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The Kia Telluride was fully redesigned for 2027. Kia skipped the 2026 model year.
- Car Seat Tilt Added: You can now tilt and slide the second-row captain’s seats forward with a car seat installed (using LATCH) to access the third row easily. That’s huge for loading kids without uninstalling seats.
- Expanded Car Seat Anchors & Tether Points: Kia added lower anchors in both outboard third-row seats and three top tethers, significantly boosting car seat versatility compared to the outgoing model — meaning more kids, more combinations, more flexibility.
- Excellent Second-Row Space: Kia continues to offer best in class second row legroom and space.
The Exterior
Exterior: Boxy, Bold & Very EV9-Inspired
Kia has completely reworked the exterior of the Telluride, and the new design feels much more cohesive with the rest of the Kia lineup especially the EV9.
The 2027 Telluride is:
- More angular
- More boxy
- More modern and sporty
From the side profile, it honestly gives luxury SUV vibes. There are moments where it looks very Range Rover-esque (without the Range Rover price tag). The flush door handles that extend when unlocked add to that elevated feel.
I personally love it in white, it gives great contrast and keeps the bold lines from feeling too heavy.
If I had one critique, it’s the rear design. It’s very flat and angular, and while it’s clean, I would have loved just a bit more dimension in the taillight design. The front and side are strong. The back is fine... just not my favorite angle.
First Row
Interior Redesign: Modern, Minimal & Functional
The interior has been completely redone and this is where opinions might split.
There’s a massive new screen that flows beautifully into the dash. It feels tech-forward and clean. I was thrilled tosee lots of physcial buttons for climate control and volume. Kia struggles in this department with other models (cough, Carnival, cough) but not here! ,
Things I like:
- Huge infotainment screen
- Physical volume scroller
- Large, easy-to-use climate buttons
- Two wireless chargers with clear charging indicators
- Multiple USB-C ports (including a designated Apple CarPlay port)
- Extra cubby storage
Things I’m unsure about:
- The gear selector placement (it’s a bit intrusive and awkward)
- Some of the materials feel more minimal than the outgoing model
It doesn’t feel luxury — and that’s okay because it’s not a luxury vehicle — but I do miss some of the texture and finish details from the previous generation.
Functionally though? It works really well.
Second Row
Second Row: Excellent for Car Seats
Now let’s talk about what matters most.
The Telluride continues to shine in the second row. The legroom is excellent, and the doors open wide — which is a big deal when you’re loading infant seats.
I tested it with a bulky infant seat (Chicco KeyFit Max) behind the driver seat set for me at 6 feet tall — and it fit comfortably.
New for 2027: Car Seat Tilt Feature
This is a huge improvement.
You can now tilt and slide the captain’s chair forward even with a car seat installed using LATCH to access the third row. That’s a major win for real-life usability.
Skip the bench if you can — the captain’s chairs are the better option here. The bench isn't available on all trims, its hard to find and it has major seat belt overlap issues.
Seat Belt Improvements
Another important update: the seat belts are no longer recessed into the seat cushions. They’re now mounted on the side, making it much easier for booster riders to buckle independently.
It’s not perfect, but it’s absolutely better.
Third Row
Third Row: More Versatile Than Before
The third row has been slightly elevated (stadium-style), which improves visibility but does impact leg comfort slightly. Taller passengers may find their knees sit higher than ideal.
However, the versatility has significantly improved.
New for 2027:
- Lower anchors in both outboard third-row seats
- Three total top tether anchors
The outgoing model only had one set of lower anchors and two tethers. This update dramatically improves car seat flexibility.
As a CPST, versatility is everything. Families grow. Carpools happen. Drop-offs change. The ability to shift kids around the vehicle matters — and the 2027 Telluride finally gives you that flexibility.
Amenities back there are strong too:
- Ceiling vents
- USB-C charging
- Cupholders on both sides
No one feels forgotten in the third row.
Trunk
Cargo Space & Stroller Test
With the third row up, I was able to fit a full-size UPPAbaby Vista stroller in the trunk.
For a midsize SUV, that’s impressive.
You also get:
- Under-floor storage
- Easy manual fold-flat third row (no power, which I actually prefer for speed)
- Power-adjustable second-row seats from the trunk
It’s not the largest trunk in the segment, but it’s functional and family-ready.
Safety
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