The King of the Family Car Gets a Promotion
The 2027 Kia Telluride has officially arrived, and it’s not just participating in the SUV segment—it’s aiming to own it all over again. Since its debut, the Telluride has been the “it” car for families who want Range Rover vibes on a Kia budget. For the second generation, Kia took that winning formula and added a growth spurt, a tech glow-up, and the one thing fans have been begging for: a Hybrid heart.
We took the all-new flagship from the chic streets of Century City through a 125-mile trek to the rugged trails of Acton to see if this sequel lives up to the hype.
A Longer Stance and a Smarter Cabin
First impressions? The 2027 Kia Telluride has been hitting the gym. It’s 2.3 inches longer with a 2.7-inch wheelbase stretch, giving it a commanding presence that feels regal rather than bulky. The rear design is cleaner and more sophisticated, shedding unnecessary clutter for a “quiet luxury” aesthetic.
Inside, the stretch pays off. The second-row legroom is cavernous, and the third row—usually a “kids-only” zone—now comfortably accommodates actual adults. The cockpit features a stunning 12.3-inch panoramic curved display. While the steering wheel occasionally peeks into your view of the climate controls, the trade-off is a massive upgrade in utility. By moving the gear shifter to the steering column, Kia freed up enough center console space to fit dual wireless chargers and enough snacks to survive a cross-country road trip.
Power Play: Turbo vs. Hybrid
The biggest talking point lies under the hood. The old V6 is gone, replaced by a punchy 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. While traditionalists might miss the cylinder count, the 311 lb-ft of torque offers a more immediate “get up and go” during highway merges.
However, the real star is the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid. Delivering a combined 329 horsepower and an impressive 35 mpg, the transition between electric and gas is butter-smooth. It’s whisper-quiet in the city and surprisingly agile on the curves. For those who prefer dirt over asphalt, the X-Pro trim proved its mettle on mountain trails, handling steep inclines and loose gravel with a poise that suggests this family hauler isn’t afraid to get its boots dirty.
The Verdict
With a starting price of $39,190 for the Turbo LX and $46,490 for the Hybrid EX, the Telluride continues to offer premium features—like the 14-speaker Meridian sound system and massaging seats—that put luxury brands on notice. It’s bigger, smarter, and more efficient. In short? The king isn’t dead; it just got a much faster, hybrid-powered horse.
BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]
