2025 vs. 2027 Kia Telluride in Houma, LA
2027 Kia Tellurideversus2025 Kia Telluride
Kia skipped the 2026 model year, so the real choice is between the first-generation 2025 and the all-new 2027. The newer Telluride brings a hybrid, a longer body, and a far more modern cabin. The 2025 still has its proven V6 and a few capability numbers worth a look. Barker Kia lays out every difference below so you can decide which one fits your family.
All-New Second Generation
2027 Kia Telluride
Turbo or Turbo Hybrid
- 329 hpMax power
- 8 seatsMax seating
- 35 mpgBest combined
Final First-Generation Model
2025 Kia Telluride
3.8L V6
- 291 hpMax power
- 8 seatsMax seating
- 22 mpgBest combined
Two generations, two very different priorities
The 2027 wins on efficiency, space, and technology. The 2025 makes its case with V6 power and a few capability numbers the new model does not match.
Go with the 2027 Telluride if you want
- Hybrid fuel economyThe new turbo hybrid is rated up to an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined, with up to 637 miles of total range.
- More room in every rowA 2.7-inch longer wheelbase adds second- and third-row legroom plus more cargo space.
- The newest cabin techOver-the-air updates, a conversational "Hey, Kia" assistant, ultrawideband Digital Key 2.0, and dual wireless chargers.
The 2025 Telluride makes sense if you want
- More standard ground clearanceNon-X-Pro trims sit at 8.0 inches, compared with 7.4 inches on the 2027.
- V6 powerThe 3.8-liter V6 makes 291 hp, more than the new gas turbo's 274 hp.
- Maximum towing on the X-ProThe 2025 X-Pro is rated to tow up to 5,500 lbs., 500 more than any 2027 trim.
Six changes that define the 2027 Telluride
The 8-speed automatic on gas models, the 5,000-lb. standard tow rating, and assembly in West Point, Georgia all carry over. Nearly everything else is new.
First-ever turbo hybrid
A 2.5L turbo paired with electric motors makes 329 hp and 339 lb-ft. Stay Mode can run climate, lights, and audio for up to an hour on battery power while parked.
The 3.8L V6
Gas models now use a 2.5L turbo four with 274 hp and 311 lb-ft. That is 17 hp less than the V6, but 49 lb-ft more torque.
A larger body
Length grows 2.3 inches to 199.2 and the wheelbase stretches to 116.9. The second-row seat now tilts and slides farther forward for easier third-row access.
Comfort and cabin tech
New options include front relaxation seats with leg rests, a massaging driver's seat, and heated seats in all three rows. A 14-speaker Meridian system and 12-inch head-up display are also available.
More capable X-Pro
The X-Pro now rides 9.1 inches off the ground on wider all-terrain tires. It adds an electronic limited-slip differential, Ground View Monitor, and exterior Ground Lighting.
Added safety hardware
Ten standard airbags now include a front-row center airbag. Hands on Detection, Lane Following Assist 2, and forward parking distance warning are also standard.
Full 2027 vs. 2025 Telluride specifications
Space figures reflect gas models. Where trims differ, the range or the trim is noted.
| Specification | 2027 Telluride | 2025 Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | ||
| Standard engine | 2.5L turbo 4-cyl, 274 hp | 3.8L V6, 291 hp |
| Available powertrain | 2.5L turbo hybrid, 329 hp | None |
| Max torque (lb-ft) | 311 gas / 339 hybrid | 262 |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto (gas) / 6-speed auto (hybrid) | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD, available AWD | FWD, available AWD |
| Efficiency | ||
| EPA est. city / hwy / combined, gas FWD | 20 / 26 / 22 | 20 / 26 / 22 |
| EPA est. city / hwy / combined, gas AWD | 18 / 24 / 20 | 18 / 23 / 20 |
| Best hybrid rating | 34 / 36 / 35 (EX FWD) | Not offered |
| Fuel tank (gal) | 19.0 | 18.8 |
| Capability | ||
| Max towing (properly equipped) | 5,000 lbs. gas / 4,500 lbs. hybrid | 5,000 lbs. / 5,500 lbs. X-Pro |
| Ground clearance, standard | 7.4 in. | 8.0 in. |
| Ground clearance, X-Pro | 9.1 in. | About 8.4 in. |
| X-Pro off-road hardware | All-terrain tires, E-LSD, center diff lock, Ground View Monitor | All-terrain tires, 5,500-lb. tow rating |
| Size and Space | ||
| Seating capacity | 7 or 8 | 7 or 8 |
| Overall length / wheelbase | 199.2 in. / 116.9 in. | 196.9 in. / 114.2 in. |
| Second-row legroom | 43.0 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Third-row legroom | 32.1 in. | 31.4 in. |
| Cargo behind 3rd / 2nd / 1st row (cu ft) | 22.3 / 48.7 / 89.3 | 21.0 / 46.0 / 87.0 |
| Technology and Safety | ||
| Displays | Available dual 12.3-in. panoramic (ccNC) | Dual 12.3-in. panoramic available |
| Over-the-air software updates | Yes | No |
| Standard airbags | 10, including front-row center | Includes second-row side airbags |
| IIHS award | TOP SAFETY PICK+ (built after June 2026) | TOP SAFETY PICK+ |
| Warranty (New, Original Owner) | ||
| Basic / powertrain | 5-yr/60,000-mi / 10-yr/100,000-mi | 5-yr/60,000-mi / 10-yr/100,000-mi |
Highlighted ? marks the stronger figure. Unmarked rows are a tie or come down to preference.
