Kia has unveiled its highly anticipated second-generation Telluride SUV, marking a significant evolution in the brand’s flagship three-row vehicle design. The 2027 model maintains the bold, boxy aesthetic that made its predecessor a standout success while introducing sophisticated refinements and enhanced capabilities. This preview comes ahead of the official world debut scheduled for the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month, where complete specifications will be revealed.
Telluride grows bigger while preserving its signature boxy design
The proportions of this updated Telluride have increased remarkably in all ways, as they have grown by 2.3 inches in every manner, including an increased wheelbase of close to three inches, as well as an increased height of one inch. This makes for increased room inside, as well as increased accessibility to all second- and third-row seating positions of this SUV model.
The design philosophy for the exterior is based on Kia’s Opposites United philosophy, which combines rugged credentials with sophisticated lines by using contrast as an element of design. Sharp lines contrast with rounded lines, along with vertical LED lights associated with a high-gloss grille in an amber finish, projecting a guiding lamp kind of look from the signature lights of this automobile brand.
X-Pro variant validates a black, more archetypal personality
The Telluride X-Pro trim comes with blacked-out wheel arches, side mirrors, belt line trim, as well as D-pillars, which give this model an adventurous look. The standard features of this trim include all-terrain tires, a ground clearance of 9.1 inches, and front/rear recovery hooks for increased off-road capabilities. This model is designed for people who enjoy the outdoors.
Interior turns into a tech sanctuary with quality materials
Within this newer Telluride, they have incorporated what they refer to as a “boundless sanctuary” blend of urban environments with nature itself, realized in fluid surfaces as well as natural textures. The cabin itself has a horizontal dimension of immense scaled proportions, accompanied by a radical wraparound, offering a reassuring enclosed ambiance, in addition to real metallic accents capable of suggesting precision as well as width in relation to this interior environment.
The Color, Materials & Finish narrative is an exploration of what is known as “Grandioso” – a state of being characterized by magnificent yet restrained elegance, as exemplified in luxury interior design trends. New colors such as Deep Navy with Tuscan Umber exemplify stark contrasts, as well as a completely fresh Blackberry purple alongside Sand Beige, which express refined contrasts. In X lines, this range is further tempered by an all-black, dark khaki, or saddle brown palette.
“The twin LED strips that flank the grille, accentuating the Telluride’s features, house Kia’s Star Map lighting graphic, as designed by Kia’s Chief Designer for Kia Design Center America, Kurt Kahl.”
World premiere to be staged at the Los Angeles Auto Show
The full lineup of Telluride vehicles for model year 2027 will officially premiere for the first time in the world at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 20, where Kia will announce full details of features, trims, and pricing for the vehicles. The second-generation Telluride SUV is set to be available in dealerships during the first quarter of 2026. These powertrains would provide customers with choices between traditional and electrified propulsion systems.
The latest Telluride is Kia’s dedication to maintaining what brought success to the original, including its design DNA, but also to further enhancing those qualities. It’s clear that when having a sequel, they don’t always have to fall in line after what came before, but they themselves can be even better, securing Telluride’s spot as Kia’s gas-powered flagship SUV for the latest generation of drivers to enjoy.