Kia’s flagship three-row SUV underwent a significant update between the 2025 and 2027 model years, with the redesign ushering in its second generation of production. While the 2025 Telluride was already popular for its incredible value and practicality, the 2027 version builds upon that foundation, offering drivers a world-class driving experience and unmatched features.

With new engine options, refined features, and even more flexible interior space, the 2027 Telluride incorporates many key improvements over previous model years, which is certain to endear it to a new generation of drivers looking for a Kia dealer near Atascocita.

Available Powertrain Options

One distinction between the 2025 and 2027 model years is the engine options available for both. While the powertrains for both model years are powerful, reliable, and backed by Kia’s industry-leading powertrain warranty, the newer edition of the Telluride features advanced engine technology for more torque and improved fuel economy.

The 2025 Telluride offered a single engine option, the 3.8L naturally aspirated Lambda V6. It produced 291 hp and solid 262 lb-ft of torque, and with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered acceptable fuel economy along with plenty of power for a midsize SUV. 

The 2027 Telluride features upgraded engines that follow the modern trend away from large, naturally aspirated engines towards smaller, efficient turbocharged engines that produce comparable horsepower and torque. There’s also an all-new hybrid powertrain option that delivers increased power and improved fuel economy for commuting around Atascocita.

Both 2027 Telluride powertrains incorporate a 2.5L turbocharged I-4 engine. The standard gas-powered I-4 delivers 274 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The available hybrid powertrain generates an incredible 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque thanks to the addition of an electric motor. 

When it comes to fuel economy, the turbocharged powerplant and hybrid option compare favorably with the V6 engine of the previous-generation Telluride. The modernized engines of the 2027 model also offer cutting-edge technology that has proven robust and reliable in other similar vehicles. 

Interior Space and Comfort

Inside the cabin, there are some distinct advantages to the design of the new 2027 Telluride that demonstrate marked improvement over the original generation. The previous models of the Telluride were nice inside, with intentional design, comfortable accommodations, and intuitive controls. However, as is the case with other aspects of its design, the 2027 Telluride ups the ante on features, interior space, and comfort, offering more legroom, headroom, and cargo space.

A cabin redesign is apparent in the 2027 edition, and the changes make the driving experience more pleasant and intuitive. The interior of the 2027 model is cleaner than its predecessor, with intentional changes made to free up space for storage and amenities. For example, the gear shifter has migrated from the center console to the steering column for 2027, a move that frees up additional room in the center console for storage and wireless charging stations. 

Though first-generation Telluride models were renowned for their interior comfort, the seating has also been upgraded for 2027. Though the seating capacity in either year can accommodate eight adults in the standard configuration, the 2027 model offers a more luxurious seating experience and more seating options.

Whereas the 2025 Telluride offered top-shelf leather upholstery and heating and ventilation in upper trims, the 2027 offers even more opulent seating options, with available seating features like a heated third row and Kia’s high-end Relaxation Seats, which include leg rests and a massage function. 

The 2027 model once again compares favorably to the 2025 model regarding interior room, with additional volume that contributes to the newest Telluride’s greater passenger and cargo space. Though the change in dimensions may seem small, it adds up to more comfort for passengers, more cargo space, and easier access throughout the cabin.

For example, the 2027 Telluride offers an extra half-inch of headroom compared to the 2025 model, and there’s additional legroom in the second and third rows that dramatically increases comfort. The 2027 interior redesign also makes the rear seats and cargo area more user-friendly and easier to access, which creates a more refined experience for passengers. 

The rear cargo space is slightly larger in the 2027 Telluride, with 22.3 cu.ft. of volume compared to 21 cu.ft. of volume in the 2025 model. Both models feature folding seats in the rear rows, and stowing those seats creates 86.9 cu.ft. of cargo space in the 2027 model. 

Exterior Design and Dimensions

Another easy-to-notice point of difference between the 2025 and 2027 Telluride models is the change in exterior design and dimensions. There’s no mistaking the SUV aesthetic of both vehicles, as their raised profiles, squared silhouettes, and rugged styling are rooted in practicality and capability. However, there are key updates that distinguish the new 2027 model from its predecessors. 

