Trims and Powertrain

The full 2027 Telluride lineup wasn’t known at the time of this writing, but Kia did confirm that it will once again include the X-Pro. It’s the most capable edition, featuring 9.1 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, blacked-out exterior elements, raised roof rails, and recovery hooks.

The powertrain details are still under wraps as well, but we expect a V6 to be under the hood. The unanswered question is whether the engine is a carryover from 2025 or a new powerplant that Kia’s parent company has used on other products. Buyers will have a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which is likely to coordinate with specific trims.

Lighting

The next-generation Telluride will put a greater emphasis on lighting as a design tool. Vertical LED elements will anchor the front and rear, lending the vehicle a high-tech signature. Kia’s “Star Map” pattern appears on the front light strips, while the tail lamps will feature separate vertical bars for a cleaner, more architectural look. Kia reports that the X-Pro trim will gain additional functional lighting, including ground lighting to illuminate the area around the doors and rear bumper. Opening the tailgate will activate extra illumination to support low-light tasks.

Cabin Design

The interior will host a wider and more horizontal cabin layout with a wraparound dashboard and seats for seven or eight passengers. Kia’s designers took this approach to create a more continuous space from front to back. Wood-tone trim and genuine metal accents will add an upscale touch. On the practical side, the rear passenger console was designed be converted into a small table when needed. The cargo area will be more configurable than before, with a folding luggage table that incorporates ruler markings and a removable partition to help manage gear. Increased exterior dimensions will provide easier access to the back rows, while trims with sunroofs will offer more headroom.

Technology

We’ll have to wait a bit to learn what technology improvements Kia has planned for the 2027 Telluride. For now, buyers can expect a standard suite of advanced driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims will have upgraded systems, such as blind-spot view and surround-view monitors. Infotainment will happen via a high-resolution touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth. Kia will also offer a host of connected services, including Wi-Fi hotspot access, navigation, emergency support, and remote functions.