Lineups side by side
Both generations run from a well-equipped LX up to rugged X-Pro and upscale SX-Prestige trims. Here is where each lineup stands out.
2027 Telluride
2.5L turbo, 18-in. alloys, eight seats
20-in. alloys, eight-passenger seating
329 hp, EPA-est. 35 mpg combined (FWD)
9.1-in. clearance, all-terrain tires, E-LSD
21-in. wheels, 12-in. head-up display, digital rearview mirror
2025 Telluride
3.8L V6, 18-in. alloys, eight seats
20-in. alloys, available seven-passenger seating
5,500-lb. towing, added ground clearance
Top luxury trim with standard AWD
Range-topping off-road trim
What comes with buying your Telluride from Barker Kia
Kia's long warranty
A new 2027 Telluride comes with Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile basic coverage for the original owner.
Drive both generations
Ask our team to line up a new 2027 and a pre-owned 2025 for the same visit, so you can feel the difference in one afternoon.
Easy trade-in
Already own a first-generation Telluride? Get a trade appraisal and see how close you are to the new model.
Test drive a Telluride near Thibodaux, Raceland, and Morgan City
You'll find Barker Kia on West Main Street on the west side of Houma. It's an easy drive from across Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.
Barker Kia
6290 West Main St
Houma, LA 70360
Sales: 985-266-8732
Book your test drive online and note "2027 vs. 2025 Telluride" in the comments. We'll have both ready when you arrive, subject to availability.
Telluride questions from Houma-area shoppers
Want to talk it through? Call 985-266-8732 and a product specialist will walk you through both generations.
Is there a 2026 Kia Telluride?
No. Kia skipped the 2026 model year for the Telluride in the U.S. The first generation ended with the 2025 model, and the redesigned second generation launched as a 2027 model.
Does the 2027 Kia Telluride still have a V6?
No. The 2027 Telluride replaces the 3.8L V6 with a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. That is 17 horsepower less than the V6 but 49 lb-ft more torque, and a 329-horsepower turbo hybrid is also available.
Does the 2027 Kia Telluride come as a hybrid?
Yes. The 2027 Telluride offers its first-ever turbo hybrid, with 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. It is rated up to an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined on the EX FWD and is available on the EX, SX, SX-Prestige, and X-Line trims.
Is the 2027 Telluride bigger than the 2025?
Yes. The 2027 is 199.2 inches long on a 116.9-inch wheelbase, compared with 196.9 and 114.2 inches for the 2025. Third-row legroom grows from 31.4 to 32.1 inches, and cargo space behind the third row rises from 21.0 to 22.3 cubic feet on gas models.
Can the 2027 Telluride tow as much as the 2025?
The 2027 gas model tows up to 5,000 lbs. and the hybrid tows up to 4,500 lbs. when properly equipped. The 2025 tows up to 5,000 lbs., and the 2025 X-Pro is rated for up to 5,500 lbs.
Can I test drive the 2027 Telluride at Barker Kia in Houma?
Yes. Schedule a test drive online or call Barker Kia at 985-266-8732. The dealership is at 6290 West Main St in Houma, and the team can also show you pre-owned 2025 Tellurides when available.
Find the Telluride that fits your family
Browse new 2027 inventory, compare it with a pre-owned 2025, or call our team to set up back-to-back drives.
Bring these to your visit
- Your driver's license and proof of insurance
- Title or payoff details if you plan to trade in
- Any child seats you want to test in the second and third rows
More ways to shop at Barker Kia
Specifications from Kia America as of October 2026 and vary by trim and equipment. EPA estimates for comparison only; actual mileage will vary. Hybrid range of 637 miles is based on fueleconomy.gov and applies to the 2027 Telluride Hybrid EX FWD. Towing requires proper equipment. IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ for the 2027 Telluride applies to vehicles built after June 2026. Contact Barker Kia for complete details.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.