America's favorite three-row gets its sequel
The first Telluride did something Kia products rarely managed before it: people paid sticker for it, for years. So the second generation matters. Kia skipped the 2026 model year entirely — the first-gen bowed out with 2025 — and the redesigned 2027 Telluride reached dealers in March 2026, wearing boxier, more upright bodywork and about three extra inches of length that land where families feel them: the third row and the cargo hold.
Pricing now runs from $40,735 for the LX to $58,335 for the X-Pro SX-Prestige including destination. That's a real climb from the outgoing car's roughly $37,800 start — the Telluride is no longer the segment's bargain, just its benchmark.
The V6 is gone; a hybrid finally arrives
The old 291-hp 3.8-liter V6 is retired. Every gas 2027 Telluride uses a 2.5-liter turbo four making 274 hp and 311 lb-ft, and for the first time there's a Telluride Hybrid: 329 hp from a turbocharged 2.5 hybrid system, targeting combined economy in the low 30s (final EPA numbers were still pending at this writing). Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive optional, and the off-road-flavored X-Pro remains turbo-gas only — no hybrid allowed on that trim.
The hybrid's catch is the invoice: roughly a $7,300 premium over the equivalent gas trim, starting at $48,035. High-mileage households will claw it back; occasional drivers should do the math honestly.
The honest assessment
Inside, the formula that made the original a hit is intact and upgraded — a 12.3-inch touchscreen and dual wireless chargers are standard, the cabin materials read a class above the price, and Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty still leads the segment. Against the Grand Highlander and the new Palisade, the Telluride's case remains equipment and atmosphere per dollar.
Two cautions. First, this is an all-new generation with an unproven powertrain pair — year-one buyers carry year-one risk. Second, if you're shopping the used 2020–2024 first gen: check the seat-motor fire recall covering 462,869 vehicles (a park-outside recall with seven reported fires) and the earlier driveshaft rollaway recall. Both are free fixes; confirm they're done before money changes hands.
The questions buyers actually ask
Telluride or Palisade? Twins under the skin philosophically, and both redesigned. The Hyundai's hybrid is cheaper to enter; the Kia counters on styling and trim value. Drive both — the differences are mostly character.
Is the turbo four a downgrade from the V6? Torque is up and it's stronger in daily driving. What you lose is V6 smoothness at full throttle; what you gain, especially in the hybrid, is 10+ mpg.
Should I hunt a discounted 2025 instead? A clean first-gen at a real discount is still a fine family car — just verify the recalls and accept the older cabin tech.
- Redesigned 2027 on sale now, $40,735–$58,335; there was no 2026 model year
- 274-hp turbo four replaces the V6; first-ever hybrid makes 329 hp at a ~$7,300 premium
- Roomier third row and cargo; 12.3-inch screen and dual wireless chargers standard
- X-Pro stays gas-only; hybrid targets low-30s mpg combined (EPA pending)
- Used 2020–2024: verify the 462,869-car seat-motor fire recall is completed
Key takeaways
- Redesigned 2027 on sale now, $40,735–$58,335; there was no 2026 model year
- 274-hp turbo four replaces the V6; first-ever hybrid makes 329 hp at a ~$7,300 premium
- Roomier third row and cargo; 12.3-inch screen and dual wireless chargers standard
- X-Pro stays gas-only; hybrid targets low-30s mpg combined (EPA pending)
- Used 2020–2024: verify the 462,869-car seat-motor fire recall is completed
Sources & further reading
- Kia America 2027 pricing announcements
- NHTSA recall records
- New York Auto Show reveal coverage and US buff-book first drives, 2026
Figures, prices and policy details were current at the last-updated date above. Automotive pricing, incentives and regulations change frequently — verify time-sensitive details with the linked primary sources. Read our editorial policy and fact-checking standards.
