The Kia Telluride was an instant smash hit when it arrived on the scene in 2019. Six years later, it's still one of the brand's best-selling SUVs, with more than 115,000 units sold in 2024. So if you're Kia, how do you build on that success?
The 2026 Telluride likely won't be a huge departure from the current model. Much like the new Hyundai Palisade, the Telluride will get a revamped design, a refreshed interior, and probably some new powertrain options. But it will still use the same platform that made it so successful in the first place.
Every detail will be revealed when the three-row SUV debuts sometime this year. For now, here's what we do know about the 2026 Kia Telluride.
What Will It Look Like?
The Telluride is arguably one of the most stylish three-row SUVs on the market, with its rugged cues and tapered proportions. The overall shape shouldn't stray from the current model, but expect more of Kia's new design language to make its way to the exterior.
The new Telluride's fascia will look familiar, drawing inspiration from models like the K4 and updated Sportage with waterfall-esque LED lighting elements and a larger grille. We'll undoubtedly see new wheel options, too, possibly drawing from models like the EV9.
The overall shape will remain on the boxier side, but as we've seen with spy photos, new details at the rear will give the SUV a sharper profile in line with the EV9. We don't know anything about the rear of the vehicle yet, but updated light fixtures are almost certainly a given.
What’s Under The Hood?
The Telluride’s naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V-6 was a solid engine, but Kia will likely swap it out for a smaller V-6 and a hybrid option. The company has already confirmed the latter. The newest Hyundai Palisade moved to a 3.5-liter base engine making 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with an optional hybrid. The hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors for a combined 329 hp and 339 lb-ft. We wouldn’t be shocked to see the same exact engines under the hood of the new Telluride.
How Much Will It Cost?
The Kia Telluride costs $37,805 for 2025, which makes it one of the cheapest three-row SUVs on the market right now. The 2026 Telluride will almost certainly be pricier than the model it replaces, but Kia typically doesn’t hike prices that aggressively. The updated 2026 Sportage, for example, is only $1,300 more than the model it replaces. With that, we expect the 2026 Telluride to come close to the $40,000 mark.
Where Will It Be Built?
The current Telluride is produced at Kia’s manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia. That won’t change for this new generation.
When Will It Go On Sale?
The 2026 Kia Telluride is scheduled to debut in December before going on sale in January 2026.
