2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro: The Complete Three-Row Package

Stylish, spacious, and finally trail-capable without compromise

There are three-row SUVs that look good on paper and three-row SUVs that actually feel right once you start living with them. The 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX-Prestige lands firmly in the second category. After a week of Texas driving—commutes, family hauls, and the usual mix of highway and suburban roads—I kept coming back to the same thought: this might be the most complete midsize three-row Kia has ever built.

The previous Telluride was already a strong contender. This redesign doesn’t just refine it. It fills in the last remaining gaps while keeping the things that already worked. The result is a vehicle that feels purposeful whether you’re loading kids and gear or pointing it down a gravel road for the weekend.

Looks That Stick

Kia has a clear design philosophy with this generation: make the best-looking version of the vehicle rather than forcing every model in the lineup to share the same face. That approach serves the Telluride well. The new design is boxy and flat-fronted in a way that feels intentional instead of trendy. Proportions are solid, and the stance is confident without trying too hard.

The X-Pro package adds the details that make the biggest difference. Bright recovery hooks front and rear, a blacked-out grille, and those distinctive wheel arches with the little “buckle” design that looks like it’s clamping into the sheet metal. Black roof rails and a subtle black accent create a floating-roof effect that works especially well with the Terrain Brown Matte paint on our tester. That matte finish gives the truck real character in Texas light—something a glossy color simply wouldn’t deliver the same way.

Flush door handles that pop out and side mirrors that fold when you lock the vehicle are small touches, but they land. There’s something satisfying about watching the mirrors tuck in and knowing the vehicle is secured. Around back the design stays clean and flat, with minimal taillights and well-spaced Telluride lettering. It looks more expensive than many of its competitors, and the Continental all-terrain tires on 18-inch black wheels complete the look without feeling costume-like.

Inside the Cabin

Slide inside and the Telluride continues to feel thoughtfully executed. The seats are a genuine highlight. Perforated leather with suede inserts, mesh headrests, and heating and ventilation for both the front and second-row captain’s chairs. The driver’s seat adds a massage function that works better than most systems in this class. Materials feel a step above what the price suggests, and the overall layout is clean and logical.

The dual 12.3-inch screens stretch across the dash in a way that looks modern without overwhelming the cabin. There’s a head-up display, Meridian audio, and dual wireless phone chargers up front. I’ll admit I usually dislike dual chargers—they tend to eat usable space—but the layout here actually works. Having two is convenient once you start using them regularly.

Second-row space is excellent for adults or kids, and the third row is genuinely usable by three-row standards. Adults can sit back there for shorter trips without feeling completely packed in. Visibility is strong, the driving position is comfortable (I’m 6’1″ and fit without issue), and Kia’s infotainment system remains one of the more intuitive setups in the segment. Small practical touches—plenty of USB-C ports, a digital rear-view mirror, and a 360-degree camera—add up quickly in daily use.

How It Drives

Under the hood sits the new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. That torque figure is the one that matters day to day. It’s 49 pound-feet more than the old V6, and you feel it when merging or passing. Power routes through an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive on the X-Pro.

The Telluride doesn’t pretend to be sporty, and that’s fine. What it does is feel composed and capable. Ride quality is comfortable without becoming floaty. Steering is accurate enough for a vehicle this size, and the cabin stays quiet at highway speeds. There is a slightly longer, more “lunging” character to the way it moves compared to a pure on-road crossover. That personality fits the X-Pro mission. It feels like a vehicle that can handle more than pavement when asked.

Real-world fuel economy tracked closely with expectations. Over mixed Texas driving I saw about 17.5 miles per gallon, which lines up well with the official 17/22/19 EPA estimates for the X-Pro with all-terrain tires. Short trips dropped into the low 12s, as expected with a turbo engine and stop-and-go traffic. Adaptive cruise and the full suite of driver assists work smoothly and without drama.

Space That Works

Cargo space is one of the Telluride’s quiet strengths. You get 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.7 with the third row folded, and 89.3 cubic feet with everything flat. Those numbers put it near the top of the midsize three-row class.

I own a Kia Carnival and appreciate pure minivan space. The Telluride comes surprisingly close while still offering the form factor and capability of an SUV. Groceries, hockey gear, weekend bags, or a mix of all three fit without forcing creative packing. The power liftgate and available self-leveling rear suspension (helpful when loaded or towing) make the practical side of ownership easier.

Towing capacity sits at 5,000 pounds, with some configurations claiming higher. Ground clearance is 9.1 inches on the X-Pro, and the package includes an electronic limited-slip rear differential, terrain modes, recovery hooks, and a Ground View Monitor. I didn’t put it through serious trail work, but for the light off-roading most families actually do—gravel roads, muddy campsites, or a rutted path to a cabin—the hardware feels purposeful rather than decorative.

Price and the Competition

Our X-Pro SX-Prestige tester landed at $59,580 with the matte paint and destination. That’s real money, but it also includes nearly every feature available. The broader Telluride lineup starts much lower, so buyers can still find strong value further down the range.

Direct competitors include the Hyundai Palisade (especially the XRT), Honda Pilot, and Toyota Grand Highlander. The Palisade remains a close relative and sometimes undercuts the Telluride on price. The Pilot is still excellent but feels less premium inside. The Grand Highlander wins on hybrid efficiency if maximum fuel economy is the priority. For the combination of design, interior quality, space, and light capability, the Telluride X-Pro currently sits near the top of the list.

Final Thoughts

The 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro doesn’t reinvent the three-row SUV. It simply executes the formula unusually well. The design is sharp and distinctive. The interior is comfortable and thoughtfully equipped. The space works for real family life. And the X-Pro hardware adds meaningful capability without spoiling the on-road manners.

If you want to see how it looks and drives in motion, check out our full video review on the TXGarage YouTube channel. The written version only tells part of the story.

This is a vehicle that feels complete. It handles the daily grind, the family hauls, and the occasional weekend adventure without forcing major compromises. For most people shopping this segment, that’s exactly the combination that matters.