Kia has unveiled a redesigned version of its popular Telluride SUV, but Australian buyers won’t be getting behind the wheel anytime soon. The refreshed 2027 Kia Telluride, making its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this month, is set to hit US showrooms in early 2026. However, it will continue to be exclusively manufactured in the United States for left-hand drive markets only—a strategy that excludes Australia.
This marks a continuation of a trend; Kia’s Korean sibling brand, Hyundai, offers its comparable Palisade SUV in both right- and left-hand drive configurations, making it available to Australian consumers.
While official details on the powertrain are still under wraps, most industry experts expect the new Telluride to include a hybrid option. This aligns with the direction of other Kia models and Hyundai’s recently introduced turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid system found in the Palisade.
The latest generation boasts significant size increases compared to its predecessor. It stretches 58mm longer overall on a wheelbase that’s nearly 76mm greater, reaching a total length of 5058mm and a near-3m wheelbase. This growth mirrors the changes Hyundai made to the Palisade in its recent redesign. Kia emphasizes that these dimensions translate to improved access to the second and third rows of seating—a key consideration for large family vehicles.
Visually, the Telluride’s design philosophy takes cues from Kia’s “Opposites United” design language introduced in 2021. It maintains a similar silhouette with slim vertical headlights and taillights, incorporating amber daytime running lights upfront and two-part rear lights separated by body-colored accents—a nod to styling seen on the Sorento SUV. Flush door handles reminiscent of those found on the EV9 electric SUV add a modern touch. The Telluride distinguishes itself with unique sculpted wheel arch extensions and sharp triangular side creases that Kia describes as resembling “chiseled facets of a diamond.”
Wheel options range from 18- to 21 inches, depending on the trim level. Kia’s rugged X-Pro variant returns, featuring all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, blacked-out exterior accents, mesh grille inserts, raised roof rails, and practical touches like squared-off rear bumpers and front and rear recovery hooks.
A new “Ground Lighting” feature projects soft illumination from beneath the mirrors, rear doors, and rear bumper, adding a unique ambiance. Buyers can choose from ten exterior colors, including two new options: Black Jade Green and Terrain Brown, both offered in both gloss and matte finishes.
Inside, the Telluride features a digital instrument cluster and a large infotainment touchscreen—likely mirroring the 12.3-inch units found in the Palisade—unified within a single sweeping panel. Kia describes this layout as conveying “a sense of grandeur.” The cabin incorporates real metal accents and wood-like textures to contrast with darker elements, while subtle ambient lighting enhances the overall atmosphere.
Other noteworthy interior features include mesh head restraints (similar to those on the EV9) for the first and second rows, a folding luggage table in the rear with integrated ruler markings, and a removable partition. Interior color options include Blackberry and Sand Beige, along with Deep Navy with Tuscan Umber accents. X-Pro and X-Line variants offer black, khaki, and Saddle Brown interiors.
Despite its popularity in the US market, where it often outsells the Palisade, the Telluride remains unavailable in both Australia and Kia’s home country of South Korea.
The new generation builds upon a successful model launched in 2019, which initially debuted as a 2020 model year vehicle in the United States. This ongoing absence highlights an interesting trend in Kia’s global SUV strategy, leaving Australian drivers to wonder when—or if—they’ll get their chance behind the wheel of this popular three-row option.
