2027 Telluride Trims

Why this is a bigger deal than a normal model-year update

Most SUVs get a facelift every few years and a full redesign once a decade. The Telluride skipped a step to get here — there was no 2026 model at all, because Kia held the outgoing generation over an extra year while it finished the replacement. What arrived instead is a genuinely all-new Telluride: more second-row headroom, class-leading second-row legroom for the segment (Kia's own comparison against the prior model-year field), easier third-row access, and more cargo room behind the way-back seat. It still does the job the original Telluride built its reputation on — three rows that adults can actually sit in, without stepping up to a full-size body-on-frame SUV — it just does more of it.

The one number that reads backward at first: the new standard turbo-four makes 274 horsepower, down from the outgoing V6's 291. Don't read that as a step back. Torque is up meaningfully — 311 lb-ft versus 262 — which is the number that actually matters for a loaded three-row SUV pulling away from a light or up an on-ramp. The V6's extra horsepower lived at the top of the rev range where most family-hauling never goes; the turbo's torque shows up right when you ask for it.

Two ways to power it

Every gas Telluride shares the same 2.5-liter turbocharged four and eight-speed automatic — 274 hp, 311 lb-ft, front-wheel drive standard with all-wheel drive optional on most trims and standard on the X-Line and X-Pro builds. EPA estimates land around 22 mpg combined with front drive and 20 with all-wheel drive, typical for the class.

New for this generation is the Telluride Hybrid, offered on EX and every trim above it (not LX, not S, and no hybrid X-Pro). It pairs the same 2.5-liter turbo with a 1.65-kWh battery and electric motors for a combined 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft — genuinely more power than the old V6 ever made — with a six-speed automatic instead of the gas car's eight-speed. Fuel economy is where it earns its keep: 33 mpg combined on the standard front-drive hybrid, 35 on the specific EX FWD "FE" build riding on smaller 18-inch wheels, and 31 combined with all-wheel drive. Kia estimates a total driving range around 637 miles on that top EX FWD hybrid. Towing tops out at 5,000 lb on the gas Telluride when properly equipped and 4,500 lb on the hybrid; only the X-Pro comes with the hitch as standard equipment, and it's the only trim that skips the hybrid option entirely.

Nine trims, and a seating quirk worth knowing before you shop

The trim ladder climbs from the value-focused LX to the loaded, off-road-capable X-Pro SX Prestige, and it isn't a simple straight line — Kia mixes in the X-Line and X-Pro sub-brands partway up rather than treating them as separate models. One thing to know going in: the second row alternates between an 8-passenger bench and a 7-passenger pair of captain's chairs depending on trim, and it doesn't follow the price ladder in a straight line either. LX and EX carry the bench and seat 8; S and every SX-and-up trim (SX, X-Line SX, SX Prestige, X-Line SX Prestige, X-Pro SX Prestige) switch to captain's chairs and seat 7. If a specific seat count matters to your family, check it on the trim you're actually cross-shopping rather than assuming it tracks with price.

What Lakewood buyers say

The Telluride is a name Lakewood shoppers already know at DiFeo Kia — it's one of the store's most-mentioned models in its Google reviews, both from new-car buyers and repeat customers coming back for a second one. "6 yrs ago I purchased a Telluride from DiFeo Kia and Al was great. When I decided it was time to purchase, I didn't hesitate going back. Al once again was a pleasure to work with." — William B. Another buyer, on his second lease: "Had a really great experience leasing my second Kia Telluride. Vito always goes above and beyond with his service." — Matt F. And a family that bought two at once: "Rafael is hands down the best sales guy ever! He made our entire buying experience smooth and enjoyable. We ended up getting a new Telluride for my wife and one for myself too." — Darius M. Vito, Al Angelo, Simon, and Rafael all turn up on the store's team page, and the pattern of the same names recurring across years of Telluride reviews is hard to fake.

Living with one in Ocean County

Buying is only half the story. The Telluride service & repair guide walks through the maintenance rhythm for the turbo engine, what shore-town driving actually does to a three-row SUV, and the dealer's own DIY library. The pricing & leasing guide covers what all nine trims actually cost out the door in New Jersey, including the 6.625% sales tax and how a Telluride lease tends to pencil out.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2027 Kia Telluride a good SUV?

For most three-row shoppers, yes — it pairs a genuinely roomy second and third row with a long list of standard safety tech, Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and now a hybrid option that wasn't available on the outgoing generation. The honest trade-off is that this is an all-new design in its first model year, so there's less multi-year track record than an established nameplate; judge the ride and the tech on your own test drive.

Is the new turbo engine actually better than the old V6?

It depends what you're measuring. Peak horsepower is slightly lower (274 vs. 291), but torque — the number that matters for everyday acceleration with a full load — is up 49 lb-ft to 311. If raw power output is your yardstick, the Telluride Hybrid at 329 hp is the one that clearly beats the old V6; the standard gas engine is a wash on paper and, by most early accounts, quicker off the line in practice thanks to the torque.

How much should I pay for a 2027 Kia Telluride?

Gas trims list from $39,190 to $56,790 plus $1,545 destination; hybrid versions run roughly $2,700-$3,000 above their gas equivalent depending on trim. Your out-the-door figure in New Jersey adds 6.625% sales tax plus title and registration, and the real transaction price moves with the month's incentives — see current DiFeo Kia offers, and the pricing guide walks the full math.

Which Telluride trims get the Hybrid?

EX, SX, X-Line SX, SX Prestige, and X-Line SX Prestige. LX and S are gas-only, and there's no hybrid X-Pro — if maximum off-road hardware is the priority, you're choosing the turbo engine by default.

Why do some SUVs like the Telluride get flagged in low parking garages?

It's a size question, not a Telluride-specific defect — the Telluride is one of the taller vehicles in the three-row midsize class, and any tall SUV (especially with roof rails) can bump up against the clearance bars some older parking decks post for smaller cars. It's worth a glance at a garage's posted clearance before you pull in, same as with any full-size SUV or minivan.

Where can I test drive one near Toms River or Brick?

DiFeo Kia at 1320 Ocean Ave in Lakewood stocks the Telluride range — browse live inventory or schedule a test drive online, with at-home delivery available across Ocean and Monmouth counties.

Nine trims, one Lakewood lot

The trim guides above will narrow the field to two or three; a test drive and a real conversation about how many kids, how much gear, and how much pavement you leave will settle the rest. The whole ladder — from the value LX to the all-terrain X-Pro — sits on one lot off Route 88, a few minutes from Route 9 and the Garden State Parkway, at DiFeo Kia in Lakewood.