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We spoke to Derrick Ty, senior product planner at Kia America, about the popularity of small SUVs.
- Kia just unveiled the 2027 Telluride at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
- Kia’s new midsize family SUV features some significant improvements over its predecessor.
Kia’s best-selling midsize SUV is getting a major makeover.
According to sales reports, Kia Motors sold 115,504 Telluride models in 2024. The South Korean automaker has sold 101,069 Telluride models in 2025 so far, which could surpass sales in 2024.
Kia’s family SUV has already garnered a lot of attention from consumers and will soon receive a major upgrade. The LA Auto Show gives drivers and enthusiasts a taste of what to expect from one of Kia’s most popular nameplates.
2027 Kia Telluride is even bigger (and potentially better)
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to cars, but it can offer more cabin space and legroom, making it a great family SUV. Kia’s 2027 Telluride is longer and taller than the previous generation.
The 2025 Telluride is 196.9 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 70.5 inches tall. Kia’s upcoming 2027 Telluride has a length of 199.2 inches. The wheelbase is also 2.7 inches longer, giving passengers more legroom in the second and third rows than in previous models.
In addition to more legroom in the back row, the next Telluride will also offer more cargo space. Cargo space is 22.3 cubic feet (46.3 cubic feet with the third row lowered). The Telluride’s improvements go beyond expanding passenger and cargo space.
Kia’s next Telluride will have new powertrain options
The 2027 Kia Telluride has two powertrain options, both of which are more powerful than the previous standard gasoline engine. Kia’s new standard Telluride engine is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It produces 49 pound-feet more torque than the previous model.
Kia’s new hybrid Telluride powertrain (first on the nameplate) uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor to produce 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The addition of an electric motor makes this hybrid the most powerful and most efficient Telluride ever.
Other popular Kia SUV nameplates like the Sportage and Sorento also have hybrid powertrain options. The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid will be more expensive than the gas version, but it will deliver better performance specs and will likely come with some additional standard features to make up for the higher price.
2027 Kia Telluride has a redesigned exterior
What’s a redesign without a new design language?The Telluride’s redesign is more than cosmetic, but many drivers will also appreciate updates to the family SUV’s exterior.
One of the biggest changes to the Telluride’s exterior (aside from dimensions) is the new front fascia. Compared to the previous generation’s quirky design, the hood is wider and has a sharper, more authoritative style. This Telluride seems to mean business.
Is the 2027 Kia Telluride worth the wait?
If you’re interested in the next-gen Telluride, it’s certainly worth the wait, as it has improvements across the board. Exterior design appeal is subjective, but the 2027 Telluride offers more power, efficiency, legroom and cargo space than the current model. If you don’t want to pay the high price but still want to experience and enjoy Telluride ownership, it’s worth considering a used model that has dropped in value.

