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Kia has unveiled the next generation of its flagship SUV, the 2027 Kia Telluride, signaling a bold new chapter in the brand’s design and ambition. Building on the success of the original, the second-generation Telluride redefines what a gas-powered family SUV can be — combining luxury, capability, and progressive design. The all-new model will make its global debut at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show and reach showrooms in early 2026.
Evolution, Not Reinvention
Since its debut six years ago, the Telluride has become one of Kia’s most acclaimed models, celebrated for its balance of sophistication and adventure-ready performance. For 2027, Kia focused on evolution rather than reinvention, refining the design while preserving the essence that made the original a standout.
The new Telluride is 2.3 inches longer, with a wheelbase extended by nearly three inches and a taller stance for a more confident look. Guided by Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy, the SUV blends strength with elegance and modernity with timeless appeal — a natural progression for Kia’s flagship SUV.
Opposites United: Design Through Contrast
Kia’s global Opposites United philosophy, introduced in 2021, remains at the heart of the Telluride’s design. Contrasting shapes, materials, and proportions come together to balance refinement and ruggedness.
"With Telluride, it was about capturing strength and luxury, tradition and modernness in one expression," said Tom Kearns, VP and Senior Chief Designer at Kia Design Center America.
Exterior: Inspired by Adventure Inspired by the rugged landscapes of Telluride, Colorado, the SUV’s design projects strength and confidence. The bold front fascia features a high-gloss grille flanked by vertical headlamps and precision LED lighting, giving it a futuristic edge.
Clean contours and diamond-like fender creases express power and precision, while flush door handles, floating wheel cladding, and a tapered roofline add sophistication. At the rear, broad fenders and a sculpted bumper emphasize a planted, trail-ready stance.
X-Pro Trim: Form Meets Function
The Telluride X-Pro introduces a darker, more capable aesthetic. Blacked-out trim, raised roof rails, 9.1 inches of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires underscore its adventurous nature. With front and rear recovery hooks and a tactical mesh grille, the X-Pro is engineered to go beyond the pavement with confidence.
Lighting Innovation
Lighting defines the 2027 Telluride’s character. Twin vertical LED light bars now frame the grille, echoing the rear’s signature design and showcasing Kia’s Star Map lighting graphic.
"The new lighting acts like a beacon — geometric, modern, and unmistakably Telluride," said Kurt Kahl, Chief Designer at Kia Design Center America.
Exclusive to the X-Pro is Ground Lighting, illuminating the area around the SUV from the mirrors, doors, and rear bumper for improved visibility in dark environments. Subtle puddle lamps projecting “Telluride” on the ground complete the upscale presentation.
Interior: A Modern Sanctuary
Inside, the new Telluride merges luxury and practicality. A wide, horizontal dash and wraparound design create an inviting atmosphere, enhanced by wood-like textures, metallic accents, and ambient lighting.
Increased dimensions provide better access to the second and third rows and more headroom throughout. Functional touches include a reconfigurable cargo area, folding luggage table with ruler markings, and a removable partition, balancing versatility with premium design.
The interior’s Grandioso theme introduces rich colorways such as Deep Navy with Tuscan Umber and Blackberry with Sand Beige, while X-series versions favor khaki, black, and saddle brown tones for a rugged yet refined look.
Expanded Color Palette
New exterior colors, including Black Jade Green and Terrain Brown (offered in matte and gloss finishes), join a palette of ten hues that mirror the Telluride’s dual nature — urban sophistication and outdoor capability.
The Next Chapter for Kia
As Kia’s leading gas-powered SUV, the second-generation Telluride represents a confident step forward — an evolution in design, craftsmanship, and capability. With its advanced lighting, refined materials, and rugged performance, the 2027 Telluride reinforces Kia’s commitment to elevating the SUV experience.
The all-new Telluride will debut at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show, with sales beginning in the first quarter of 2026.
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COMMENTS
- I love how Kia is slowly transitioning to a modern industrial futurism style with all of this geometric design language.- I hope Kia truly deliver on the promise of luxury by offering bench seats in higher trims.
- Those of us who have kids want regular door handles. How well are those going to work when my car's covered in ice, or when it's 15 below zero?
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