Kia Released 2027 Telluride With Turbocharged Engine
The latest Telluride features a smaller engine and a higher starting price to meet updated emissions standards.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Car Types
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Kia has introduced the 2027 Telluride, which swaps the previous 3.8-liter V6 for a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This change, which comes with a $39,190 base price, marks the transition of the SUV into its second generation.
Why it matters
The shift away from V6 power is driven by California's ACC2 SULEV 30 emissions regulations, setting a precedent for how family-friendly SUVs may be re-engineered. This transition impacts buyers through higher starting costs and changes in vehicle performance.
The 2027 Telluride starts at $39,190, up from the $36,390 base price of the 2025 model. The new turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 274 horsepower, a decrease from the previous 291-horsepower V6.
The players
Kia
An automotive manufacturer that produces family-focused SUVs and has led the market with the popular Telluride line since 2019.
Hyundai
The parent company and manufacturer currently adapting its SUV engine lineups to meet stringent new California emissions standards.
The details
To comply with California's ACC2 SULEV 30 emissions regulations, Kia replaced the traditional V6 engine with a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four. The new setup offers 311 lb-ft of torque at 1,700 rpm, which is 49 lb-ft more than the outgoing engine. Additionally, the vehicle chassis has been extended by 2.3 inches, contributing to a 250-pound weight increase and a 0-60 mph time that is 0.7 seconds slower than the previous model.
Timeline
2019: Kia Telluride originally launched in the U.S. market.
2027 model year: The second-generation Telluride reached the market.
The Home Front
The automotive industry is seeing a shift as manufacturers move away from V6 engines to meet stricter emissions standards. This regulatory landscape suggests that future family-friendly SUVs may increasingly rely on turbocharged smaller-displacement engines.
If you are shopping for a new family SUV, compare the torque and acceleration figures of newer four-cylinder models against the V6 versions you may be accustomed to. Consider test driving these newer configurations to determine if the performance changes align with your family's towing and driving needs.
The takeaway
The move toward turbocharged engines is an emerging industry standard for the family SUV segment to meet environmental targets. Shoppers should prioritize a thorough test drive to see how the change in torque delivery and weight affects daily family hauling tasks.
Further reading
For more on the current SUV market, see our guide to Car Types.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CarBuzz.
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