Kia Introduced 2027 Telluride With Turbo Engine

The redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride has launched in the United States with a new four-cylinder powertrain.

Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Car Types

Isometric editorial illustration of a stylized engine block and abstract chassis frame, representing the technical shift in automotive powertrain design. — Kia has launched the 2027 Telluride in the United States, replacing the previous V6 engine with a new turbocharged four-cylinder unit. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Kia has released the 2027 Telluride, moving away from its previous V6 engine to a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit. This second-generation SUV also features a chassis extension of 2.3 inches compared to the outgoing model.

Why it matters

The transition to the smaller engine was necessitated by California's strict ACC2 SULEV 30 emissions regulations. As these standards expand, the industry faces a broader shift away from V6 configurations in family-friendly SUVs.

The 2027 base model produces 311 lb-ft of torque at 1,700 rpm, marking an increase over the 262 lb-ft output of the prior V6. The new version carries a base price of $39,190, up from the $36,390 cost of the 2025 model.

The players

Kia

This South Korean automaker is the parent brand responsible for the design and manufacturing of the Telluride SUV.

Hyundai

This automotive group manages the development of vehicle platforms and emissions compliance strategies for its shared brands.

The details

The new 2.5-liter engine delivers 15 fewer horsepower than the retired 3.8-liter V6 and adds 250 pounds to the vehicle's total weight. Consequently, the 2027 Telluride records a 0-60 mph acceleration time that is 0.7 seconds slower than the previous generation.

The original Kia Telluride launched in the United States in 2019.
The second-generation Telluride reached the market for the 2027 model year.

Roadmap

The shift to smaller turbocharged engines reflects an industry-wide move to phase out traditional V6 powerplants in favor of more efficient emissions compliance. This redesign positions Kia at the forefront of a transition that likely foreshadows similar changes for rival family-sized SUVs.

Buyers looking at the 2027 Telluride will encounter a higher starting price of $39,190 compared to the $36,390 baseline of the 2025 model. Additionally, drivers should expect different acceleration performance due to the increased weight and engine changes.

The takeaway

Drivers prioritizing high-end power may note that the latest SUV focuses more on emissions compliance than previous performance figures. Prospective owners should test drive the new engine configuration to see how the torque changes affect their daily driving experience.