South Korean automaker Kia Motors is significantly redesigning one of its best-selling SUVs.
Why are small SUVs becoming popular? We spoke to a Kia planner.
We spoke to Derrick Ty, senior product planner at Kia America, about the popularity of small SUVs.
- Kia Telluride was a huge sales success for the Korean company.
- The next-generation Telluride features new powertrain options and a complete redesign.
Introducing the new Kia Telluride midsize SUV.
Kia Telluride is known for its strong value proposition in the midsize SUV segment. It’s reasonably priced and packed with standard features that offer great value for money.
According to automotive magazine Motor1, Kia Motors is scheduled to unveil the 2027 Kia Telluride at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 20th. What should drivers expect from the latest version of the popular SUV?
Expect a complete redesign of the 2027 Kia Telluride
South Korean automaker Kia Motors (Hyundai Motor Group) will completely redesign its Telluride nameplate for the 2027 model year. This means a brand new look as the second generation of the nameplate.
The Telluride debuted as a 2020 model. Although minor changes have been made, the first model change for the midsize SUV will be for the 2027 model year.
A completely different exterior design compared to the previous generation is just one of the Telluride’s many changes. The interior will also likely benefit from a redesign, incorporating more modern standard equipment and cabin materials. According to Motor1, the 2027 Kia Telluride will also have more powertrain options, including a hybrid option.
Why the 2027 Kia Telluride is a game changer
According to sales reports, Kia Motors has sold a whopping 92,498 Telluride models so far in 2025. This is an increase from 81,754 units in September 2024. So far, the Telluride nameplate has outperformed Kia’s Carnival, EV6, EV9, Soul, and Sorento, making it arguably one of the brand’s best-selling models.
Hyundai recently debuted the new 2026 Hyundai Palisade, a midsize SUV with a bold new exterior design. It boasts a range of up to 619 miles (as a hybrid). If Kia Motors follows in the footsteps of parent company Hyundai, the hybrid Telluride could make a big splash in the industry. Both three-row midsize SUVs offer great value for drivers who regularly transport large groups.
The redesigned Kia Telluride could be a huge success for the company as it is already generating huge sales for the brand. This could be one of the most exciting announcements at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show in late November.
Should you buy a Kia Telluride midsize SUV?
Pricing for the 2025 Kia Telluride starts at $36,390 for the LX base model. Kia offers the Telluride in 10 different trims, so drivers have plenty of options. Whether you’re looking for advanced technology or off-road capability, there’s a Telluride trim for you.
Kia’s midsize SUV is powered by a standard 3.8-liter V6 that produces a respectable 291 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque for its size. It gets 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway.
The 2025 Telluride includes great standard features like a huge 12.3-inch touchscreen display, blind spot detection, and SynTex seat trim. Also standard is navigation-based smart cruise control, smart key with push-button start, and rear parking sensors.
Kelley Blue Book calls the 2025 Kia Telluride “very well built” and praises its “abundance of advanced technology.” That said, if you want to buy a brand new Kia Telluride, the redesign is worth waiting for. The redesigned model is likely to have several mechanical and functional improvements that will make it even more competitive in the midsize SUV segment.