The 2027 Telluride’s appearance embraces the unique, boxy look that helped make it popular among SUV enthusiasts in its earlier incarnations. The refreshed exterior design leans into that aesthetic, with an even more squared profile featuring sharper edges and dramatic angles. It also incorporates new flush door handles that set it apart from earlier generations, and there’s all-new vertical front and rear signature lighting that visually separates it from older Telluride models.

There are also differences between the two model years centered on the exterior dimensions. For example, the 2025 Telluride has a wheelbase of 114.2 inches, while the newest incarnation has a 116.9-inch wheelbase. While that difference may not seem great, the longer wheelbase offers a smoother ride on the highways and rougher driving surfaces around Atascocita, with the extra space between the wheels helping mitigate pitch and roll. The overall length of the 2027 Telluride is 2.3 inches longer than the previous model, and it’s also taller by an inch, both of which contribute to its aggressive styling and improved interior passenger and cargo space. 

Convenience and Infotainment Technology and Features

The 2027 Telluride offers a significant leap in safety, driver assistance, and infotainment technology compared to the 2025 edition. It’s not so much that the technology improved dramatically over the previous models, because the first-generation Telluride always offered bang for the buck when it came to tech amenities. However, a few key improvements have bolstered the Telluride’s value in relation to its convenience and infotainment technology. 

Both model years have a standard 12.3-inch color touchscreen, for example. However, in the 2027 model, the touchscreen is powered by Kia’s innovative new ccNC operating system, which offers integrated navigation and wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity across all trim levels.

Some earlier Telluride trims offered that compatibility, but full functionality was achieved through a wired connection instead of the 2027 model’s wireless access. The new curved combination digital instrument cluster blends seamlessly with the 2027 model’s touchscreen and includes built-in streaming apps for services such as Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube. The 2027 Telluride also adds dual wireless charging for convenience on the road. 

While the 2025 model offered an excellent standard six-speaker audio system that could be upgraded to a 10-speaker Harmon Kardon Premium Audio System, the 2027 Telluride once again raises the bar. The 2027 model has a standard eight-speaker audio system that outperforms the previous system, and the available 14-speaker Meridian system with a subwoofer offers peak performance and an immersive sound experience in upper trim levels. 

The 2027 model offers an additional front row center airbag that brings the airbag array to 10, one more than the 2025 model’s nine airbags. Also, even though both model years have a standard rear occupant alert, the 2027 Telluride incorporates precise, cutting-edge, in-cabin radar to better detect motion and indicate the presence of rear seat passengers.

Kia also strengthened the body and frame of the 2027 model, giving it more robust performance in crash tests. The 2025 Telluride earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the improvements in the 2027 model are sure to enhance that lofty standing.

The driver assistance technology has also taken a step forward with the 2027 model. The previous model included a robust suite of driver assistance features, including Highway Driving Assist, a Blind Spot View Monitor, Forward Collision Avoidance Assistance, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and driver attention alert.

While the 2027 keeps many of these features, it also enhances them. Highway Driving Assist 2 adds a semi-autonomous lane change feature not found in the 2025 version, and an enhanced Forward Collision Avoidance system uses improved detection to better recognize complex hazards at intersections.

Making a Great Midsize SUV Even Better

With the 2027 Telluride, Kia has extended its reputation for building high-quality, high-value SUVs with cutting-edge technology, advanced safety features, and dependable powertrains. The 2025 incarnation of the SUV was far from deficient, offering elite technology and excellent safety. But the 2027 model builds on the excellent traits of the 2025 model, adding updated tech, more efficient powertrain options, additional interior space, and a larger footprint.

While both model years represent the pinnacle of SUV design and engineering, the tweaks implemented in the 2027 model put it in an elite category of SUVs that can offer the best construction, opulent comfort, rugged reliability, and confidence-inspiring safety. We can't wait to show the new model to Atascocita drivers.