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The leaked spy photos of the next-generation Kia Telluride suggest that the vehicle will feature evolutionary design changes, with a focus on refining its aesthetics while maintaining the signature tiger-nose grille.
The images hint at a more dynamic and sophisticated look, with possible improvements in technology and features that align with Kia’s contemporary design language.
Kia’s best-selling three-row SUV, the Telluride, is preparing to enter its second generation—and recent spy shots captured in the U.S. confirm that big changes are on the horizon. Spotted alongside the newly revealed 2026 Hyundai Palisade, the redesigned Telluride features a fresh, more angular design and promises new powertrain options, including a hybrid.
Boxier Styling with Rugged Options
The most striking update is the boxier, more upright aesthetic, led by a bold egg-crate grille and vertical headlamps with dramatically enhanced LED daytime running lights. Two front bumper designs have been spotted: a more refined version, and a rugged variant with integrated recovery hooks and all-terrain tires, likely reserved for an off-road-oriented trim.
Key exterior upgrades include:
- Raised ground clearance on rugged variants
- Streamlined side profile with angular body lines and blacked-out pillars
- Contrasting mirror caps in black or body color
- Wider stance and slightly larger overall dimensions
At the rear, the Telluride keeps a clean and upright tailgate design, with taillights mirroring the vertical theme of the headlights. A photo with the liftgate open reveals ample cargo space and room for third-row seating, staying true to the Telluride’s family-friendly roots.
All-New Powertrains: V6 and Hybrid Incoming
The real revolution happens under the hood. In line with Hyundai’s move on the Palisade, the 2026 Telluride will reportedly ditch its long-serving 3.8-liter V6 in favor of a new 3.5-liter V6 and a turbocharged hybrid powertrain based on a 2.5-liter inline-four.
The hybrid system, expected to mirror the Palisade’s setup, combines:
- A 2.5-liter turbo I4 (258 hp)
- Two integrated electric motors inside a 6-speed automatic
- Total output: 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque
Expect up to 4,000 pounds of towing capacity, with sound insulation features such as laminated glass and added underhood materials standard on higher trims.
Efficiency Boost and Refined Ride
The hybrid version of the Telluride could offer over 30 mpg on the highway, a significant gain over the outgoing model’s 26 mpg rating. The hybrid’s smoother power delivery and upgraded insulation also promise a quieter, more premium ride experience.
Production and Launch Timeline
The new Telluride, like its predecessor, will be assembled in West Point, Georgia. Given the exposed lighting elements, wheels, and a largely undisguised cabin in the prototype, a full reveal is expected before the end of 2025—possibly at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
What to Expect
As Kia’s flagship SUV in North America, the 2026 Telluride will continue to offer a compelling mix of space, capability, and value, now elevated with sharper design, improved efficiency, and new tech. With its updated look and new hybrid powertrain, the next-gen Telluride is poised to keep its crown in the ultra-competitive three-row SUV segment.
Spotted testing in Dubai, UAE a few days ago as seen in pictures posted on Reddit.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/DubaiPetrolHeads/comments/1mjskbo/spotted/
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The 2026 Kia Telluride is set to depart from its previous soft styling in favor of a more masculine and rugged design language.
This redesign is characterized by square shoulders and a generally more angular appearance, which is a stark contrast to the rounded, softer look of its predecessors.
Alongside the aesthetic overhaul, Kia is introducing a hybrid powertrain option for the Telluride, marking a shift towards electrification and improved fuel efficiency.
This move is indicative of the automotive industry’s broader trend of combining bold design with sustainable technology to meet changing consumer preferences and regulatory demands.
Source: carscoops.com