2027 TellurideKiaThe 2027 Kia Telluride is the rugged, fully loaded gas version of Kia's three-row SUV. That translates to "beastly huge" and "gorgeous." For those of you who like the big lugs, this is a great choice.What's new?For 2027, the Telluride is all-new. It's longer than before, rides on a longer wheelbase, has more cargo space behind the third row and adds more room for passengers - adults, too, not just the kids or Fido.EngineThere are a variety of trims, but the X-Pro SX-Prestige tested uses a standard gas engine - a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. That engine replaces the previous Telluride's V6, and while some traditionalists may miss the sound and smoothness of six cylinders, the new turbo four gives the X-Pro useful low-end torque.AdvertisementAdvertisementI had zero problem making the vehicle giddyap when needed, and one does not blast this ride around. You can't, with 4-cylinders. Yet it never feels dinky. Quite the opposite - you turn your head to look in your blind spot and it seems as though your rear window is a mile away. That's an SUV for ya.Fuel economy for my AWD X-Pro version is 17 mpg city, 22 highway and 19 combined. The X-Pro SX-Prestige starts at $56,790 before destination. Depending on options and accessories, it's around $59,580.What does it look like?My tester was a big, bronze boss, squared-off and a bit more "technical" than the outgoing model. The broad hood, vertical lighting, flush door handles, high-gloss grille and blacked-out X-Pro trim give it a serious face. The X-Pro also gets wider all-terrain tires, raised roof rails, recovery points, upgraded suspension travel and 9.1 inches of ground clearance. It is not a rock crawler, but you can go straight into the stream if need be.2027 Telluride X-ProInside, the Telluride's best aspect remains intact: it feels more expensive than its badge. The SX-Prestige cabin brings dual 12.3-inch displays, a digital rearview mirror, head-up display, Meridian audio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless charging pads, available heated seats for all three rows, ventilated second-row captain's chairs, and enough screens and lighting to make the dashboard feel thoroughly current.2027 Telluride X-ProKia also says it worked on quieting the cabin with more sound absorption, thicker glass and improved sealing.How's the drive?As soon as I got behind the wheel and started off, I could tell the steering was as smooth as butter. What that means is you can be a person of small stature and wag this thing around smoothly, safely and expertly, right away. It's a bit of a challenge to park but that, too, can be managed. I usually dread enormous test vehicles because I am just one person and, naturally, it's more challenging to park and negotiate. But this one, I fell in love with and was sorry to see it go.2027 Telluride X-ProOn the road, the X-Pro is calm and substantial. Visibility is good thanks to the upright greenhouse, and the camera systems help shrink the vehicle in parking lots. Braking is predictable in a good way and the steering is more precise than expected for a family hauler on all-terrain tires. Handling is competent rather than playful, but that is the correct answer for a three-row SUV built to carry people, bags and snacks without drama.Room for improvementEarly owner data is limited, but reported gripes include a driver's seat that may not slide back far enough for taller drivers - not a problem I have, not being especially tall. What I found disconcerting was the (practically) hidden starter switch placed at the end of the right-hand stalk next to the steering column. The steering wheel also blocks some of the controls.2027 Telluride X-ProAdvertisementAdvertisementComplaints aside, though, this is a mighty-mighty machine, every bit as worthy drive-wise as a Sequoia or Armada. You want big, you got big.This article was originally published on Forbes.com
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