We spent the week using the Telluride much as most families would, commuting to work, running errands, making local trips and enjoying the extra space that a three-row SUV provides. Then, on a beautiful fall afternoon, we pointed the Telluride toward the changing mountain scenery to see how Kia’s newest flagship SUV handled a little more adventure.

The second-generation Telluride has big shoes to fill. The original earned a loyal following by combining attractive styling, generous space and a premium feel at a competitive price. For 2027, Kia has taken that successful formula and given it a more sophisticated design, a new turbocharged engine and a substantially enhanced X-Pro package aimed at drivers who want to travel beyond the pavement.

After a week together, we came away impressed by how naturally the Telluride balances its rugged personality with the comfort and technology expected from a top-of-the-line family vehicle.

A chiseled new look

The first thing we noticed was the exterior. The new Telluride looks more substantial and purposeful, with a broad hood, upright front end and sharply defined bodywork that give it a confident presence on the road.

Kia has retained the squared-off proportions that helped make the original so recognizable, but the new model looks more sculpted. Tall vertical lighting elements frame the front grille, while pronounced creases in the fenders and doors create a chiseled appearance. The design has a muscular quality without looking unnecessarily bulky.

Our X-Pro SX-Prestige test vehicle wore Terrain Brown Matte, a finish that seemed especially appropriate for Utah’s autumn landscape. Rather than reflecting light like conventional glossy paint, the matte finish gives the body a muted, almost earthy appearance. Against the darker trim and rugged wheels, it made the Telluride look ready for a mountain trail even when parked outside the office.

The X-Pro treatment adds black exterior accents, distinctive wheels and wider all-terrain tires. Raised roof rails reinforce the adventurous appearance while providing a useful foundation for carrying additional gear. Kia has also increased the Telluride’s overall dimensions, making it longer and taller than its predecessor while stretching the wheelbase to provide more room inside.

The result is an SUV that looks every bit as capable as its name suggests, yet remains refined enough to pull up in front of a nice restaurant without looking out of place.

More than just an appearance package

The X-Pro designation means more than special trim pieces and tires. Kia has made meaningful changes to the vehicle’s off-road equipment for 2027.

Ground clearance increases to 9.1 inches, giving the Telluride additional room to navigate uneven surfaces. An X-Pro-specific suspension provides additional wheel travel, while front and rear recovery points offer useful equipment for situations where a vehicle needs assistance getting unstuck.

The all-wheel-drive system also gains an electronic limited-slip differential, designed to help distribute power where traction is available. A center differential lock can maintain a 50/50 front-to-rear torque split, while the expanded terrain settings help the driver adapt to conditions such as snow, mud and sand.

Another welcome addition is the Ground View Monitor, which provides a view of the terrain immediately around the vehicle. That can be particularly useful when maneuvering over rocks or negotiating a narrow trail where the driver cannot easily see what lies beneath the front of the SUV.

We appreciated that Kia has built genuine capability into the X-Pro rather than relying entirely on rugged styling. We enjoyed our fall mountain drive on regular roads, where the Telluride felt composed and confident, but the added equipment should prove valuable for owners who venture onto maintained dirt roads, explore camping areas or deal with changing winter conditions.

A cabin designed around comfort

Inside, the Telluride makes a strong case for being more than just a capable family hauler. The cabin has a modern, upscale appearance, with a sweeping dashboard, carefully integrated displays and an appealing mix of materials and finishes.

The front seats provide a comfortable driving position, with the SX-Prestige trim bringing a generous collection of premium amenities. Depending on equipment, features include heated and ventilated seating, a power-adjustable steering column, premium upholstery and additional comfort features designed to make longer journeys more enjoyable.

The large digital display arrangement gives the dashboard a contemporary look, while the infotainment system places navigation, vehicle settings and entertainment within easy reach. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make connecting a smartphone straightforward, and the controls are arranged to make common functions relatively easy to find.

We particularly appreciated how the cabin combines its high-tech appearance with practical storage. A family SUV needs places for phones, drinks, bags and all the small items that seem to accumulate during a normal day. The Telluride provides useful storage areas and cupholders, helping keep the cabin organized.

The larger body also benefits passengers. Kia has improved headroom and second-row legroom, made access to the third row easier and increased the amount of cargo space behind the rearmost seats.

That last detail matters. In many three-row SUVs, raising the third row leaves little room for groceries or luggage. The Telluride’s expanded cargo capacity helps make it more useful when the whole family is aboard.

The second row offers a comfortable place for passengers to settle in, while the third row gives families the flexibility to bring additional children, friends or grandchildren along. With the rear seats folded, the available space becomes more accommodating for larger shopping trips or weekend equipment.

Kia has also added available relaxation-oriented seating and other premium features across the new Telluride lineup. In a top-trim SUV, these touches help create an atmosphere that feels closer to a luxury vehicle than a traditional family crossover.

Technology that makes everyday driving easier

The Telluride’s technology is not limited to its large displays. A comprehensive collection of driver-assistance features helps support the driver in traffic and on longer freeway trips.

Depending on the specific system and configuration, features include adaptive cruise control, lane-following assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts and camera systems that make parking easier. The X-Pro’s Ground View Monitor adds another layer of awareness when maneuvering in tighter spaces or on uneven terrain.

An autumn drive worth taking

Our mountain outing was the highlight of the week. With the leaves beginning to change and the hillsides displaying their autumn colors, the Telluride felt right at home in the scenery.

The elevated driving position gave us a good view of the landscape, while the cabin remained comfortable and quiet enough to enjoy the drive. The suspension handled ordinary pavement irregularities without making the ride feel harsh, and the all-wheel-drive system offered reassurance as we traveled through changing elevations and conditions.

We also liked that the Telluride did not feel cumbersome on the winding roads. It is a sizable SUV, but its steering and composed road manners made it comfortable to guide through the curves.

For us, that is the appeal of this particular Telluride. It can spend Monday through Friday handling commutes, errands and family responsibilities, then head toward the mountains when the weekend arrives.

At the End of the Week

The all-new 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX-Prestige AWD represents a thoughtful evolution of an already successful SUV. The new exterior is more chiseled and distinctive, the interior offers additional room and a more premium atmosphere, and the turbocharged engine provides useful everyday performance.

After a week of ordinary driving and one memorable afternoon among Utah’s fall colors, we came away with a clear impression: Kia has made the Telluride more capable without losing sight of what made it appealing in the first place. It remains a family vehicle at heart, but one that is ready for a little more adventure whenever the opportunity comes along.

Base Price: $56,790

Destination Charge: $1,545

Price as Driven: $59,580