2027 Kia Telluride SXP
By Lorenzo Bianchi November 11, 2025
Larger, more confident proportions emphasize design maturity.
X-Pro trim adds true off-road hardware and presence.
With well-considered new lighting and materials, the cabin offers sophisticated comfort.
A Confident Next Chapter
The 2027 Kia Telluride SXP doesn't aim to surpass its predecessor in terms of showmanship. Instead, it moves with quiet confidence — the kind that comes from knowing exactly what works. Since its debut, the Telluride has carried Kia’s flag high in the three-row SUV space, winning families and critics alike with its balance of sophistication and utility. Now, as it enters its second generation, it evolves rather than changes course — stronger in stance, calmer in tone, and unmistakably more premium.
Kia has stretched the dimensions slightly — 2.3 inches longer, nearly three inches added to the wheelbase, and an inch taller overall. The increase doesn’t shout for attention but lends the SUV a more grounded, deliberate presence. It’s the same boxy silhouette that made the Telluride an instant hit, only now drawn with more confidence in every line.
Design: Modern Toughness
At first glance, the Telluride SXP feels familiar, but the details reveal how far it’s come. The front end adopts a broader, prouder grille flanked by vertical LED headlamps in Kia’s sharp “Star Map” signature. The surfaces are flatter, the edges cleaner — a touch of restraint that makes the design look timeless rather than trendy.
Around the back, the lighting carries that same graphic precision, echoing the electric EV9’s crisp aesthetic. The stance is muscular but measured. It looks built for the long road — or no road at all.
For those who want a bit more grit, the X-Pro version answers with 18-inch all-terrain tires, functional recovery hooks, a raised ride height (9.1 inches of clearance), and blacked-out detailing. It’s not pretending to be an off-roader; it genuinely could be one.
Interior: Calm, Considered, and Clever
Inside, the Telluride has grown into its role as a flagship. The cabin’s new horizontal layout feels open and composed, with fewer distractions and more tactile materials — soft-touch surfaces, brushed metal accents, and lighting that seems to settle into the space rather than compete with it.
There’s a clear sense of purpose to everything: from the wider infotainment display to the neatly grouped off-road controls on the center console. Kia calls it a “tech sanctuary,” and for once, that phrase fits. Rear passengers get more room and flexibility, thanks to a redesigned second-row console and a configurable cargo layout.
Color options like Blackberry with Sand Beige or Deep Navy with Tuscan Umber add subtle luxury touches — evidence that Kia isn’t chasing premium; it’s already there.
Flagship With a Purpose
Positioned alongside the electric EV9, the Telluride SXP remains Kia’s statement piece in the gas-powered lineup. It’s the SUV for those who want refinement without fragility — just as capable of hauling the family across a city as it is exploring unpaved trails.
The 2027 Telluride will make its global debut at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show, arriving in showrooms the following year. Kia hasn’t rewritten the rulebook — it didn’t need to. It simply reminded everyone how good the Telluride already was.
Technical Specifications
Powertrain and Performance
- Engine: 3.8-liter V6, naturally aspirated
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (standard) / All-wheel drive (optional)
- Estimated Output: 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm / 262 lb-ft torque @ 5,200 rpm
- Towing Capacity: Up to 5,500 lbs (with available tow package)
Dimensions and Capacity
- Length: ~197 in [Inference: extended by ~2 in from current model]
- Width: ~79 in
- Height: ~70 in (varies by trim)
- Wheelbase: ~118 in
- Ground Clearance: Up to 9.1 in (X-Pro variant)
- Seating: 7 or 8 passengers depending on configuration
Chassis and Suspension
- Platform: Body-on-monocoque (carryover, strengthened for refinement)
- Suspension: Independent front and rear; tuned for improved ride isolation
- Brakes: Four-wheel disc with ABS and electronic stability control
- Wheels/Tires: 18-in A/T (X-Pro) or 20-in all-season (SXP)
Interior and Technology
- Displays: Wide dual-screen dashboard layout with updated infotainment system
- Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, multi-Bluetooth, USB-C ports front and rear
- Comfort: Heated and ventilated front seats; optional Nappa leather upholstery
- Climate: Tri-zone automatic climate control with rear passenger vents
- Audio: Harman Kardon premium sound system [Unverified: final supplier confirmation pending]
Driver Assistance and Safety
- System Suite: Kia Drive Wise 2.0 with expanded Highway Driving Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Remote Smart Parking Assist
- Cameras and Sensors: 360° Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Structure: High-strength steel with multi-load-path design for improved crash energy absorption
Off-Road-Focused X-Pro Features
- All-terrain tires, reinforced roof rails, and underbody protection
- Dedicated drive modes for Snow, Mud, and Sand
- Increased approach and departure angles for light-trail use
Production and Availability
- Production: West Point, Georgia, USA
- Global Debut: 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show
- Market Launch: Early 2026 (model year 2027)
















