“Everyone in my family is over 6'2 (besides me, I am 6') so roominess was a huge consideration in our choice and we all fit comfortably in the Telluride. We have been enjoying the features and comfort of this vehicle as we travel a lot. Grocery shopping has been awesome as everything fits. I have gotten so many compliments on this suv. It's worth the cost to have my family all fit.”
Kia Telluride: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Kia Telluride is Kia’s flagship three-row midsize SUV, known for roomy family seating, an upscale feel, modern technology, and everyday practicality. It sits in the mainstream market but aims to deliver some of the comfort and design of a luxury SUV.
Since its 2020 debut, the Telluride has centered on making family travel feel comfortable, roomy, and a little more upscale. Safety and driver-assistance technology have also been a consistent focus. Rugged X-Line and X-Pro versions broadened its appeal, while the 2027 redesign added more space, a more modern cabin, and stronger trail hardware on X-Pro models.
Strengths
- Its three-row cabin gives families room for seven or eight people, depending on the 2027 configuration.
- The cabin blends practical family space with a more polished look and feel than buyers may expect from a mainstream SUV.
- Safety and driver-assistance features have been a major part of the Telluride’s formula since its launch.
- The 2027 model provides 89.3 cubic feet of cargo room, giving it useful space for family trips and bulky gear.
- The 2027 Telluride is rated to tow between 5,000 and 5,500 pounds, depending on configuration.
- X-Line and X-Pro models add distinct choices for buyers who want tougher styling or more ability on rough roads.
Who it's for
The Telluride fits families who need three rows for school runs, carpools, errands, and road trips but still want a cabin that feels polished. It also suits shoppers who want a large, confident family SUV without moving to a luxury brand. X-Line and X-Pro versions make sense for those who prefer tougher styling or expect to tow and travel on rougher roads.
Kia Telluride lineup
LX and S anchor the more straightforward end of the lineup, while EX steps into the middle and SX and SX-Prestige occupy the more upscale end. Since 2023, X-Line versions have added a tougher look for shoppers who want rugged styling without making trail hardware the main priority. X-Pro is the capability-focused choice, with added towing and rough-road equipment; in 2027, it gained more serious trail hardware. The 2025 addition of EX X-Pro brought that capability theme to a lower point in the trim ladder.
Kia Telluride generations
From 2020 to 2027, the Telluride spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2027, following the 1st Generation (2020-2025).
2nd Generation (2027-Present)
The second-generation Telluride is larger and has a more modern exterior and cabin. Gas models replace the old V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, while the lineup gains its first hybrid and X-Pro versions get more trail-focused hardware.
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2027New generation
Full redesign with a larger body, a turbocharged four-cylinder on gas models, the first Telluride hybrid, and a new cabin and exterior.
1st Generation (2020-2025)
The original Telluride is a roomy three-row SUV built around a 3.8-liter V6 and eight-speed automatic. A substantial 2023 refresh updated the styling and cabin, added a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, and brought in the X-Line and X-Pro trims.
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2025Trim changes
The EX X-Pro joins the lineup, bringing X-Pro towing and rough-road hardware to the EX trim. Other updates include added second-row airbag coverage and darker X-Line and X-Pro details.
2024
Amber daytime running lights and small exterior revisions distinguish this lightly updated year.
2023Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling, a redesigned dashboard and center console, a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, more safety features, and new X-Line and X-Pro trims.
2022
New Kia badges and broader driver-assistance and convenience features, including a larger touchscreen and automatic climate control on LX and S trims.
2021
A remote-start button is added to every key fob, and the trailer wiring changes from a 4-pin to a 7-pin connection.
2020New generation
The Telluride debuts as a three-row SUV with a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6, an eight-speed automatic, and a broad standard safety suite.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Kia Telluride.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Kia Telluride have a third row?
Yes. The Telluride is a three-row SUV. Depending on the year and trim, it seats seven with second-row captain’s chairs or eight with a second-row bench.
Is the Kia Telluride a luxury SUV?
No. The Telluride wears a mainstream Kia badge, but its roomy cabin, upscale design, modern technology, and higher-trim comfort features give it a more premium feel than a basic family SUV.
Who is the Kia Telluride a good fit for?
The Telluride suits families that need three rows, useful cargo space, and easy everyday comfort. Seven- and eight-seat layouts cover different needs, while X-Line and X-Pro versions suit drivers who also want AWD and rough-road capability.
Does the Kia Telluride come as a hybrid?
Yes. A hybrid joined the Telluride range with the all-new second generation for 2027. The 2020-2025 Tellurides covered here use a gas V6 instead.
Does the Kia Telluride have AWD?
Yes. Tellurides include both front-wheel-drive and AWD versions. On newer models, X-Line and X-Pro trims use standard AWD, while some regular trims differ by configuration and model year.
How many generations of the Kia Telluride are there?
There are two generations. The first launched for 2020 and received a major refresh for 2023. The all-new second generation arrived for 2027 with a larger body, a redesigned cabin, new gas engine, and the first Telluride hybrid.
Does every Kia Telluride have a V6?
No. Tellurides from 2020 through 2025 use a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6, but the redesigned 2027 gas models switch to a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an eight-speed automatic.
Kia Telluride Reviews
What owners are saying about the Kia Telluride.
4.5
Kia Telluride
(1,552 reviews)
“Comfortable to drive. More road noise than I expected but not too bad. Has excellent safety features.”
“Very well-built fit and finish excellent gas mileage relatively good recently drove 600 miles to Chicago made it there on two tanks of gas lots of room on the inside heating and cooling of seats cooling works great on the driver side also the passenger very stable on the road you can get it well up over 100 and have no problems not saying I did but it will do it if you have to do it with ease all-around great SUV”
“Kia telluride has been great for our growing family, the fold-down rear seats are wonderful for extra space when needed. The car handles wonderfully in wet conditions!!”
“It's easy to drive, safe, reliable, fun and is a no-brainer if you have kids. I say this because of the safety rating and the fact that carseats fit so well and leave more leg room than any other car we tried.”
“This is a wonderful vehicle, so stylish. The ride is so comfortable. For short trips to the store or a long road trip. You will love it.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Models / Telluride / 2027
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 23998 / Introducing The All New 2027 Kia Telluride First Ever Hybrid Increased X Pro Capability Elevate The
- kiamedia.com — Telluride / 2027 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Telluride / 2027 / Pricing
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 22577 / Kia Announces Pricing For 2025 Telluride
- kiamedia.com — Telluride / 2025 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Telluride / 2024 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 20774 / Kia America Announces 2024 Telluride Pricing
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 18800 / The New 2023 Telluride Arrives At New York Auto Show With Refreshed Styling More Capability And Enha
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 15019 / All New 2020 Kia Telluride Offers Rugged Luxury2
- kiamedia.com — Models / Telluride / 2024
- kiamedia.com — Telluride / 2024 / Specifications