Families preparing for weekend trips to Panther Creek State Park need a vehicle that accommodates gear, passengers, and steep terrain without breaking a sweat. At our dealership, families looking for a 2026 model are often surprised to learn that Kia skipped the 2026 model year entirely for the Telluride, transitioning directly from the 2025 version to a completely redesigned 2027 generation that arrived early. This update is positioned as a major refresh with design and feature changes that align with the brand's evolving style language.
The most noticeable physical change is a stretched wheelbase that has grown by nearly 3 inches. This engineering update translates directly into a much more spacious cabin, providing class-leading legroom and making access to the third row easier for passengers of all sizes. The exterior styling has also been overhauled, featuring vertical LED headlamps, flush door handles, and a chiseled silhouette that gives the SUV a commanding road presence.
For the first time, this three-row family vehicle introduces a hybrid option alongside its standard turbocharged gas engine. This addition ensures that drivers no longer have to choose between spacious utility and modern fuel efficiency.
If you want to explore the new Kia hybrid models, you can find them arriving daily. Feel free to get directions to our Morristown showroom to see these changes in person, or give our team a quick call at (423) 200-5335 to check on our current availability.
Table of Contents
- Comparing Powertrains: Turbocharged Gas vs. the New High-Efficiency Hybrid
- Navigating the Trim Levels from Base LX to the Off-Road Specialized X-Pro
- The Three-Row Showdown: Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Grand Highlander
- Evaluating Your Options: Remaining 2025 Inventory vs. the Redesigned Generation
- Common Questions About the Redesigned Kia Telluride Lineup
- Find Your Perfect Three-Row SUV at Rusty Wallace Kia
Comparing Powertrains: Turbocharged Gas vs. the New High-Efficiency Hybrid
The biggest update of this new generation lies beneath the hood, where a modern, efficient engine lineup replaces the old, naturally aspirated V6. The previous 3.8-liter V6 was discontinued because it could not meet strict emissions standards, prompting a shift to advanced engineering. The new standard engine is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 274 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. While the horsepower is slightly lower than the old V6, the torque has increased by nearly 50 lb-ft, providing much stronger low-end acceleration for daily driving.
For drivers seeking maximum efficiency and power, the new 2.5-liter turbo-hybrid powertrain is the standout choice. This system combines the turbocharged engine with electric motor assistance to produce a combined 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid system delivers an estimated 35 mpg combined and a total driving range of approximately 600 miles on a single tank. In comparison, the non-hybrid turbocharged gas version achieves around 19 mpg combined in independent testing.
If you want to research new Kia models and compare these powertrain options, we make it easy to do so online. You can browse new inventory on our website to see what we have in stock, or go directly to shop new Kia Telluride inventory to find the perfect match for your family's needs.
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Navigating the Trim Levels from Base LX to the Off-Road Specialized X-Pro
The redesigned SUV is available in five primary trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige, with several trims offering rugged off-road variants. The base LX trim comes highly equipped with 12.3-inch dual panoramic displays and the ccNC operating system. The EX trim serves as a popular choice for families, adding premium synthetic leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and second-row window sunshades.
For those who love outdoor adventures, the X-Line and X-Pro variants add specialized hardware. The X-Pro is the ultimate trail-ready trim, featuring 9.1 inches of ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, wider all-terrain tires, a dedicated Terrain driving mode, and an electronic rear limited-slip differential. Knoxville outdoor enthusiasts heading up into the Great Smoky Mountains for weekend camping trips will appreciate the X-Pro trim's increased clearance and heavy-duty recovery hooks.
If you are shopping on a budget, you can also shop fuel efficient used cars from previous model years on our lot. Additionally, should you ever take your SUV on a rugged trail and need bodywork, you can easily schedule collision repair with our certified team to keep your vehicle looking brand new.
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The Three-Row Showdown: Kia Telluride vs. Toyota Grand Highlander
How does the redesigned Telluride compare to its closest three-row competitor, the Toyota Grand Highlander? Both vehicles are excellent family haulers, but they excel in different areas. The Telluride starts at $40,735 for the base gas model, undercutting the gas-powered Toyota Grand Highlander's starting price of over $42,000.
The Telluride provides 22 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which expands to 89 cubic feet when all rear seats are folded flat. In comparison, the Toyota Grand Highlander offers up to about 97.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, which exceeds the Telluride's maximum volume, but the Telluride offers second-row legroom and a premium cabin atmosphere.
Under the hood, the Grand Highlander Hybrid's base powertrain produces 245 net combined horsepower, which is lower than the Telluride Hybrid's robust 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. The Telluride also offers a standard 5,000 pounds towing capacity, allowing families to pull campers or utility trailers with confidence.
To compare other vehicles with 3rd row seating, feel free to explore our website. You can also browse used inventory to see our pre-owned selection, or use our car finder tool to let our team locate a specific model for you.
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Evaluating Your Options: Remaining 2025 Inventory vs. the Redesigned Generation
Many buyers assume that the newest model year is always the automatic choice, but the decision between a remaining 2025 Telluride and the redesigned generation deserves a closer look. The 2025 Telluride features the older, highly reliable 3.8-liter V6 engine, which delivers a very quiet and smooth highway ride. It is an excellent choice if you prefer a traditional, non-turbocharged engine and want to take advantage of potential savings on outgoing inventory.
On the other hand, the redesigned generation offers notable improvements in technology, interior space, and fuel efficiency. If you want the latest dual-screen infotainment system, dual wireless charging pads, and the highly efficient hybrid powertrain option, the newer model is well worth the investment.
If you are ready to make your decision, you can get pre-approved for financing online in just a few minutes. To make the buying process even faster, you can start customizing your deal from home. We also invite you to browse featured used vehicles to see our hand-picked pre-owned options.
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Common Questions About the Redesigned Kia Telluride Lineup
Q: What is the warranty coverage on a new Kia Telluride?
Every new Telluride comes backed by Kia's industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. This coverage provides long-term peace of mind for busy families.
Q: What should I bring to the dealership when applying for financing?
To expedite your purchase, bring your current driver's license, proof of income (like recent pay stubs), proof of residence, and your current auto insurance card. Having these documents ready helps our finance team secure your approval quickly.
Q: How does the trade-in process work if I want to upgrade to the new Telluride?
We make it simple to trade in your current vehicle. You can get your instant cash offer online in minutes, which we will honor when you visit us for your trade-in appraisal.
Q: Where is the new-generation Kia Telluride assembled?
The redesigned Telluride is proudly assembled in the United States at Kia's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia. To learn more about us and our commitment to quality American-built vehicles, feel free to read our story.
Q: Does the new Telluride offer manufacturer-backed roadside assistance?
Yes, every new Telluride includes comprehensive manufacturer-backed coverage. If you ever experience an emergency on the road, you can contact Kia Roadside Assistance: 1-800-333-4542 for 24/7 support, including towing to the nearest authorized Kia dealer.
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Find Your Perfect Three-Row SUV at Rusty Wallace Kia
Finding the perfect three-row SUV for your family does not have to be a stressful process. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the exciting updates of the redesigned Telluride. We offer a transparent buying experience designed to fit your busy schedule.
You can read our latest blog posts to stay updated on new model releases, or get directions to our dealership to browse our selection in person. If you have any questions, please call us at (423) 200-5335 to speak directly with one of our friendly sales professionals.
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