All-New 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX-Prestige AWD Review

This week I am behind the wheel of the all-new 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX-Prestige AWD, and after spending time with it, I can tell you Kia had a monumental challenge on its hands. The original Telluride wasn't just successful—it became the benchmark for midsize three-row SUVs. It won countless awards, routinely sold for more than sticker price, and developed a loyal following among families who wanted luxury-level comfort without luxury-brand pricing. For 2027, Kia didn't simply freshen the Telluride. They completely reinvented it.

Before we move on, let's decode the name: 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX-Prestige AWD. Think of it as Kia's version of alphabet soup, except every letter costs money.

• Telluride is the model itself, Kia's flagship three-row SUV.
• AWD means All-Wheel Drive, which sends power to all four wheels when needed for better traction in rain, snow, mud, or when your teenager borrows the SUV and claims, "I didn't see the curb."
• X-Pro is the adventure package. It adds the all-terrain tires, unique suspension tuning, electronic limited-slip rear differential, recovery hooks, tow hitch, and 9.1 inches of ground clearance. In other words, it's the trim for people who like camping, fishing, hunting, overlanding, or at least looking like they do.
• SX is Kia-speak for luxury. Once you hit SX territory, you're getting premium technology, upgraded materials, larger screens, better safety systems, and features that used to require a German badge on the grille.
• Prestige is Kia's way of saying, "Let's just throw everything in." That's where you get goodies like the Head-Up Display, Harman Kardon audio system, Digital Rearview Mirror, Ergo Motion driver's seat, heated and ventilated first and second-row seats, dual sunroofs, and enough technology to make your smartphone feel insecure.

Put it all together and the X-Pro SX-Prestige AWD is essentially the Telluride's fully loaded, luxury-meets-adventure trim level.

Or, in plain English:

"This is the one your spouse points at in the showroom and says, 'That's the one I want,' while you're standing next to the cheaper model."

So, what's new for 2027? Just about everything. The Telluride gets an all-new exterior design, a completely redesigned interior, new technology, a new turbocharged engine, more cargo space, additional passenger room, and enhanced off-road capability in X-Pro trim. Yet despite all the changes, it still feels unmistakably like a Telluride.

Exterior 

My tester was finished in Terrain Brown Matte paint over a black interior. This matte finish is absolutely stunning in person. It gives the Telluride a rugged, upscale appearance unlike anything else in the segment and pairs perfectly with the black trim and wheels.

The new Telluride looks considerably more substantial than the outgoing model. The front end is bold and upright with a massive black grille, vertical LED lighting elements, and bright orange front recovery hooks that signal this X-Pro means business. Along the side are flush door handles, black roof rails, black lower cladding, and black 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.

The squared-off profile gives it a more premium and capable appearance than many traditional crossovers. Around back, the clean tailgate design and vertical taillights complete a look that is both modern and rugged. You get recovery hooks in the front and rear, adding to its rugged look.

Performance 

Power comes from Kia's new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 274-horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. While some buyers may miss the old V6 on paper, they probably won't miss it behind the wheel. The additional torque is immediately noticeable, especially when accelerating from a stop or passing slower traffic on the highway. The powertrain feels smooth, responsive, and refined.

The X-Pro package is more than an appearance upgrade. It includes an electronic limited-slip rear differential, X-Pro suspension tuning, all-terrain tires, a tow hitch, and 9.1 inches of ground clearance. Towing capacity is rated at 5,000 pounds. Whether you're pulling a boat, utility trailer, or small camper, the Telluride is ready for the task.

Interior     

Inside is where Kia continues to impress. The dashboard design is clean, horizontal, and refreshingly functional. Dominating the cabin are dual 12.3-inch displays that handle instrumentation and infotainment duties. The graphics are crisp, the menus are intuitive, and the system responds quickly to inputs. Kia also deserves credit for keeping physical controls where drivers use them most. Dedicated buttons for Home, Map, Search, Media, and Setup remain, along with actual climate controls and a real volume knob.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is Kia Connect. During my time with the Telluride, I found the infotainment system easy to use and packed with useful features including navigation, weather forecasts, sports updates, trailer information, vehicle diagnostics, and Kia's entertaining "Sounds of Nature" feature.

