The three-row SUV segment is more competitive than ever, but one Korean contender continues to stand out by offering more luxury for less money. While the Toyota Grand Highlander has quickly become the default recommendation for many families, the newly redesigned Kia Telluride makes a strong case for itself with a lower starting price, a more upscale cabin, and an impressive amount of standard equipment. For 2027, Kia has given its popular family hauler a major overhaul, introducing bolder styling, new off-road-inspired trims, and updated technology throughout.

Despite its price increase this year, the Telluride still undercuts the Grand Highlander while delivering an interior that feels surprisingly premium for the segment. It also continues to excel where family buyers care most, offering generous passenger room across all three rows, plenty of cargo space, and a smooth, quiet ride that makes long road trips feel effortless. Add in a strong list of comfort and tech features, and it’s easy to see why the Telluride remains one of the best-value midsize SUVs on the market.

The all-new Kia Telluride continues to dominate its segment in 2026

A fresh set of duds help put this family SUV further ahead

If you’re in the market for a three-row mid-size SUV, there are currently a bevy of options on the market, with the Grand Highlander being considered the safe choice. The Kia Telluride has been consistently ranked among the best value options in the segment, though, with a much lower starting price and a more premium interior. While it has gotten more expensive this year, as a result of a major overhaul, it still feels like the option that gives you the most bang for your buck.

2027 Kia Telluride trims and pricing

The Kia Telluride has been completely overhauled for the 2027 model year. It has taken on a boxier and more rugged look, and its trim line has been imbued with a number of off-road-focused trims to match. It has been subject to a pretty substantial increase in price compared to the outgoing model, but it still starts quite a bit cheaper than the Toyota Grand Highlander, which features a starting price of $41,860.

There are quite a few trims to choose from here, which can be pretty overwhelming. Essentially, the LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige are the trim levels, going up in equipment in that order. X-Line models feature some more rugged aesthetic components to give the Telluride a more muscular appearance. X-Pro models come with genuine off-road equipment to match these rugged looks, such as a unique suspension system, a higher ride height, all-terrain tires, and more.

Which trim should you choose?

While we can see adventure seekers opting for the fully-kitted SX X-Pro models, we think that the average three-row buyer will be happier with the EX trim. Its price tag isn’t too much heftier than the base model, and it comes with a ton of desirable equipment, such as faux-leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, acoustic glass, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, among other features.

Inside, the Telluride feels surprisingly premium and offers tons of space in all three rows

The whole family will find themselves quite comfortable

Obviously, one of the most important factors in a three-row SUV is how much interior space it offers. In this sense, the Telluride has always felt like one of the best options on the market. As part of the 2027 update, Kia’s family SUV has gotten a little bigger, which means even more space on the inside. As well as this, you’ll find that the cabin of the Telluride is impressively upscale.

Interior dimensions and comfort

The Telluride comes standard with a bench in the second row, meaning that there is space for up to eight in the SUV. Second-row captain’s chairs are available though, which brings capacity down to seven but makes those back seats a far more comfortable place to be. There is tons of space in the Kia regardless, with it offering some of the best third-row legroom in its class. We’re also particularly impressed with how much cargo space there is behind the third row.

Kia has kept the general design language in the Telluride very similar for the 2027 model. The updates they have made make the cabin feel a little sleeker and a little bit more modern. Build quality is exceptional here, and some models even come with premium materials, like faux-wood, to give it a slightly more premium touch. In fact, there are plenty of luxury features on offer here that you wouldn’t generally expect from a mainstream brand.

Infotainment and technology

Every Telluride comes with a standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen. This screen sits on top of the dashboard and shares a bezel with the gauge cluster. From the SX and up, you also get a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, while models lower in the trim lineup feature a hybrid gauge cluster with a smaller screen.

There is some impressive standard tech in the new Telluride, though, including a generative AI voice assistant which can control most cabin functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also both standard, as is a dual wireless phone charger up front. A pretty mediocre eight-speaker sound system is standard, but higher trim levels come equipped with a 14-speaker Meridian system which will please audiophiles.

Kia has ditched the old V-6 in favor of a new turbocharged four-cylinder

Despite downsizing, they haven’t sacrificed power

Credit: Kia

It has become pretty common for automakers to downsize their engines, with tightening emissions laws forcing larger engines with more cylinders out of the market. Kia has followed this trend by getting rid of the V-6 that used to power the outgoing Telluride. However, the turbo-four in the new model is an overachiever, and most buyers won’t even notice the difference in power.

2027 Kia Telluride performance and efficiency

Base Trim Engine

2.5L

Base Trim Transmission

8-speed automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

274 HP

Base Trim Torque

311 lb.-ft.

Make

Kia

Model

Telluride

Segment

Midsize SUV

Every non-hybrid Telluride comes equipped with the same 2.5-liter turbocharged engine under the hood. This engine makes 274 horsepower where the old V-6 put down 291 horses. However, the new model has more torque at 311 pound-feet. Power is sent through a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive being optional on most models and standard on every trim above the EX.

Kia’s mid-size SUV has never been about performance, rather opting to be as comfortable as possible. We think this is the right approach for a three-row family SUV. That being said, it is still quick enough off the line, getting up to 60 miles per hour in around 7.4 seconds. It also continues to offer a class-above ride quality, and road noise is kept to a minimum thanks to some really successful sound deadening.

Bigger and more expensive, but no less of a bargain

Kia has had a meteoric rise in the last couple of years, and it really isn’t hard to see why. They put value above all else, aiming to offer a more refined vehicle than their rivals at a more affordable price. The Telluride is the perfect example of this, with a starting price that is lower than competitors like the Toyota Grand Highlander, but an interior that feels more spacious and loaded with luxuries from the word go. For families looking to stretch their budget that little bit further, it continues to be one of the best options on the market.