skipped the 2026 Model Year
Kia confirmed it’s skipping the 2026 Telluride altogether to clear the decks for this full redesign. “As the current 2025 Telluride sells down on schedule, we are preparing the all-new 2027 to debut in dealer showrooms in 2026,” said Kia spokesperson James Bell.
Skipping a year isn’t unheard of — Acura’s MDX and Jeep’s Cherokee have done it before — but it’s rare for a vehicle this popular. Since its debut in 2020, the Telluride has become one of Kia’s biggest success stories, earning multiple 10Best awards and Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy honors six years running.
So, when will the 2027 Kia Telluride be available? Kia says the redesigned SUV will reach dealerships in early 2026, following its global debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2025.
The Bottom Line
If the current Telluride was Kia’s breakout album, then the 2027 model looks like the remastered version — louder, sharper, and more confident in its sound. The new design gives it the kind of presence usually reserved for far pricier SUVs, yet it doesn’t abandon the everyday sensibility that made the nameplate a hit in the first place.
Sharper lines, a likely hybrid option, and a tougher stance signal that Kia isn’t just keeping pace with the competition — it’s fine-tuning what already worked. From what we’ve seen so far, the 2027 Telluride isn’t trying to reinvent the family SUV. It’s just reminding everyone why it became the benchmark in the first place.
We’ll get the full story on November 20 in Los Angeles, but one thing’s already clear: the Telluride’s still playing in its own league — and it’s turning up the volume.
Source: Kia
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