2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro First Drive: More Capable, Still the Benchmark?

Kia didn’t just update the Telluride; they doubled down on what earned it the “Selluride” nickname in the first place. The second-generation 2027 Telluride arrives with more space, more capability, and yes, a controversial new turbocharged four-cylinder replacing the old V6. But after spending real time behind the wheel and off-road, it’s clear Kia knows what it’s doing here.

With sales up over 100 percent since launch and production ramping to meet demand, the big question is simple: Can the new X-Pro keep the momentum going?

Based on what we’ve seen, here are the top things we like.

That Turbo Four Finally Ends the V6 Debate

Let’s just get this out of the way.

Yes, the V6 is gone.

But honestly, it’s not a downgrade.

The new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder puts out 311 lb-ft of torque, which is more than the outgoing engine and right at the top of the segment. You feel it immediately when driving. Throttle response is not immediate but is strong, showing a bit of turbo lag that is made up for when you get moving. The power delivery is smooth, and paired with the 8-speed automatic, it just works.

Even Kia engineers confirmed these engines are torture-tested to handle the load, just like any V6. These 2.5L 4-cylinder engines were engineered for the boost and loads they are carrying.

Bottom line: more torque, similar efficiency, and no real downside in daily driving.

Real Off-Road Cred, Not Just Looks

This is where the X-Pro separates itself from the “off-road appearance package” crowd.

You’re getting:

• 9.1 inches of ground clearance
• Four real recovery points, two front and two rear
• Standard e-LSD (electronic limited-slip differential)
• Off-road tuned suspension with extra travel
• Real skid plates

That’s not marketing hyperbole, that’s actual capability (and more ground clearance than the recently released Ford Explorer Tremor).

The X-Pro uses thick, real metal skid plates, not the thin aluminum or plastic panels you’ll find on some other “off-road” competitors.

We’ve seen these take actual trail abuse. Yes, you can dent them, but that’s kind of the point; they’re doing their job. Better to dent a removable panel than your oil pan.

The X-Pro rides on 18-inch wheels and 255/60R18 all-terrain tires. 

Smart Off-Road Tech That’s Actually Useful

The new Telluride brings some legit tech upgrades for off-road driving:

• Ground View Monitor (see what’s under you)
• Terrain modes (snow, mud, sand)
• Off-road data display (pitch, roll, temps)

One standout feature is the Ground View Monitor that displays what is around the front tires, even underneath the nose of the Telluride, right on the infotainment screen. When navigating tight places or steep elevation changes, camera views like this could mean the difference between avoiding an obstacle altogether or plowing straight through something over a blind hill.

The different terrain modes, standard on all AWD Telluride models, change how the vehicle performs off-road. We were instructed multiple times to use Mud Mode throughout the course. The biggest advantage to us was the automatic implementation of downhill descent control while in Mud Mode, though it was a bit unnerving, taking my feet completely off the pedals at a negative 20º grade.

Lastly, the off-road data screen on the infotainment display gave a lot of good, pertinent information from pitch and roll readings to oil, trans, and coolant temps. 

More Space Everywhere

Kia made the 2027 Telluride bigger in all the right ways, and it’s immediately noticeable once you get inside. The longer wheelbase and overall growth translate into more usable room across the board, especially in the second and third rows. Rear passengers get additional legroom, and cargo space has been improved as well, making this SUV even more family-ready than before. It’s not just about numbers on a spec sheet either; it actually feels more open and less cramped, which is exactly what buyers in this segment are looking for.

The second-row captain’s chairs are a standout, offering heating, ventilation, and plenty of stretch-out space that makes long trips far more comfortable. And importantly, the third row isn’t an afterthought. It’s genuinely usable for adults, with better access and enough room to avoid that knees-to-chest feeling you still get in some competitors. Kia continues to nail interior packaging here, and this new Telluride only strengthens that reputation.

Interior Still Sets the Benchmark

Yet another strong suit of the outgoing Telluride was its premium cabin, and the 2027 model keeps that streak alive in a big way. The interior is packed with tech and comfort features that feel genuinely premium, not just checkbox items. You get large dual 12.3-inch displays that are easy to use and well integrated, along with dual wireless chargers that work and make sense for how people travel today. 

Our X-Pro had engineered carbon accents that helped break up all the black that has been a hallmark of modern interiors. The mix of materials like suede and SynTex synthetic leather gives the interior a refined, upscale vibe without going over the top. It’s comfortable, functional, and thoughtfully designed in a way that makes you forget what you’re paying for it. That’s been the Telluride’s secret sauce from the start, and this new version continues to punch well above its weight.

Thoughtful Details for Real Use

It’s often the little things that separate a good SUV from a great one, and the 2027 Telluride X-Pro is packed with thoughtful touches that you really start to appreciate the longer you spend with it. My personal favorite is the LED lighting integrated into the tailgate. You can adjust the brightness and even the tone, which means whether you’re setting up camp late at night or just digging through gear, you’ve got proper illumination exactly where you need it. It’s the kind of feature you don’t think about until you use it, and then you wonder why everyone doesn’t do it.

Beyond that, Kia continues to nail the everyday usability stuff. There’s smart storage throughout the cabin, flexible cupholder setups, and all-weather floor mats that extend all the way through the second and third rows, perfect if you’re using this thing for adventures. Even small touches like the controls to access the third row and well-placed USB-C ports throughout show that real thought went into how people will live with this vehicle. None of these features will headline a spec sheet, but together they make the Telluride feel more complete than most of its competitors.

Flush Door Handles That Actually Address Concerns

Flush-mounted door handles tend to spark a lot of debate, especially for buyers in colder climates, and Kia clearly knows that. On the 2027 Telluride, these are a second-generation design, and they feel much more thought-out than what we’ve seen on the Kia EV9. When the vehicle is locked, they sit flush with the body for a cleaner look and better aerodynamics, but there’s a two-piece design underneath that helps address one of the biggest concerns, ice buildup.

According to Kia, if ice does form over the handle, it’s designed so you can simply break it free with a swift bump from your elbow and still access the handle. There’s also an important safety element here. If the vehicle loses power in an accident, the handles have an emergency pop-out function so first responders can still get inside. That combination of design, usability, and safety makes these feel less like a gimmick and more like a feature that’s ready for real-world use.

Final Thoughts

There was a lot riding on the second-generation Telluride, including the entire brand’s perception. The 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro proves that Kia didn’t mess with a winning formula; they refined it while still taking chances. Yes, the switch to a turbocharged four-cylinder will get attention, but after driving it, that concern feels overblown. You’re getting more torque, solid drivability, and the same level of confidence buyers expect. Pair that with real off-road capability upgrades, more interior space, and a continued focus on comfort, and this starts to look like a very smart evolution of an already dominant SUV.

From trail-ready hardware to family-friendly features and thoughtful little touches, the X-Pro doesn’t force you to choose between capability and comfort. It does both, and it does them well. If Kia’s goal was to keep the Telluride at the top of the segment, this version makes a strong case that it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.