The 2026 Kia Telluride is here and it’s more stylish, smarter, and safer than ever. If you’re looking for a big, bold SUV with plenty of room, high-tech features, and a solid reputation, the new Telluride might just be your perfect ride. Kia has made some cool upgrades to the design, interior tech, and safety systems to keep this SUV ahead of the pack.
Redesigned Style and Smart Interior
Refreshed Exterior Look
The 2026 Kia Telluride gets a sharper front grille, new LED headlights, and redesigned wheels. It’s still got that tough, boxy SUV look people love, but now it feels a bit more upscale.
Updated Kia Telluride Interior
Inside, Kia added a larger curved touchscreen, new soft-touch materials, and even better seats. The cabin feels open and modern, like a luxury SUV but without the sky-high price. There’s seating for up to eight passengers and more than enough space for luggage, gear, or groceries.
Key Features and Tech Highlights
- 12.3-inch curved touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Digital instrument cluster
- Wireless charging pad
- Smart cruise control with highway assist
- Power tailgate and ventilated front seats
- Wi-Fi hotspot (new for 2026)
- Voice control for AC and audio
The tech is easy to use, even if you’re not into gadgets. It feels made for families and teens who love staying connected.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2026 Kia Telluride keeps its powerful 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower. It’s quick enough for daily driving and weekend road trips. The smooth 8-speed automatic transmission makes driving feel effortless.
Fuel Efficiency:
- Around 20 MPG city / 26 MPG highway for front-wheel drive
- Slightly less for all-wheel drive models
That’s pretty good for a big SUV like this.
Safety Comes Standard
The new Kia SUV is loaded with safety features like:
- Forward collision warning with automatic braking
- Lane keeping assist
- Blind spot detection
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Safe exit warning
Kia also added better sensors and smarter software to help avoid accidents. The 2026 Telluride is expected to earn top safety ratings just like past models.
How It Compares: 2026 vs 2025 Model
The 2026 Telluride builds on everything the 2025 model did well and makes it even better:
- New grille and lights for a bolder look
- Improved tech with a cleaner dashboard
- More connected features like Wi-Fi and voice controls
Compared to the 2025 Telluride:
| Feature | 2025 Model | 2026 Model |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | Not available | Standard on most trims |
| Curved Display | Single screen | Dual 12.3-inch screens |
| Exterior Design | Rounded edges | Sharper grille and lighting |
Compared to Honda Pilot & Hyundai Palisade
- Telluride has more style and smoother tech
- Honda Pilot offers a bit more space and off-road options
- Hyundai Palisade feels a little more premium but costs more at higher trims
Overall, the Kia Telluride gives the best mix of value, features, and comfort.
Release Date of the 2026 Kia Telluride
Kia is expected to release the 2026 Telluride in late Fall 2025, with pre-orders likely opening in early August.
Pricing and Trim Levels
Here’s a quick look at the Telluride price in USA by trim (estimated):
| Trim | Estimated Price |
| LX | $38,000 |
| S | $40,000 |
| EX | $43,000 |
| SX | $47,000 |
| SX Prestige | $51,000 |
Each trim adds more luxury, tech, or off-road features. Even the base LX is well-equipped for everyday driving.
Core Specs Table
| Spec | Detail |
| Engine | 3.8L V6 |
| Horsepower | 291 hp |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD options |
| MPG | 20 city / 26 highway (FWD) |
| Seating | Up to 8 passengers |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs |
| Infotainment | Dual 12.3-inch displays |
Pros and Cons of the 2026 Kia Telluride
Pros:
- Roomy and comfortable cabin
- Loaded with easy-to-use tech
- Bold styling with premium vibes
- Strong safety features
- Good value for the price
Cons:
- Only one engine choice
- AWD lowers fuel efficiency slightly
- Not as sporty as some rivals
Should You Buy It?
If you want a reliable, spacious, and stylish SUV that doesn’t break the bank, the 2026 Kia Telluride is a smart pick. It blends comfort, safety, and tech in a way few SUVs can match at this price. Whether you’re heading to school, work, or a road trip with friends, this new Kia SUV is built to impress.
Ready for a test drive? Visit your local Kia dealer this fall and check out the 2026 Telluride in person.
