The 2027 Kia Telluride is all-new — new engine, new dimensions, new hybrid option — and split across nine gas trims and six hybrid trims.
That’s a lot to sort through if you just want to know what to buy.
Here’s what actually changed, what each trim gets you, and which one fits how you live.
In This Post
What’s New for 2027
The biggest change under the hood is the engine. Kia dropped the naturally aspirated V6 that powered the Telluride since day one and replaced it with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
On paper that sounds like a downgrade, but it isn’t — the new engine makes 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, which is nearly 50 lb-ft more twist than the outgoing V6.
That extra low-end pull matters more than peak horsepower for a family SUV that’s hauling kids, cargo, and the occasional trailer.
A few other highlights:
- A longer wheelbase — about 2.7 inches more than before — which translates directly into class-leading second-row legroom and easier third-row access.
- A new turbo-hybrid powertrain, offered for the first time on a Telluride, producing 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque with an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined on the front-wheel-drive EX.
- A genuinely off-road-capable X-Pro trim, now available on multiple trim levels, with 9.1 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, a locking differential, and a dedicated off-road camera view.
- Updated cabin tech, including a redesigned center console and, on higher trims, dual 12.3-inch displays with a 14-speaker Meridian sound system.
For anyone cross-shopping in the Omaha area, where a good chunk of the year involves ice, gravel roads out toward the exurbs, and the occasional whiteout on I-80, the extra torque and available all-wheel drive are worth paying attention to — more on that below.
2027 Kia Telluride Trim Levels
Here’s the full gas-powered lineup, along with what sets each trim apart:
| Trim | Drivetrain | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| LX | FWD | First-time 3-row buyers who want the essentials |
| S | FWD (AWD optional) | A nicer look and more comfort without going all-in |
| EX | FWD (AWD optional) | The sweet-spot family trim |
| X-Line EX | AWD standard | EX comfort with rugged styling |
| SX | FWD | Tech-focused buyers |
| X-Line SX | AWD standard | SX tech with tougher looks |
| X-Pro SX | AWD standard | Genuine light off-roading |
| SX Prestige | AWD standard | Near-luxury cabin |
| X-Line SX Prestige | AWD standard | Loaded cabin, rugged aesthetic |
| X-Pro SX Prestige | AWD standard | Flagship — luxury and capability |
The hybrid lineup skips the base LX and S trims entirely and starts at EX:
| Trim | Drivetrain |
|---|---|
| EX | FWD or AWD |
| SX | FWD |
| X-Line SX | AWD |
| SX Prestige | AWD |
| X-Line SX Prestige | AWD |
The hybrid’s combined fuel economy (an EPA-estimated 35 mpg on the EX FWD, with a total driving range around 637 miles) is the real story there. If you’re doing a lot of highway miles — say, regular trips out to Lincoln or up toward Sioux Falls — that range advantage adds up fast.
What You Actually Get at Each Level
Rather than listing every feature on every trim, here’s what changes as you move up:
- LX: 18-inch wheels, synthetic leather and cloth seating, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, dual wireless charging pads. Well-equipped for a base trim, but front-wheel drive only.
- S: Adds 20-inch wheels, a sunroof, a power liftgate, second-row captain’s chairs, and a heated, power-adjustable driver’s seat.
- EX: Switches back to a second-row bench (8-passenger seating), full synthetic leather, ventilated front seats, and one-touch tilt-and-slide second-row seats.
- SX: Dual sunroofs, ambient interior lighting, a surround-view camera, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and Highway Driving Assist 2 for hands-free freeway driving.
- X-Pro (SX and SX Prestige): All the SX/SX Prestige features plus the off-road hardware — E-LSD, terrain drive modes, all-terrain tires, and a standard tow hitch.
Which Trim Is Right for You?
If you want the best value and don’t need AWD: The EX is the trim most people should cross-shop closely. It’s the point where the interior stops feeling like a base commuter SUV and starts feeling like the Telluride people rave about.
If winters and gravel roads are part of your life: Look at the X-Line EX or X-Line SX. Both come with all-wheel drive standard, plus the more aggressive styling. For anyone driving out past the Omaha metro toward rural Nebraska or Iowa in January, standard AWD is worth prioritizing.
If you actually plan to leave pavement: The X-Pro trims are the only Tellurides with the ground clearance, locking differential, and terrain modes to make that worthwhile. Everything below X-Pro is AWD for traction in bad weather, not for trail use.
If fuel economy matters more than towing: The Telluride Hybrid EX is the pick. 35 mpg combined on a 3-row SUV is a genuinely different ownership experience than the roughly 22 mpg combined you’ll see on the gas-only models.
If you want the essentials without extra frills: Stick with the LX or S. You’ll give up some tech and standard AWD, but you’re still getting the new turbo engine’s extra torque and the redesigned interior room.
A Few Notes for Omaha-Area Shoppers
Nebraska’s mix of highway commuting, unpredictable winter weather, and the occasional gravel detour makes AWD a genuinely practical upgrade here, not just a box to check.
If you’re weighing FWD versus AWD on the S or EX trims, it’s generally worth it for anyone driving through icy conditions on a regular basis. It’s also worth noting the Telluride is assembled in the U.S., at Kia’s plant in West Point, Georgia — something a lot of local buyers ask about.
Local Kia dealerships in the Omaha metro carry the full trim spread, so it’s worth test-driving at least three trims back-to-back — an LX or S, an EX, and an X-Line or X-Pro — before deciding. The jump in ride quality and cabin feel between the base trims and the EX is noticeable in about five minutes behind the wheel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2027 Telluride bigger than the previous generation? Yes. The wheelbase grew by about 2.7 inches, which adds second-row legroom, improves third-row access, and increases cargo space behind the third row.
Does the 2027 Telluride still offer a V6? No. Every 2027 Telluride, gas or hybrid, uses a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The gas version makes 274 horsepower; the hybrid makes 329 horsepower.
Is all-wheel drive available on every trim? AWD is optional on the S and EX trims and comes standard on X-Line, SX Prestige, X-Pro, and all hybrid trims above the base EX.
What’s the difference between X-Line and X-Pro? X-Line is mostly cosmetic — tougher-looking exterior trim and wheels, with standard AWD, but no added ground clearance or off-road hardware. X-Pro is the real deal, with 9.1 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, an electronic locking differential, and dedicated terrain drive modes.
Is the Telluride Hybrid worth considering? If you drive a lot of highway miles, likely yes. The EX FWD hybrid is rated at an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined with roughly 637 miles of range, compared to about 22 mpg combined on the gas-only model.
How much can the 2027 Telluride tow? Gas models can tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. Hybrid models are rated for up to 4,500 lbs. X-Pro trims come with a standard tow hitch.
References
- Kia America, “Kia America Announces Pricing for the Upcoming All-New 2027 Kia Telluride,” kiamedia.com
- Kia America, “Kia America Announces Pricing for First-Ever 2027 Kia Telluride HEV,” kiamedia.com
- U.S. News & World Report, “2027 Kia Telluride Review, Pricing, & Pictures,” cars.usnews.com
- Edmunds, “2027 Kia Telluride Pricing: Here’s How Much the Gas and Hybrid Trims Cost,” edmunds.com
- Kelley Blue Book, “2027 Kia Telluride Starts Over $40,000,” kbb.com
- Kelley Blue Book, “Kia Releases Pricing for All-New 2027 Telluride Hybrid,” kbb.com
- Kia.com, “Compare Specs of the 2027 Kia Telluride,” kia.com
