Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Tellu-Renaissance: Kia’s Star SUV Prepares Its Red-Carpet Return

Kia Telluride

The wait is almost over for one of America’s most beloved SUVs.
Kia has officially announced that the next-generation Telluride will make its world debut at the L.A. Auto Show on November 20. For families at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis who has come to depend on the Telluride for its comfort, capability, and unmistakable style, that’s exciting news. 

Built for real-life adventures, this SUV has become a trusted name on the roads, from school drop-offs to lake weekends and every trip in between. When Kia first introduced the Telluride back in 2019, it immediately captured attention for all the right reasons. It offered a strong, boxy stance and a timeless SUV design that stood apart from its competitors. 

While others leaned into edgy lines or futuristic shapes, the Telluride brought back the kind of confidence that families love: rugged yet refined, capable yet comfortable. Over the years, it’s continued to earn loyalty from drivers who appreciate its reliability, upscale feel, and generous space for passengers and cargo.

A Georgia-Built SUV With Missouri Families in Mind

One of the most inspiring parts of the Telluride’s story is where it’s built. Kia proudly produces this SUV right here in the United States, at its state-of-the-art facility in West Point, Georgia. That dedication to American craftsmanship ensures that every model is assembled with care and precision. For families across Missouri, it’s not just a vehicle; it’s a symbol of local pride and quality built close to home.

In a short teaser video announcing the big reveal, Kia highlighted its Georgia roots while offering a quick glimpse of the SUV’s unmistakable silhouette. Though the video kept most details under wraps, one thing is clear: the Telluride is poised to continue its tradition of strength, style, and dependability. Kia also confirmed that this redesigned version will debut as a 2027 model year, setting the stage for another exciting generation of family-focused performance.

Bold New Look, Same Trusted DNA

From what’s been spotted during testing, the new Telluride remains instantly recognizable, and that’s a good thing. Its confident, upright shape returns, now enhanced with even more presence. A larger front grille and bold new headlights give it a powerful stance, while the tail end appears more vertical and squared-off, adding to its sense of stability. Kia’s signature geometric wheel designs also make their way to this SUV, adding a touch of modern sophistication.

Every design choice looks intentional and family-friendly. Wide doors make entry and exit effortless, perfect for parents loading car seats or kids hopping in after soccer practice. The tall roofline and generous window area create a bright, open feel inside, which is a huge plus for families who spend long hours on the road.

Power, Performance, and Practicality

Under the hood, the next Telluride will continue to deliver the kind of smooth power that drivers appreciate. Based on what’s expected from its closely related models, the Telluride will likely offer a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, a combination known for its seamless acceleration and easy highway cruising. 

For those looking for even more efficiency, Kia is also expected to introduce a turbocharged hybrid option, giving families the freedom to choose the balance of performance and economy that fits their lifestyle best.

Front-wheel drive will come standard, while an available all-wheel-drive system will provide extra confidence on rain-soaked highways or weekend camping trails. Whether it’s heading to a family cabin at the lake or navigating snowy backroads, the Telluride’s engineering ensures stability and control every mile of the way.

Ready for Every Kind of Adventure

For families who crave more than pavement, Kia is also expected to offer X-Line and X-Pro trims, designed to bring rugged style and added versatility. These versions combine the Telluride’s signature comfort with off-road-inspired design elements and features that make outdoor adventures even easier. Think extra ground clearance, durable accents, and confident all-terrain capability, all wrapped in the sophistication of a luxury SUV.

Heading out for a weekend in the Ozarks? The Telluride’s capable powertrains and trailering tech make towing a camper or boat a breeze, so you can focus on comfort and the adventure ahead.

Comfort That Brings Families Together

Inside, Kia is known for designing cabins that make family life easier, and the next Telluride will be no exception. The three-row layout continues to be a highlight, offering generous room for up to eight passengers. Whether it’s kids, grandparents, or friends tagging along, everyone will have plenty of space to stretch out.

Advanced infotainment and connectivity features will ensure that road trips fly by. Large digital displays, seamless smartphone integration, and intuitive controls help parents stay focused while passengers stay entertained. With USB ports throughout the cabin, everyone’s devices will stay charged: whether for streaming, gaming, or navigating.

The Telluride’s quiet ride and high-quality materials will also give daily drives a premium touch. From family grocery runs to weekend ball games, it’s designed to make every outing more comfortable and more enjoyable.

Built for the Way Missouri Drives

With its strong frame, advanced driver-assist features, and proven dependability, the Telluride remains one of the safest and most confidence-inspiring SUVs on the road. Missouri families value peace of mind, and Kia delivers that through intelligent safety technology that helps prevent and protect in equal measure. Systems like forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control help make every drive feel effortless and secure.

A Bright Future for Kia’s Flagship SUV

The next-generation Kia Telluride is shaping up to be everything drivers love about the current model, and more. With its American craftsmanship, family-first design, and capability for every season, it’s built to serve the diverse needs of families who expect more from their SUV.

When it takes the stage at the L.A. Auto Show, the Telluride will do more than debut a new design; it will reinforce why it continues to be one of the most respected names in the family SUV world. Big, bold, and beautifully practical, the 2027 Kia Telluride is ready to carry families confidently into the future.