The SX-Prestige trim is loaded with luxury features. Standard equipment includes a Head-Up Display, Harman Kardon premium audio system, Digital Rearview Mirror, Ergo Motion driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats that massage you, heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs, heated steering wheel, wireless phone charger, Digital Key, dual sunroofs, and a smart power liftgate.

The driver's seat is exceptionally comfortable, offering excellent support and visibility. The upright seating position and large glass area provide a commanding view of the road. The digital instrument cluster is easy to read, and the Head-Up Display helps keep your eyes focused forward.

One area where Kia's designers deserve special recognition is the center console. There is a large, covered storage compartment, dual wireless charging pads, multiple USB-C ports, generous cupholders, and additional storage beneath the bridge-style console. It is one of the most useful center console designs I've encountered recently.

Second-row passengers are treated very well. The captain's chairs are wide, comfortable, and feature individual armrests. They slide and recline to accommodate passengers of all sizes, and there is abundant legroom. Rear-seat occupants also enjoy their own climate controls, charging ports, storage compartments, and easy access to the third row through the center pass-through.

The third row continues to be one of Telluride's strongest selling points. Access is easy, visibility is excellent, and adults can comfortably spend time back there without feeling cramped. That's something many competitors still struggle to achieve.

Utility

Cargo space is outstanding. Behind the third row, there are 22.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity, enough room for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. Folding the third row expands capacity to 48.7 cubic feet, and with both rear rows folded, maximum cargo volume reaches an impressive 89.3 cubic feet. The cargo area itself is thoughtfully designed with conveniently located third-row seat controls, tie-down points, side storage compartments, a household-style power outlet, and a flat load floor. These are the kinds of details owners appreciate every time they load groceries, luggage, or sports equipment.

One feature that deserves mention is something many automakers have abandoned: a spare tire. Kia includes a compact spare wheel and tire instead of an inflator kit. For anyone who travels long distances or spends time away from major cities, that's welcome news.

Safety    

Safety equipment is comprehensive and includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist 2, Highway Driving Assist 2, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and a Surround View Monitor.

Notable Features

Sometimes with cars, it’s the little things you notice in the course of spending a week with one. One feature I love is the remote start. Nothing unusual about that, but with this one, when you start it from the key fob and you have the key on you, you don’t have to hit the start button. Just sit down and it comes to life. Also, I was sitting at a light in Downtown Dallas on the way to the studios and got a text. I reached down to see who it was from, and the Kia chimed me telling me the car in front of me was moving. Little things…that saves you the panic of someone behind you laying on their horn.

Ride and Drive

On the road, the Telluride X-Pro is remarkably comfortable for an SUV riding on all-terrain tires. You might expect the extra ground clearance and off-road equipment to make it ride rough or feel truck-like, but that's simply not the case. The suspension does an excellent job soaking up bumps and broken pavement while keeping the vehicle composed and stable at highway speeds. The new turbocharged engine delivers plenty of low-end torque, so getting up to speed, merging into traffic, and passing slower vehicles requires little effort. Steering feels natural, visibility is excellent, and the cabin remains impressively quiet even at interstate speeds. This is a noticeable change. What stood out to me most was how refined the Telluride feels. Whether you're commuting to work, taking a family road trip, or heading down a gravel road to a campsite, the Telluride never feels out of its element.

Verdict 

The 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX-Prestige AWD is bigger, more capable, more luxurious, and more refined than the SUV it replaces. Kia took one of the best three-row SUVs on the market and somehow made it even better. If you're shopping for a family SUV under $60,000, this Telluride doesn't just deserve a place on your shopping list—it deserves a spot at the very top. I am hoping the hybrid version gets to me soon so I can tell you about that one as well.