The Kia Telluride has followed its Hyundai Palisade twin into a second generation, but US production continues to rule it out for Australia.
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The Kia Telluride – a seven-seat large SUV sized similarly to the Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Palisade – has entered its second generation in the United States.
The 2027 Kia Telluride follows its 2026 Hyundai Palisade twin-under-the-skin, which arrived in Australia this month, into a new generation.
However, the Kia remains off-limits for Australia as it is built in the US in left-hand drive only, while its Hyundai cousin is made in right-hand drive in South Korea.
Kia said it will confirm more details on the 2027 Telluride when it debuts at this year's Los Angeles motor show later this month, but it has released some information, including its design.
The Telluride is the latest model to adopt Kia's 'Opposites United' design language, which has proliferated across its model line-up from the Picanto and Stonic to the EV9 and Tasman.
It is a petrol-powered alternative to the all-electric Kia EV9 large SUV, which has been offered in Australia since late 2023 with modest sales to date.
The 2027 Telluride is 58 millimetres longer and 25mm taller than before, approximately measuring 5058mm long, 1990mm wide and 1775mm tall.
For context, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is 5065mm long, 1980mm wide and 1805mm tall with a 2970mm wheelbase, with the lattermost figure likely identical to the new Telluride.
Kia claims the size increase has allowed for "improved interior packaging with enhanced access for easier entry and exit into the second and third rows," along with more headroom.
Its dashboard mirrors the latest Kia vehicles, with dual 12.3-inch displays for the infotainment touchscreen and instrument cluster, separated by a smaller circa-5.0-inch display dedicated to its climate controls.
The Telluride will continue to be offered in standard, X-Line and X-Pro grades in the US, with the X-Pro adding all-terrain tyres, front and rear recovery hooks, and higher ground clearance.
X-Pro versions also feature a new Ground Lighting feature similar to the Ford Ranger ute's Zone Lighting, with soft lights from the side mirrors, rear doors and rear bumper to illuminate the surrounding area of the vehicle.
Alloy wheels between 19 and 21 inches in diameter will be offered, with the X-Line and X-Pro having thicker spokes to improve durability.
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Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new cars, and everything in between from birth, with his parents’ owning an automotive workshop in regional Victoria. Jordan started writing about cars in 2021, and joined the Drive team in 2024.
