2027 Kia Telluride Swaps V6 Performance for Efficiency and Torque
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It’s clear that the Telluride has been a crucial vehicle for Kia. Together with its platform partner, the Hyundai Palisade, the Telluride became an immediate success thanks to its exceptional value, high-quality interior, driving dynamics, and some distinctive design elements, such as the amber rectangular daytime running lights. Now, the second generation has arrived, seemingly building on the strengths of the original.
Since we’ve already touched on the design, let’s dive into the details. The standard powertrain for the Telluride is now a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, replacing the previous 3.8-liter V6. This change does slightly reduce the SUV's overall power—the base model of the second generation will offer 274 horsepower as standard, compared to the 291 hp of the previous Telluride—but it significantly enhances torque. The 2026 Telluride has a minimum torque of 311 lb-ft, which is an increase of 49 lb-ft from before. This alteration is also expected to improve the Telluride's fuel economy, as the old V6 wasn’t very impressive in terms of gas mileage, averaging 20 mpg.
Kia has not yet released EPA figures for the base powertrain (nor has the EPA), but it has provided them for the hybrid option, marking new territory for the Telluride. Adding a battery and electric motors to the turbo-four raises power and torque to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft, respectively. This configuration should also yield up to 35 mpg and offer an estimated maximum driving range of 600 miles.
If the previous Telluride lacked space for you, the new model elongates the wheelbase by 2.7 inches and overall length by 2.3 inches, which will be particularly beneficial for third-row passengers. The interior presents a modernized version of the original, enhanced by Kia’s latest technology. Having recently driven a first-gen Telluride, I can confidently say the new model is a significant upgrade over what was available before.
It features a trio of displays, including the instrument cluster and infotainment screen, with a smaller one in the middle for easy HVAC adjustments. There’s no need to worry too much about physical controls, as there are large rocker switches for temperature and fan speed for both the driver and passenger. All USB ports have been transitioned to USB-C, and each front-row passenger now has access to a wireless charging pad. Overall, the new dashboard is sleek and streamlined, featuring a nice textured strip—either wood or carbon, depending on the trim—across its length.
Kia claims to have made significant improvements in noise, vibration, and harshness for the new Telluride, implementing triple door seals, increased sound-deadening materials, and thicker glass.
In terms of driving dynamics, all new Tellurides, regardless of trim, now benefit from a new rack-mounted motor-driven power steering system that Kia states provides better feedback and quicker responses to driving inputs, enhancing steering precision. Additionally, unlike many competing models with soft-roader appearance packages, the Telluride X-Pro adds capability with a unique suspension system that allows for greater stroke and terrain modes, 9.1 inches of ground clearance (Kia hasn’t disclosed the ride height for the standard model), all-terrain tires, and front and rear recovery points.
The new Telluride appears to be an improvement in every aspect, which leaves two remaining considerations: exterior design and pricing. I must admit that I'm starting to appreciate this SUV, possibly influenced by the forest green-like color available on the hybrid model in Kia's press images. However, I recognize that it might not appeal to everyone. There's a line in the vehicle’s press release that describes the “aggressively designed triangular creases in the fenders as resembling the chiseled facets of a diamond.” This may not be the comparison I would make, but I’ll let Kia have that one. Perhaps those creases contribute to the new Telluride achieving a lower drag coefficient of 0.30, an improvement over the prior generation's 0.33 Cd.
Finally, there's the issue of price. Kia has not provided details yet, but it would be remiss not to acknowledge that the new Telluride will have big shoes to fill. A fully loaded first-gen Telluride X-Pro that I had as a loaner last week was priced at just $56,240, which is remarkable value. This leaves me curious about how high Kia may raise that price, especially considering we’ve surpassed an average new car transaction price of $50K. We should get more clarity on that in the upcoming months, ahead of the new Telluride’s arrival at dealers in the first quarter of 2026.
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VW’s 2025 ID.Cross concept is transitioning into a production electric vehicle.
This electric version of the subcompact T-Cross introduces a new design language for VW.
The concept features a front-mounted motor with 208 hp and a range of 261 miles.
Volkswagen’s smallest electric SUV has emerged from the concept phase and is now on public roads. Our spy photographers captured the first images of the ID.Cross prototype, providing an initial glimpse of the subcompact EV that was showcased at the Munich Auto Show last September.
Although still clad in camouflage, the production model bears a striking resemblance to the original concept.
The proportions appear nearly identical; the ID.Cross has short overhangs, a rounded front, and a slightly tapered rear that reflects the concept’s “urban-friendly” design.
The final version is expected to align closely with the concept’s dimensions, which were optimized to maximize interior space within a compact size: about 4,160 mm (163.8 inches) in length, making it shorter than the Taos in the U.S. and squarely within the subcompact EV segment.
Even while camouflaged, the outlines of the headlights and taillights appear reminiscent of those from the Munich exhibit, hinting at VW’s latest light-bar design. Although not visible, it’s likely that the three illuminated rectangles integrated into the concept’s black C-pillar have made their way to the production model as well.
The concept's quirky interior, designed to resemble a yoga studio on wheels, won't be carried over in its entirety, so don’t expect pastel lighting or Zen-garden textures in the standard version.
However, VW's newest compact cabin layout, featuring a larger infotainment screen and enhanced physical controls, should be included.
What powers it?
The ID.Cross is based on the latest iteration of the MEB platform, which has been optimized for this new front-wheel-drive generation of small electric vehicles, including the ID.Polo.
The concept was designed with a single-motor configuration generating about 208 hp (211 PS / 155 kW), which is a plausible target for the production model. Additionally, we anticipate that less powerful options will also be introduced to broaden availability.
Volkswagen did not disclose the battery size for the concept, but they indicated it could achieve a 261-mile (420 km) WLTP electric range, providing a good indication of the real-world driving capabilities we can expect when it debuts globally next year.
Will the U.S. get it?
Sales in the U.S. have not yet been confirmed; however, in Europe, the ID.Cross is expected to start around £25,000/€28,000 ($32,000) when it competes against other electric crossovers like the Kia EV2, Toyota Urban Cruiser, and its VW Group counterparts, the Skoda Epiq and Cupra Raval.
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It competes with the Dodge Charger and Nissan Sentra.
2027 Kia Telluride Swaps V6 Performance for Efficiency and Torque
A complete redesign for Kia's value leader is set to be launched next year, featuring new turbocharged four-cylinder and hybrid powertrains.