Move Over, Luxury Brands: How the 2027 Telluride is Redefining "Upmarket"

Date: 03.24.26

If you’ve lived in Sacramento for more than five minutes, you know that the Kia Telluride has basically become the unofficial SUV of Northern California. Whether you’re seeing them lined up at the school drop-off in Roseville or parked at a trailhead near Auburn, the Telluride has been a smash hit since it first arrived.

But hold onto your hats, because Kia isn’t just resting on its laurels. We’ve been hearing the whispers (and seeing the news from AutoNews), and the 2027 Kia Telluride is preparing to take a massive leap. It’s no longer just a "great value" SUV; it’s officially moving into the "upmarket" luxury lane.

As your favorite kia dealer sacramento, we at Roseville Kia are beyond excited to share what’s coming. If you thought the current model was fancy, wait until you see what the 2027 version has in store.

A Bigger, Plusher Interior That Screams Luxury

The first thing you need to know about the 2027 Telluride is that it’s getting a growth spurt. Kia is aiming for a larger footprint, which means more of what we all love: interior space. But it’s not just about more legroom for the kids in the third row; it’s about the quality of that space.

Kia is redesigning the cabin to be "plusher" than ever before. We’re talking premium materials that you’d usually expect to find in vehicles with a much higher price tag. Think softer leathers, more sophisticated trim options, and an attention to detail that rivals European luxury brands.

The 2027 Kia Telluride is expected to feature an even more spacious and premium interior with high-end materials.

For Sacramento drivers who spend a lot of time on I-80 or commuting down to the Bay Area, comfort is king. The new Telluride is being built to feel like a sanctuary. With enhanced sound-deadening materials and even more ergonomic seating, it’s designed to make those long drives feel like a breeze. This move upmarket isn't just a marketing slogan: it’s a physical reality you’ll feel the moment you sit inside.

The Power Shift: Ditching the V-6 for Efficiency and Torque

For years, the Telluride has been known for its smooth V-6 engine. It was reliable, powerful, and got the job done. But for 2027, Kia is looking toward the future. The traditional V-6 is being phased out in favor of a more modern, turbocharged four-cylinder lineup.

Now, we know what you might be thinking: "Wait, a four-cylinder in a big SUV?" Don’t worry. The new 2.5-liter turbocharged gas engine is a powerhouse, delivering an impressive 274 horsepower and a beefy 311 lb-ft of torque. Because it’s turbocharged, you get that torque much earlier in the rev range, which means merging onto the highway or passing slow-moving trucks on a mountain pass will feel more responsive than ever.

But the real showstopper is the 2027 Telluride Hybrid.

The move to a hybrid powertrain marks a new era of efficiency for Kia's flagship SUV.

Kia is introducing a turbo-hybrid option that is set to change the game for family SUVs in Northern California. We’re looking at a projected 329 horsepower and an incredible 339 lb-ft of torque. Even better? It’s estimated to hit around 35 MPG combined. With a total driving range of up to 637 miles, you could drive from Roseville to Southern California and back on just over a single tank of gas. That kind of efficiency is something you simply don't find in traditional luxury three-row SUVs.

Built for the Northern California Lifestyle: The Off-Road Edition

We know our Roseville Kia family loves to get outdoors. Whether you’re heading up to Lake Tahoe for a ski weekend or exploring the dusty trails of the El Dorado National Forest, you need a vehicle that can handle a bit of dirt.

Kia knows this, too. That’s why the 2027 Telluride will continue to offer a dedicated off-road version. These trims (expected to build on the X-Line and X-Pro legacy) will feature rugged styling, increased ground clearance, and all-terrain tires.

While the interior is moving upmarket, the exterior is staying tough. You can expect a bold, boxy silhouette that looks just as good parked in front of a high-end restaurant in Midtown Sacramento as it does covered in mud at a campsite. This duality: luxury on the inside, rugged on the outside: is exactly why Kia is quickly becoming the preferred choice over traditional luxury brands that often feel too "precious" to take off the pavement.

Tech That Outsmarts the Competition

If you’re looking at kia dealerships in sacramento ca, you’re likely looking for the latest and greatest technology. The 2027 Telluride is not going to disappoint.

Drawing from the success of the EV9, the new Telluride is expected to feature a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen display as part of a seamless panoramic dashboard. But it’s not just about screen size; it’s about the features baked into them:

Meridian Premium Audio: Experience your favorite podcasts or playlists with concert-hall clarity.
Digital Key Technology: Leave your keys at home and use your smartphone to unlock and start your car.
360° Surround-View Monitor: Navigating tight parking spots at the Westfield Galleria has never been easier.
Full Suite of ADAS: Standard automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering mean your family is protected by the best safety tech available.

High-tech displays and advanced driver-assistance systems make the 2027 Telluride a leader in automotive innovation.

Why the 2027 Telluride is a Real Luxury Competitor

For a long time, if you wanted a "luxury" SUV, you felt forced to look at brands with much higher price tags and, frankly, higher maintenance costs. But the 2027 Telluride is proving that you don't need a specific badge on the hood to enjoy a first-class experience.

When you compare the feature list: heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs, dual sunroofs, a 12-inch head-up display, and that whisper-quiet hybrid powertrain: the Telluride actually offers more than many entry-level luxury SUVs that cost $20,000 more.

Plus, with the industry-leading Kia warranty, you get peace of mind that those other brands just can’t match. You’re getting the "plusher" lifestyle without the "plush" price tag.

Roseville Kia: Your Destination for Innovation

At Roseville Kia, we pride ourselves on being the go-to spot for drivers searching for the best Kia vehicle research. We aren't just another dealership; we are your neighbors. We understand the unique needs of Sacramento and Northern California drivers: from the need for fuel efficiency during those long commutes to the desire for a vehicle that can haul the whole family to the Sierra foothills.

Whether you are looking for a brand new Kia or want to explore our full inventory, we are here to help you find the perfect fit.

Roseville Kia is proud to serve the Sacramento and Northern California community with the latest Kia models.

Get Ready for the Future

The 2027 Kia Telluride represents a bold new chapter for the brand. By moving upmarket with a larger, more luxurious interior and a high-tech hybrid powertrain, Kia is signaling that they are ready to lead the pack.

Are you as excited as we are? While we wait for the 2027 models to arrive, there has never been a better time to come see why the current Telluride is already Consumer Reports recommended.

If you want to be among the first to get updates on the 2027 Telluride, or if you're ready to test drive one of our current amazing models, swing by Roseville Kia today. We’re located right here in the Roseville Automall, ready to serve all of Sacramento and beyond!

Don't forget to check out our model research page to stay up to date on everything Kia!

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The 2027 Telluride is Redefining "Upmarket"