The 2026 Kia Telluride is getting an ambitious makeover, and U.S. Buyers have loads to be enthusiastic about. Kia’s 2d quality-selling SUV is ditching its soft, rounded styling in favor of strong, rectangular shoulders, a tech-heavy interior, and a brand-new hybrid powertrain. Right here’s everything we recognize to this point about the approaching 2026 Telluride.
Large, Boxy, and Rugged
Kia is taking cues from the range Rover school of layout with the brand new Telluride. The front fascia now capabilities double-stacked DRLs, a dissected hood area that frames the signature “tiger nose” grille, and vertical factors on the X-pro model with incorporated tow recuperation points.
From the side, you’ll see a floating roof, blacked-out A-pillars, and coloration-coded wheel arches for a rugged, technical feel. Out again, the upright tailgate and smoked vertical hind lights, whole the boxy, commanding look. Enthusiasts of the modern version may additionally note a more potent resemblance to Kia’s company sibling, the Hyundai Palisade, however with a distinctive Telluride identity.
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A Cabin filled with Tech
Inside, the 2026 Telluride takes cues from the EV9 electric-powered SUV, providing a tech-savvy and ethereal indoors. The 3-row, 9-seat layout consists of:
- Electrically adjustable and massaging seats, with optionally available 2d-row captain’s chairs.
- Wider center console with break up-opening center bin and raised clutch handles.
- Floating-impact door panels and top rate substances.
- Kia’s today’s ccNC digital instrument cluster and infotainment display screen.
- Embedded Google-based totally offerings, together with Google places, superior voice help, and virtual key.
- V2L (vehicle-to-load) functionality to energy external devices.
It’s clean Kia is making the Telluride a contemporary, related SUV for households and tech fans alike.
Powertrain: Hybrid Joins the Lineup
The 2026 Telluride isn’t just about screens and tech—it’s getting an impressive boost as well. Early reports advocate that the traditional 3.8-liter V6 can be replaced by a 3.5-liter Smartstream GDi V6, turning in 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
But the actual marvel is the 2.5-liter turbocharged hybrid producing a mixed 329 hp and 339 lb-ft. This setup may want to make the Telluride one of the few large SUVs in its class with extreme efficiency without sacrificing energy. There’s even communication of an extended-variety electric (EREV) version, wherein the 4-cylinder engine charges the battery even as dual electric automobiles take care of propulsion.
Competitors and U.S. Marketplace Outlook
The redesigned Telluride will pass head-to-head with a number of the most important names in the 3-row SUV section, which include:
- Hyundai Palisade
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Toyota Grand Highlander
- Mazda CX-ninety
- Ford Explorer
- Honda Pilot
- Nissan Pathfinder
Kia’s mixture of rugged styling, hybrid performance, and tech-laden cabin ought to assist the Telluride hold or even grow its U.S. Sales momentum. In the first half of 2025, Telluride sales within the U.S. Rose 15%, climbing from 53,700 to 61,502 devices—a robust sign that the redecorate will be well-received.
What’s subsequent
Spy images recommend that the 2026 Telluride is nearing the very last tiers of improvement, with an reputable screen predicted later this 12 months. Production will continue at Kia’s KMMG plant in West factor, Georgia, with income scheduled to start early 2026.
Whether you adore its new boxy, variety Rover-esque style or select the softer lines of the outgoing version, the 2026 Telluride is shaping up to be a tech-ahead, circle of relatives-pleasant, and electrified SUV that U.S. Consumers will need to peer in man or woman.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Kia Telluride redesign marks an ambitious leap forward for Kia’s fine-selling SUV. With its boxy, commanding styling, high-tech cabin, and all-new hybrid powertrain, it’s clear Kia is aiming to live competitively inside the U.S. Three-row SUV market. Families looking for space, comfort, and advanced capabilities will admire the refreshed indoors, whilst tech lovers will revel in the Google-primarily based infotainment and V2L talents.
Also read: 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback vs. 2026 Honda Civic Hatchback: 5 Key versions