Kia pulled the covers off the redesigned 2027 Telluride at the LA Auto Show, and the X-Pro trim looks ready to steal some luxury SUV buyers. That boxy new design doubles down on the upright stance that made the first-generation Telluride a bestseller, but everything grew bigger and gained more attitude. You get 2.3 inches of added length on a wheelbase stretched by 2.7 inches, matching the exact dimensions of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade. The extra size translates to more headroom and way easier access to all three rows.

• The X-Pro trim gets blacked-out styling, all-terrain tires, 9.1 inches of ground clearance, and functional front and rear tow hooks.
• Inside, twin 12.3-inch screens handle gauges and infotainment, while forged carbon fiber trim replaces the wood found in other trims.
• Sales kick off in the first quarter of 2026, with full powertrain details coming at the November 20 LA Auto Show reveal.

The Telluride Design Hits Different This Time

Walk up to the 2027 Telluride at your local Kia dealer, and you’ll immediately notice the squared-off front end. Amber vertical daytime running lights bookend a massive full-width grille that dominates the view. Kia pushes this design language even harder on the X-Pro with blacked-out wheel arches, mirrors, and trim pieces that give it a tougher look. Raised roof rails sit ready to carry gear, and those tow hooks mounted to the bumpers aren’t fake. They’re designed for actual recovery work.

Adding 2.3 inches of length doesn’t jump out at first glance because Kia balanced the proportions so well. This SUV sits on a wheelbase that’s 2.7 inches longer than before, spreading out the mass and creating a planted stance. These measurements match the Palisade exactly, which makes sense since they share the same platform. Compared to other trims, the X-Pro rides higher with 9.1 inches of ground clearance that opens up rougher trails and fire roads.

Off-Road Gear That Actually Works

All-terrain tires come standard on the X-Pro, wrapped around wheels designed to take a beating. Kia didn’t stop there. Engineers gave it a bespoke setup with extra travel, letting the wheels articulate over rocks and ruts better than the standard models. An electronic limited-slip differential sends power to the wheel with traction, keeping you moving when things get slippery.

Ground clearance matters more than most people think. That 9.1 inches means you can clear obstacles that would scrape the underside of a regular crossover. Terrain Mode offers different settings for snow, mud, and sand, adjusting throttle response and traction control to match conditions. Up front, a camera system lets you see what’s under the nose, which helps when you’re trying to thread through tight spots on a trail.

Interior Quality Matches the Premium Price Tag

Step inside and you’re greeted by twin 12.3-inch screens sitting side by side. One handles your gauge cluster, the other runs infotainment duties. Instead of the engineered wood trim found in other models, the X-Pro goes with forged carbon fiber that fits its outdoor character better. Real metal accents and sturdy grab handles reinforce the outdoor-ready theme without sacrificing refinement.

Second-row seats fold and slide forward with a single button press, making third-row access dramatically easier than before. Interior colors vary by trim, with Deep Navy, Blackberry purple, and saddle brown available depending on which model you choose. For this off-road trim, expect darker, more rugged color combinations that hide dirt better. A 12-inch head-up display projects speed and navigation info directly onto the windshield, keeping your eyes on the road.

The Power Options Matter in the Telluride

Kia ditched the old V6 engine in favor of a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. That’s actually 49 more lb-ft than the previous V6 delivered, so acceleration should feel strong off the line. An eight-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties on the gas model.

For buyers wanting more power and better fuel economy, the hybrid pairs that same turbo four-cylinder with electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery pack. Total output jumps to 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, making it the performance pick. Kia estimates the hybrid will hit 35 mpg combined with a total driving range around 600 miles on a single tank. A six-speed automatic transmission works with the hybrid system.

Towing capacity hits 5,000 pounds with a built-in hitch, which handles most boats, trailers, and campers that families actually tow. Even with all the off-road hardware, the X-Pro keeps this full capability while adding the extras that make it stand out from the regular lineup.

What You Need to Know Before Visiting a Kia Dealer

Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but expect the X-Pro to command a premium over the base LX trim. Right now, the current generation starts around $37,885, so figure on the new one landing somewhere north of $40,000 for the entry model. Fully loaded, the X-Pro will likely push closer to $50,000 or beyond once you add options. That’s still thousands less than a similarly equipped Range Rover or Land Rover Discovery.

Production happens at Kia’s West Point, Georgia plant, with deliveries starting in the first quarter of 2026. Anyone shopping for a three-row SUV with serious off-road capability should check out the X-Pro when it hits showrooms. It bridges the gap between luxury SUVs and hardcore off-roaders better than anything else in Kia’s lineup.

Your Family Adventure Vehicle Arrives Soon

This 2027 Telluride X-Pro gives buyers what they’ve been asking for since the first generation launched. More space, better off-road hardware, and styling that actually looks tough instead of trying too hard. Range Rover comparisons make sense when you see the boxy proportions and upscale interior, but the price gap between them will be massive. Kia built a reputation on offering luxury features at reasonable prices, and this redesigned Telluride pushes that formula even harder. Production kicks off early next year, so start planning your first camping trip now.