Kia skips 2026, rolls out tech-packed 2027 Telluride

With technology advancing quickly, one car manufacturer skipped the 2026 model year and instead recently debuted the 2027 model.

The 2027 Kia Telluride was delivered to dealers in March 2026. According to Kia, the Telluride entered its second generation, and the company wanted to avoid an overstock of outdated 2026 models.

Test-driving the Kia Telluride SX Hybrid, I discovered several unique tech features. The Telluride, which launched in 2019, is Kia’s larger SUV, compared with the Sportage, a less expensive, best-selling SUV. With 10 trim levels, the SX lands in the middle and starts at $53,910.

The Telluride offers a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and gets about 33 mpg. The hybrid turbo gives it a noticeable boost during acceleration.

Let’s start with the start button. To start the car, you press a knob — which is also the gear shifter — located on the steering wheel. Yes, you read that right. It feels like a second turn-signal stalk, making you wonder: Do I twist it forward to start? How do I put it in park?

Kia may have moved the start button to the steering wheel to make room for two wireless charging docks in the center console. There is always that one passenger who announces his or her phone is less than 10% battery and needs immediate charging.

It features a dual-pane sunroof, so both front- and back-seat passengers can enjoy a sunny ride. It seats seven adults, with a third row in the back. The rear seats fold down easily with the touch of a button for added storage.

One unique tech feature parents will appreciate is called Passenger Talk. With the push of a button, the driver’s voice is projected through a speaker to the back seat. This booming voice is sure to warn young kids who might be misbehaving. It’s probably safer and more efficient than when my mom used to turn around and yell, “If I have to tell you one more time to settle down, I’m stopping this car.”

The surround cameras are another bonus. With different views, you can see the front, back and sides of the vehicle. I noticed that when I used my turn signal, the camera view automatically switched to the corresponding side to check for cars in that lane. This feature is also helpful when parking. If you are not perfectly centered, you can use the camera views to double-check your position.

One trend I have noticed is that steering wheels are no longer completely round. Many models, including the Telluride, are flattened at the bottom. This racecar-inspired design also makes it easier to slide your legs under the wheel.

With technology advancing so quickly, few drivers will miss the 2026 model. ♦