The redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro is one of those SUVs that makes a strong first impression, although whether that impression is positive depends heavily on how you feel about rugged styling and matte brown paint.
Our X-Pro SX Prestige AWD tester looked ready for an adventure with its 18-inch black alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, orange-accented recovery points, black roof rails and X-Pro-specific suspension. Yet after a week behind the wheel, the Telluride’s best qualities had less to do with pretending to be a hardcore off-roader and more to do with being a comfortable, thoughtfully designed family SUV.
Exterior styling is an acquired taste
The Telluride’s new look is bold, but it did not completely win us over. The Terrain Brown Matte paint costs an extra $995 and, paired with the black trim and X-Pro hardware, makes the SUV stand out in a parking lot. The squared-off nose works better from some angles than others, while the rear bodywork appears to drop away sharply with little visual bumper protection.
The X-Pro package adds useful hardware, including an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, all-terrain tires and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Still, this remains a soft-roader better suited to a gravel road, campsite or boat ramp than a serious rock trail.
A much more convincing interior
Open the door and the Telluride tells a different story. The cabin feels upscale, practical and family-friendly. Our tester’s second-row captain’s chairs are heated and ventilated, the seatbacks use easy-to-clean hard plastic, and USB ports are positioned where passengers can actually reach them. The standard third row works for occasional use, while the cargo area is wide enough to carry a golf bag behind it.
Up front, the wide digital display, wireless Apple CarPlay, dual wireless phone chargers and straightforward physical climate controls make daily use easy. The marble-look trim is a surprising contrast to the rugged exterior, but the overall design feels premium. We also like the camera-based rearview mirror, especially at night when it reduces glare from vehicles behind.
About those unusual headrests
The front headrests have an unusual forward-leaning shape that can feel intrusive at first. Adjustment provisions can vary: Kia’s owner’s manual describes fore-aft adjustment only where equipped, while its U.S. features guide says the illustrated headrest does not move forward or backward. Have the dealer demonstrate the adjustments on the exact vehicle you are considering, and check head and neck support during your test drive.
Turbo power replaces the V-6
The old naturally aspirated V-6 is gone. In its place is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. That change will worry shoppers who associate a V-6 with long-term simplicity, but the new engine delivers stronger midrange performance and more useful passing power.
There is noticeable turbo lag if you floor the accelerator from a stop. Roll into the throttle more progressively and the Telluride responds much better. Sport mode sharpens the experience, although it can come at the expense of fuel economy. Our mostly city driving returned about 18 mpg, close to the EPA estimate of 17 mpg city; the highway estimate is 22 mpg.
Our verdict
The 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro has a split personality. Its exterior design, optional matte paint and off-road presentation will not appeal to everyone, but the cabin is comfortable, useful and impressively well equipped. The turbocharged engine is not perfect, yet it provides a better everyday driving experience than the old V-6 in most situations.
We would shop other colors and compare lower trim levels before paying for every X-Pro extra. But judged as a three-row family SUV rather than a trail rig, the new Telluride remains an easy vehicle to recommend.
