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Kia's momentum and the Telluride's role
Kia America is enjoying an exceptional sales run, and the Telluride remains a central reason why. While some Asian rivals slipped in U.S. deliveries during August 2025, Kia posted a record-breaking month with roughly 83,000 deliveries and a year-to-date total near 570,641 units — up about 8.6% year-over-year. That momentum comes from both fresh models and enduring favorites: the refreshed K4 and K5 sedans, the Sorento and Sportage SUVs, the Carnival MPV, and notably the Telluride three-row crossover SUV.
The current Telluride, introduced in 2019 and lightly refreshed for 2023, continues to sell strongly. Through the first eight months of the year the Telluride climbed around 19% to roughly 84,000 units versus about 73,000 in the same period a year earlier — an impressive feat considering Hyundai’s Palisade has already moved to a second generation with updated styling and hybrid options.
CGI preview: how the second-generation 2027 Telluride might look
While Kia appears content to keep selling the current Telluride into the near future, spy photos show a true second-generation model in the pipeline for the 2027 model year. Digital artist Dimas Ramadhan of the Digimods DESIGN YouTube channel has released a high-quality CGI interpretation based on prototype cues. The unofficial render imagines a Telluride that leans into a rugged, modern aesthetic while preserving Kia’s family design language.
Notable visual cues in the Digimods DESIGN interpretation include an aggressively stretched tiger-nose grille spanning the full-width front fascia, slimmer vertical LED headlamp elements, a boxier three-row profile that could remain similar in footprint (with the potential to grow, as the Palisade did), and a reworked LED taillight assembly. The CGI version emphasizes muscular wheel arches, protective cladding for a more adventurous look, and a refined, premium surface treatment that keeps the Telluride distinctive from its Hyundai Palisade cousin.
Exterior design highlights
- Signature extended tiger-nose grille for a bold face
- Narrow vertical LED headlights for a modern interpretation of Kia lighting
- Rugged lower-body cladding and pronounced fenders to signal off-road intent
- Reimagined full-width rear LED structure for stronger night-time identity
Interior and powertrain expectations
The Digimods DESIGN renders stop short of showing the interior or confirming mechanicals, but the Telluride’s close relationship with the Palisade makes it easy to forecast likely powertrain options. The current Telluride offers conventional gasoline V6 and turbocharged four-cylinder choices, and the Palisade’s newer lineup — including hybrid technology — hints at what Kia could introduce.
Expectations for the second-generation Telluride include:
- A choice of efficient hybrid powertrains and possibly a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, following broader industry electrification trends
- Shared architecture and components with the Hyundai Palisade, tuned for Kia’s handling and ride characteristics
- Interior upgrades focused on connectivity, larger infotainment displays, higher-quality materials, and flexible three-row packaging for families
Until Kia releases official specifications, the Palisade serves as the best proxy for what Kia might offer.
Performance, chassis and towing
While official horsepower and torque figures aren’t available for the 2027 Telluride yet, Kia will likely balance comfort and capability. The current Telluride is known for composed on-road manners and class-competitive towing; the second-gen model should improve refinement and efficiency. Potential drivetrain scenarios include:
- A turbocharged inline-four or V6 gasoline option for buyers prioritizing towing and load-hauling
- Hybrid or plug-in hybrid systems for buyers seeking better fuel economy and lower emissions
- All-wheel-drive tuning and suspension calibrations to preserve the Telluride’s comfortable, family-friendly ride while adding off-road durability for rugged trims
Market positioning and pricing
Part of the Telluride’s success is value: the 2025 Telluride started at an MSRP of approximately $36,390, undercutting the all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade’s entry price near $39,435. That competitive pricing, combined with generous standard equipment and ample passenger space, helped the Telluride remain a best-seller.
For 2027, Kia will face a balancing act: keeping the Telluride affordable and attractive for families while offering advanced powertrains and elevated technology. If Kia follows current industry moves, expect tiered trim levels ranging from practical, value-oriented configurations to higher-grade trims with premium materials, driver-assistance tech, and possibly off-road-focused packages (akin to Hyundai’s XRT Pro theme).
Trim strategy and special editions
Look for a spectrum of trims: base models aimed at affordability, mid-level trims emphasizing comfort and convenience, and flagship/limited-run trims that deliver rugged styling, upgraded suspension, and unique exterior finishes. A potential “Telluride XRT Pro” or similarly rugged variant could help Kia compete with adventurous buyers who want crossover capability without stepping into full-size truck territory.
Telluride vs Palisade: key differences to watch
Although the two SUVs will share platforms and some mechanicals, Kia and Hyundai historically maintain distinct identities:
- Design language: Kia will emphasize a bolder, more aggressive face and rugged cues; Hyundai often leans toward a stately, upscale look.
- Pricing and equipment: Telluride tends to undercut the Palisade on entry price while offering competitive standard features.
- Specialty trims: Both brands may introduce ruggedized editions, but look for Kia to target a slightly more youthful or sport-adventure audience.
What we don’t yet know
The CGI preview is provocative, but several key items remain unconfirmed:
- Official 2027 Telluride specifications, horsepower, torque, and fuel economy
- Final interior layout, technology suite, and exact seating configurations
- Official pricing, trim levels, and availability timeline
Conclusion — anticipation and realistic expectations
Kia’s current sales streak gives the automaker breathing room to time the Telluride’s second generation for maximum impact. Spy shots and skilled CGI previews like Dimas Ramadhan’s work offer a credible glimpse of what the 2027 Telluride might become: a rugged, modern, and family-focused three-row crossover that keeps Kia competitive against the Palisade and other midsize SUVs.
For shoppers, the key takeaways are clear: expect stronger design differentiation from Hyundai, likely hybridization options, and a continued focus on value. Whether Kia will surprise the market with a plug-in hybrid variant or a rugged off-road flagship remains open — but the Telluride’s strong sales and enthusiastic fanbase make it one of the most important upcoming SUVs to watch.
Source: autoevolution
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