2027 Kia Telluride LX Review: The Most Affordable New Midsize SUV?

Redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride

• 🚀 The 2027 Kia Telluride marks the second generation with a significant redesign, featuring a new styling that has garnered mixed reviews.
• 💡 The model year is 2027 to ensure sufficient production time before hitting dealerships, addressing potential delays.

Exterior Design and Features

• ✨ The gunmetal metallic gray paint offers a sporty and classy look, complemented by vertical LED headlights, turn signals, and daytime running lamps.
• 🚗 The LX trim features an 18-inch gloss black wheel with a Kia badge, and a mixture of flat and gloss black around the fender openings.
• 💨 The rear design includes a hidden wiper, a roof spoiler, and Range Rover-inspired tail lights, with a longer and wider body compared to the previous generation.

Powertrain and Performance

• ⚙️ All trims, including the base LX, share the same 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
• ⛽ Front-wheel drive LX models achieve an estimated 20 MPG city and 26 MPG highway, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs.
• ⚠️ The 0-60 mph time for the FWD model is around 6.8 seconds, and drivers may experience traction breaking on initial acceleration.

Interior and Technology

• 💰 The 2027 Telluride LX has an MSRP of $40,750, offering a surprisingly well-appointed interior for a base model.
• 📱 Features include a 12.3-inch infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, real buttons for climate control, three USBC ports, and two wireless chargers.
• 🛋️ The interior boasts soft-touch materials, stitching, titanium accents, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, manual tilt and telescoping adjustment.

Space and Practicality

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The mid-row offers a bench seat, USB-C ports, AC controls with vents, and seats that slide and recline.
• 📦 The third row provides ample room with AC vents and USB-C ports, even on the base LX trim.
• 🧳 The cargo area offers 22.3 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 48.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and nearly 90 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

Driving Experience

• 👍 The driving experience in the LX trim feels elevated, comparable to higher trims of the previous generation, with great visibility and comfortable seats.
• 🛣️ The vehicle is easy to drive with good turning radius and comfortable ride quality, despite the four-cylinder turbo engine's audible presence.
• 🏆 The 2027 Kia Telluride LX is presented as a strong value proposition in the midsize SUV market, offering significant amenities for its price point.