What We Know So Far About the 2027 Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride has already become a bit of a legend with New Hampshire families. It’s the three-row SUV you see hauling kids to games in Laconia, loading up for a long weekend near Lake Winnipesaukee, or cruising down I-93 toward Manchester in quiet comfort. It’s also a serial award-winner, earning “Best 3-Row Midsize SUV for Families” from U.S. News & World Report year after year.¹

Now Kia is turning the page with the all-new 2027 Kia Telluride—and it’s shaping up to be bigger, bolder, and more premium than ever.

Kia has given the world an early preview ahead of the SUV’s official world debut at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show, with arrivals expected in showrooms in the first quarter of 2026.² That means this is the perfect moment for Tilton-area families to see what’s coming and decide whether to plan ahead for the next generation.

Important note: Details below are based on Kia’s official preview. Final specs, features, and pricing will be announced closer to launch.

Bigger, Bolder, Still Proudly Boxy

Kia didn’t throw out what people love about Telluride—they doubled down on it.

According to Kia, the 2027 Telluride is 2.3 inches longer overall, with a wheelbase stretched nearly three inches and about an inch more height than today’s model.² That extra size should translate into more space for passengers and gear, without losing the strong, confident stance that makes the Telluride stand out in the parking lot at the Tanger Outlets.

Design-wise, Kia describes the new Telluride as:

• “Bigger, bolder, and still proudly boxy,” with a squared-off profile that leans into its SUV identity
• Inspired by its namesake town in Colorado, with chiseled lines and a strong, planted look
• Guided by Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy—blending rugged strength with upscale refinement²

Some of the most noticeable exterior updates:

• A broad hood with clean, straight lines for a more powerful front end
• Vertical headlamps framing a high-gloss grille
• Flush door handles (like those on the EV6 and EV9) for a cleaner, more modern side profile
• Sculpted fenders and sharp creases that add a “carved from solid” feel²

It’s the kind of SUV that looks just as at-home rolling down Main Street in Tilton as it does parked at a trailhead.

A New Light Signature You’ll Spot from a Distance

One of the things that made the first Telluride easy to recognize was its tall, vertical taillights. Kia is taking that idea even further on the 2027 model.

Designers have extended that vertical light signature to the front, with twin LED strips framing the grille and sharp amber daytime running lights that tie into Kia’s “Star Map” lighting graphic.²

At the rear, the taillights keep the stacked, vertical look but with a more architectural feel—body-colored sections separating the light bars for extra definition. Overall, the new lighting is meant to:

• Look high-tech and modern
• Be instantly recognizable at night
• Keep that “unmistakably Telluride” character

Pulling into the lot at Market Basket at dusk, this is the SUV everyone will notice.

X-Pro: Built for Real Adventure, Not Just the Brochure

If your weekends involve muddy access roads, ski trips, or rougher driveways out toward Franklin or the backroads near Rollins State Park, the Telluride X-Pro is the trim to watch.

Kia has already confirmed that the X-Pro will be part of the lineup and is giving it some serious hardware:²

• Blacked-out exterior trim (wheel arches, mirrors, D-pillars, and more)
• Raised roof rails ready for bikes, kayaks, or a rooftop box
• All-terrain tires and up to 9.1 inches of ground clearance
• Front and rear recovery hooks, signaling real trail-focused intent

There’s also a Ground Lighting feature unique to X-Pro that casts soft light from the mirrors, beneath the rear doors, and from the rear bumper—handy when you’re unloading gear at a cabin or hooking up a small trailer in the dark.²

Picture ending a day at Highland Mountain Bike Park, rinsing off the bikes, and still being able to see what you’re doing when the sun dips behind the trees. That’s the kind of practical adventure detail Kia is leaning into.

Inside: A “Tech Sanctuary” for Real-World Family Use

Kia calls the new Telluride’s cabin a “tech sanctuary,” and the design backs that up.

Inside, the 2027 Telluride gets:²

• A wide, horizontal dashboard that visually stretches the cabin
• A wraparound design that gently enfolds the driver and front passenger
• Warm wood-like textures and real metal accents for an upscale feel
• Subtle ambient lighting under the center console for a calmer nighttime atmosphere

The extra length and height aren’t just for looks, either. Kia says the new proportions improve access to the second and third rows and add more headroom—up to about half an inch more in models with sunroofs.² That’s welcome news for taller teenagers or adults who regularly ride in the back.

Other clever interior touches:

• An available rear console that can transform into a small table—perfect for snacks or tablets on longer drives along NH Rte 11
• Mesh headrests in the first and second rows on certain trims, blending a modern look with comfort
• A reconfigurable cargo area with a folding luggage table (complete with ruler markings) and a removable partition—handy whether you’re loading hockey gear, DIY supplies, or a big Costco run²

Color-wise, Kia is going bold. Themes like Deep Navy with Tuscan Umber and an all-new Blackberry with Sand Beige give the interior a near-luxury vibe, while X-line models stick with more grounded, adventure-ready tones like deep khaki and saddle brown.²

What We Don’t Know Yet

Even with all these details, the 2027 Telluride is still in “preview” mode.

Here’s what Kia hasn’t fully released yet:

• Exact engine and powertrain lineup
• Official fuel economy and towing numbers
• Full trim breakdown, pricing, and option packages
• Detailed tech and safety feature lists for each trim

Industry outlets expect a hybrid powertrain to join the lineup and anticipate shared hardware with the latest Hyundai Palisade, but Kia has not confirmed powertrains yet.³ So for now, it’s best to treat those details as educated guesses—not promises.

What is confirmed:

• Official world debut: 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show (scheduled for November 20)² ³
• Arrival to U.S. showrooms: Expected Q1 2026² ³

That gives Lakes Region shoppers a clear timeline: if your current ride can’t wait another year, the 2025 Telluride is still an award-winning choice and a benchmark in its class.¹

How Nucar Kia of Tilton Can Help You Get Ready

From our spot at 40 Tilton Rd Lot A in Tilton, we’re perfectly positioned to help drivers from Franklin, Belmont, Gilford, and beyond get ready for the next generation of Telluride.

Here’s what we can do now—well before the 2027 model hits our showroom floor:

• Set up an interest list so you’re among the first to hear when order banks open
• Walk you through the differences between the current Telluride and what Kia has previewed for 2027
• Review your trade-in options so you know where you stand when it’s time to upgrade
• Help you explore financing and lease scenarios that line up with the expected Q1 2026 arrival²
• Explain how the Nucar 20/200 Protection Plan By Nucar works on eligible new vehicles, adding long-term peace of mind to your next SUV purchase

If you’re curious about the 2027 Kia Telluride, or you want to experience the current Telluride in person to see what all the buzz is about, our team is ready to help.

Stop by Nucar Kia of Tilton, give us a call, or contact us online to get the conversation started—
because everyone loves a Nucar!