The Kia Telluride, a sibling to the Hyundai Palisade, has undergone a transformation with its second generation, but Australians are left wondering if they'll ever get their hands on this SUV. This is a tale of two cars, separated by geography and production choices.
The 2027 Kia Telluride has arrived, but it's a US-only affair. This seven-seat SUV, comparable in size to the Toyota Kluger and its Hyundai counterpart, has been unveiled in its latest iteration. However, its production location in the US, with left-hand drive, makes it inaccessible for right-hand-drive Australia. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Palisade, made in South Korea, is already on Australian roads, having arrived this month.
Kia teases a glimpse of the Telluride's future, promising more details at the Los Angeles Motor Show later this month. The SUV adopts Kia's 'Opposites United' design philosophy, a theme seen across its models, from the Picanto and Stonic to the EV9 and Tasman. It's a design language that's sure to turn heads.
But here's where it gets interesting: the Telluride is a petrol-powered alternative to the all-electric EV9, which has been available in Australia since 2023, albeit with modest sales. The new Telluride is larger than its predecessor, offering improved interior space and easier access to the second and third rows, as well as more headroom.
In terms of dimensions, the 2027 Telluride measures approximately 5058mm in length, 1990mm in width, and 1775mm in height, slightly larger than the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy. The Telluride's dashboard is a technological marvel, featuring dual 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and instruments, with a smaller 5.0-inch display for climate controls.
The SUV will be offered in standard, X-Line, and X-Pro grades in the US, with the X-Pro boasting all-terrain capabilities and higher ground clearance. The X-Pro also introduces Ground Lighting, similar to the Ford Ranger's Zone Lighting, illuminating the vehicle's surroundings. And this is the part most people miss—the X-Line and X-Pro wheels have thicker spokes for enhanced durability.
So, will the Kia Telluride ever make its way down under? Only time will tell. But for now, Australians can only admire it from afar, leaving them to wonder about the possibilities. And the question remains, is this a missed opportunity for Kia in the Australian market?
