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Kia Hypes 2027 Telluride with Full-Body Camouflage Ahead of LA Debut
Kia America has stepped up its teaser campaign for the all-new 2027 Kia Telluride, unveiling a bespoke full-body camouflage wrap and a short off-road video as the SUV heads toward its global debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The reveal follows closely on the heels of Hyundai's redesigned 2026 Palisade, and puts Telluride back in the spotlight as Kia prepares to refresh its flagship midsize crossover.
Camouflage as design statement
Rather than hiding the shape under generic black-and-white patterns, the Kia Design Center America (KDCA) created a custom wrap inspired by the Telluride’s own design sketches. The result is more of a visual statement than a simple disguise: the wrap highlights key proportions and hints at trim-specific details—particularly the off-road–focused X-Pro model—while still preserving the surprise of the finished production sheet metal.
A KDCA spokesperson explained the concept as more creative than concealment: the pattern was intended to "hide in plain sight"—an approach that draws attention to the new silhouette and signature lighting while maintaining a veil over exact panel lines.
What the teasers reveal
The first studio images released earlier showed a classic front three-quarter view and a bird's-eye shot, revealing a striking double-amber vertical LED DRL arrangement at the front and enlarged proportions that can accommodate two sunroofs. The latest camouflaged photos and video emphasize capability rather than details, capturing the Telluride on a rugged excursion.
Key visible takeaways:
- Distinctive double-amber vertical LED daytime running lights at the front
- Likely matching vertical taillight elements at the rear
- Larger overall footprint enabling dual sunroof options
- An X-Pro theme that suggests enhanced off-road hardware
The teaser video was shot in the Alabama Hills of central California. The clip shows the Telluride tackling dunes, mud holes and trails—a deliberate move to underline not just aesthetics but capability for an audience that increasingly values adventure-ready crossovers.
Market context and positioning
The second-generation Telluride arrives in a competitive midsize SUV segment where comfort, tech and a rugged image all matter. Telluride has been a sales cornerstone for Kia in the U.S., and the brand has been cautious about timing the new model to avoid undercutting current demand. That explains why the Telluride follow-up appears a little after the Palisade relaunch.
Compared with the Hyundai Palisade—its close corporate cousin—Kia will likely emphasize Telluride’s distinctive styling, bold lighting signature and more adventurous X-Pro variant to appeal to buyers seeking a rugged yet refined family hauler. Expect the usual suite of modern safety systems, infotainment upgrades and multiple powertrain options at launch, with Kia balancing urban refinement and off-road chops.
Design and performance hints
While Kia hasn’t released full technical specs yet, the teasers suggest a continued focus on spaciousness and practicality. The larger dimensions and dual sunroof capability point to a roomy cabin and a family-focused luxury feel. The X-Pro badging in the creative material signals hill-descent controls, tougher suspension tuning, all-terrain tires and potentially revised AWD mapping—items that have become staples of off-road oriented trims across the industry.
Quote:
"Designing a wrap for Telluride is far different than designing the vehicle beneath the vinyl," said Tom Kearns, Vice President and Senior Chief Designer at KDCA. "We looked at the many different patterns used by carmakers to obscure the shape of vehicles in development and decided to approach the project from a different angle. Hiding the all-new Telluride in plain sight could be both eye-catching and thought-provoking."
What to watch for at the LA Auto Show
Kia is expected to unveil the full production model at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late November 2025. Observers should look for confirmation of the lighting signatures, trim-specific hardware for the X-Pro, powertrain line-up and interior tech features such as digital displays, driver assists and connectivity upgrades.
For enthusiasts and shoppers, this teaser campaign signals that Kia aims to preserve Telluride’s family-friendly appeal while leaning into a tougher, more rugged identity for buyers who want an off-road-capable midsize SUV.
Highlights:
- Bespoke KDCA camouflage wrap teases design cues
- Off-road video filmed in California’s Alabama Hills
- Double-amber vertical LED DRLs and likely vertical taillight motif
- X-Pro hints point to serious off-road intent
Watch the LA Auto Show reveal for full specs and pricing—until then, Kia’s camouflage strategy keeps interest high and expectations firmly raised for the 2027 Telluride.
Source: autoevolution
Comments
v8rider
Is that camo just showmanship or does it actually hide panel gaps? Looks bigger, those amber DRLs are funky, curious about X-Pro..
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