When Kia unveiled the 2027 Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige, it aimed to rewrite the script for three-row SUVs. Priced at $58,335 (including a $1,545 destination charge), the vehicle positions itself between luxury crossovers and true off-road machines. Stephen Rivers of CarScoops spent a full week behind the wheel, noting that the model’s blend of high-end touches – such as a driver-side massage seat – and rugged underpinnings feels surprisingly coherent.
From a distance the Telluride commands attention. The silhouette retains the boxy confidence of earlier generations while adopting tighter creases over the fenders and a sharply articulated hood. Those angular lines, reminiscent of a Range Rover-inspired stance, give the SUV a purposeful look that refuses to blend into the sea of family haulers. Equipped with 18-inch all-terrain wheels, the vehicle sits on a platform that feels purposeful without resorting to oversized spinners.
Interior: comfort engineered for every passenger
The cabin is where the Telluride truly shines. Physical knobs control climate functions, allowing quick changes to temperature, fan speed and airflow without diving into menus. Kia also placed common infotainment shortcuts near the driver’s thumb, and the central volume knob is centered for easy reach from either front seat. The dual wireless charging pad and thoughtfully placed storage bins add everyday practicality.
Seating comfort is a standout. The driver’s seat offers heated, ventilated, and massage functions – a rare feature in this segment. At six-foot-six, the author fits comfortably, thanks to a generous seat track and ample headroom. The second-row bench provides ample legroom, while the third row, though not as plush, is suitable for children and offers easier ingress than many rivals, including the Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro.
Cargo capacity starts at 22.3 cubic feet (631 L) behind the third row, expands to 48.7 cu ft (1,379 L) with the rear seats folded, and reaches a maximum of 89.3 cu ft (2,529 L) with both rows down. Those numbers put the Telluride ahead of most competitors in the three-row segment.
Powertrain and off-road credentials
Under the hood sits a 2.5-liter turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder delivering 274 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic. Acceleration feels lively, though a little more punch – perhaps another 50 hp – would elevate the experience. Kia does offer a 329-hp hybrid version, but that powertrain is not paired with the X-Pro off-road package, leaving buyers to choose between extra output or rugged equipment.
The X-Pro trim adds genuine off-road hardware: an electronic limited-slip differential, 9.1-inch ground clearance, additional suspension travel, all-terrain tires, a full-length skid plate, and recovery points at both front and rear. Despite this gear, ride quality on pavement remains comfortable, rating around seven out of ten – firm enough for confidence, yet not as silky as a premium luxury SUV.
Fuel economy recorded during the test was 18.6 mpg (12.6 L/100 km) over mixed driving, matching Kia’s EPA combined figure, while a focused highway run produced 24.1 mpg (9.8 L/100 km), surpassing the claimed 22 mpg highway rating.
How it stacks up against the competition
The most direct rival is the Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro, which shares a similar chassis but differs in design language and interior layout. Rivers found the Telluride’s control placement more intuitive and its overall aesthetics more appealing. The Honda Pilot TrailSport offers torque-vectoring AWD and steel skid plates, while the Ford Explorer Tremor delivers a turbo V6 with up to 400 hp. However, few competitors combine the Telluride’s level of interior refinement with the X-Pro’s dedicated off-road hardware at this price point.
The 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige delivers a compelling blend of upscale amenities – including a back-massaging driver’s seat – and genuine trail-ready equipment. While the infotainment system could feel more polished and a bit more horsepower would be welcome, the overall package makes it hard to find a better three-row SUV in this segment.
