2027 Kia Telluride Revealed
It’s an all-new generation of Kia’s biggest SUV, but the Hyundai Palisade twin is not bound for AustraliaThe News
The second-generation Kia Telluride has been revealed ahead of its public debut at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show. Toyota aimed for evolution rather than revolution, yet despite sharing underpinnings with the Hyundai Palisade, the Telluride remains off the cards for Australian showrooms.
The Key Details
- Second generation of Kia’s large SUV
- Bigger body available in seven- or eight-seat specification
- Unconfirmed engine but likely will be petrol and hybrid power
The Finer Details
Kia has unveiled the second-generation Telluride large SUV as its Hyundai Palisade sibling arrives locally.
However, despite their similarities, the Telluride’s US-only production limits it to left-hand drive, ruling out an Australian release.
The “proudly boxy” new Telluride is now Kia’s largest vehicle, edging out the EV9 at 5059mm long, 1990mm wide, and 1776mm high, with a 2977mm wheelbase.
This latest generation grows by 59mm in length, 25mm in height, and 76mm in wheelbase to deliver more cabin space.
Unlike the Tasman ute, Kia deliberately played it safe with the new Telluride’s styling.
“It was a matter of being tailored and restrained – dare I say, anti-design,” Kia’s senior chief designer in America Tom Kearns said.
Vertical head lamps flank a large grille, while the rear is strongly reminiscent of the latest L460-generation Range Rover.
Flush door handles also appear for the first time for greater aerodynamic efficiency.
The X-Pro features blacked-out wheel arches, mirrors, side skirts, and D-pillars as well as a unique grille, all-terrain tyres, and 231mm of ground clearance.
Kia’s interior design emphasises a horizontal layout with twin widescreen displays for driver and infotainment functions. Second- and third-row access has been refined, with 2-2-3 or 2-3-3 seating arrangements available.
The Road Ahead
Kia has yet to reveal any mechanical specifications for the new-generation Telluride.
The existing six-cylinder 3.8-litre petrol engine, producing 217kW/355Nm with front- or all-wheel drive, is expected to be joined by a new petrol-hybrid powertrain.
If it mirrors that offered in the Hyundai Palisade, it teams a turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol engine with a pair of electric motors to produce 245kW/460Nm and is claimed to consume 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
The Telluride’s left-hand-drive-only production confines it to the US, while Australian Palisades are sourced from South Korea.
For buyers seeking extra space locally, Kia offers the electric EV9 or the Carnival people mover.
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