Kia Telluride X-Pro Conquers Off-Road, Embraces Power Upgrade

Kia Telluride X-Pro Conquers Off-Road, Embraces Power Upgrade

The 2027 Kia Telluride is here, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more capable than ever. Kia has revamped this popular three-row SUV. They aim to keep its impressive sales momentum going. The first generation changed the game for families looking beyond Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander. It offered stylish design and cool features. Now, Kia has to nail the second generation. They did.

Bigger and Better for Families

The new Telluride has grown. It’s about 2.3 inches longer. The wheelbase is stretched by 2.7 inches. Height is up by up to an inch. This means more space inside. Third-row legroom gains 0.7 inches. Third-row headroom is up 2.3 inches. Total interior volume increases by 2.5 cubic feet. Your family will have more room to stretch out.

New Heart: Turbocharged Power

Kia ditched the old V6 engine. The new standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo. It makes 274 horsepower. It also produces 311 pound-feet of torque. That’s 49 more pound-feet than the old V6. This new engine feels stronger, especially at low speeds. The old V6 sometimes felt weak until you revved it high. This turbo-four has power ready when you need it. It works with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

X-Pro: Ready for Adventure

The Telluride X-Pro trim is now a serious off-roader. It’s not just for looks anymore. Ground clearance is increased to 9.1 inches. That’s a jump of 0.7 inches. The tires are larger, too. It now includes dedicated off-road modes. An off-road display shows crucial info. This includes vehicle tilt and engine temperature. It also has front and rear recovery points. These are vital for getting unstuck.

Off-Road Prowess Tested

Kia set up a real off-road course. It was challenging, not a simple dirt patch. The X-Pro handled steep inclines and rough terrain well. It forded a shallow riverbed with ease. The surround-view cameras helped guide the vehicle. Traction was impressive, even on loose rocks. Kia’s electronic limited-slip differential (ELSD) worked effectively. It used brakes to send power where needed. The system responded quickly when a wheel lifted off the ground. This programming is a big step up for Kia. It felt more refined than previous off-road systems.

Areas for Improvement

While capable, the X-Pro could use more protection. A standard front skid plate is a must. It’s currently an optional dealer add-on. Adding one under the fuel tank would be great too. This would help it compete with rivals like the Ford Explorer Tremor or Jeep Grand Cherokee L. These offer more underbody protection. The Telluride X-Pro isn’t a rock crawler. But it can handle more than you might expect with its 9.1 inches of ground clearance.

Hybrid Option: Smooth and Efficient

For those who don’t need extreme off-road gear, the hybrid is compelling. It pairs the 2.5-liter turbo engine with two electric motors. This setup produces 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. That’s a significant boost over the old V6. The hybrid is smoother and quicker to respond. Electric motors provide instant torque. Fuel economy is excellent. Expect low 30s MPG combined for AWD models. This is about 8 MPG better than the gas-only version. While it costs a bit more upfront, the savings and driving experience are worth it for many.

Refined Driving Experience

The Telluride drives like a vehicle from a class above. Steering feels a bit heavy. But the suspension is excellent. It soaks up bumps smoothly. Road noise is minimal. Body control is solid, even on rough surfaces. It feels more like a luxury SUV. Think Acura or Genesis rather than just another family hauler. The styling also echoes premium brands. The rear three-quarter view resembles a Range Rover.

Value and Pricing

The 2027 Kia Telluride gas models range from about $39,000 to $57,000. Destination fees add $1,500. Hybrid models start around $46,000 and go up to $58,000. Fully loaded models can exceed $60,000. This is a lot of money. But you get a lot of luxury, design, and capability for the price. Kia backs it with a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This offers peace of mind for long-term ownership.

Verdict

Kia has hit a home run with the new Telluride. The X-Pro offers genuine off-road upgrades. The hybrid provides a powerful and efficient driving experience. The interior is spacious and refined. It offers a luxurious feel at a competitive price. This updated Telluride is a top contender in the three-row SUV market. It successfully blends style, capability, and value.

Source: The New 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro Is Really AMAZING: And Here's Why! (YouTube)