Kia’s three-row star is getting a serious glow-up for 2027, and the first look shows a Telluride that leans harder into rugged style while dialing up the luxury inside. The brand’s best seller since its debut for 2020 now wears sharper sheetmetal, a cleaner tech layout, and materials that would not feel out of place in a luxury showroom.

Designers pushed the outdoorsy vibe further than before. Up front there is a taller, wider grille that stretches to the headlights, with trim-specific looks to keep things distinct. SXP models get gloss black vertical slats, while the XRT features a black mesh pattern that drops toward the bumper. Triangular creases over the fenders add muscle, the hood looks broader, and there is a sleeker roofline that finishes with a floating element into the liftgate. You can spot Range Rover hints in the profile if you stare long enough, which is not a bad association for a family hauler that wants to look confident on the school run and the campsite.

Lighting goes vertical at both ends, and there is a new eight-spoke wheel with a cross pattern on SXP and X-Pro. The X-Pro adds bright orange recovery hooks for a dash of trail theater. The body itself has grown a touch. A wheelbase stretch of nearly three inches and an overall length increase of 2.3 inches bring the Telluride to 199.2 inches bumper to bumper. Expect a little more breathing room for passengers along with easier cargo packing.

The cabin is where the big leap lands. A dual-screen display now runs from the driver’s side into the center stack, appearing larger than the previous 12.3-inch pair. Real wood and metal accents line the dash, doors, and console, which instantly ups the tactile quality. Upper trims get two-tone leather with mesh headrests, and Kia is adding fresh interior colors like Deep Navy and Blackberry, with accents such as Tuscan Umber and Sand Beige that feel tailor made for a premium vibe.

Powertrain details remain under wraps, though shared bones with the latest Hyundai Palisade point to a likely mix that could include a turbo 2.5 hybrid and a 3.5 V6. That combo would cover both efficiency and effortless freeway miles, which is exactly what families ask of a three-row SUV. We will wait for the final spec sheet, but the direction seems clear.

Pricing is not final either, yet all signs point to a modest bump. The 2026 Telluride starts at $37,885 for LX and reaches $55,180 for SX Prestige X-Pro. Early guidance suggests the 2027 model will open just under $40,000, which would keep it competitive while reflecting the size and feature gains.

Kia plans to pull the covers all the way off at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month. If the production details match what we have seen in person, the Telluride’s mix of presence, polish, and family friendly practicality should keep it at the top of a very crowded segment. Families shopping midsize three-rows will want this one on the test drive list.