The Kia leaned into traditional SUV styling with clean, boxy lines and large upright headlights. Both have been big successes for the brands, and both of those SUVs were revealed quite close to each other. So, it's been strange that the current Telluride has soldiered on while Hyundai is rolling out the next-generation Palisade. We've even driven the new Hyundai, and we've only had glimpses of the Kia via spy shots. That's about to change, though.
We'll See It At The L.A. Auto Show
Yes, Kia has finally given a reveal date for the Telluride. It will be shown at the L.A. Auto Show on November 20. To go along with the date announcement, the company released a brief teaser video highlighting the fact that the model has been built in Georgia, and will continue to be built there. It also ends with a shot of an SUV in a dark room with the headlights on. It might be the new model, but it's practically impossible to make anything out from it. Kia also confirmed that the first model year for the new SUV will be 2027.
What We Know About The New One So Far
While Kia has managed to keep the new Telluride fairly hidden, we did get a decent look at it this summer thanks to spy photos of a thinly disguised prototype. Kia is definitely leaning into the design language of the existing model, retaining the upright and boxy shape. That look is augmented by what appears to be an even larger grille and larger headlights than before. The rear of the SUV also seems to have larger versions of the current taillights and a hatch and rear pillars that look more vertical than those of the Hyundai. Kia's geometric wheel styling for its EVs will also show up on the new Telluride.
Naturally, the Telluride will be quite similar to the Palisade when it comes to the mechanical bits. It will have the same platform and be roughly the same size. It will also probably have the same powertrains. That means the base engine will probably be the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, which makes 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It will also probably get an optional turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. In the Palisade, it makes 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque and is connected to a six-speed automatic. Front- and all-wheel drive will likely be available, too. Kia doesn't always mirror Hyundai's powertrain options precisely, though, so there could be a small difference somewhere in the line.
We're also expecting Kia to have more off-road-oriented options, especially since Hyundai has added its own XRT trim to the Palisade. Kia's version will probably carry the X-Pro name, with models that just get the X-Pro's looks called X-Line. We'll know all the details soon enough, and we'll keep an eye out for any teasers launched between now and the reveal date.
