Should You Make the Switch? A Deep Dive for South Side Families

The Kia Telluride has dominated the midsize SUV market since it first hit the streets. It is the vehicle of choice for carpools in Evergreen Park, weekend errands in Oak Lawn, and family road trips out of the city. But the automotive landscape moves fast. If you are currently driving a first-generation model—like the acclaimed 2025 Telluride—you might be wondering if it is time to upgrade.

The short answer? Yes. The all-new 2027 Kia Telluride represents a massive generational leap. It is wider. It is stronger. It is significantly more advanced. At Evergreen Kia at 9205 S Western Ave, serving the Beverly and Morgan Park neighborhoods, loyal Telluride owners are upgrading in record numbers. Here is a definitive breakdown of exactly what has changed, and why the 2027 redesign is worth the upgrade.

Retiring the V6: The Powertrain Revolution

For years, the Telluride relied on a dependable 3.8-liter V6 engine. It was reliable, but Kia knew they could deliver better real-world performance and efficiency for the stop-and-go traffic on 95th and Cicero. For 2027, the V6 is officially gone.

In its place are two highly advanced powertrains that completely change how the Telluride drives:

• The 2.5L Turbo Advantage: The new standard engine is a turbocharged 4-cylinder. While it drops slightly in horsepower compared to the old V6 (274 hp vs 291 hp), it delivers a massive 49 lb-ft torque boost (311 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft). Torque is the power you actually feel when merging onto the expressway or towing from a dead stop.
• The First-Ever Hybrid: This is the upgrade South Side commuters have been waiting for. The 2027 Telluride finally introduces a 2.5L Turbo-Hybrid option. Producing a staggering 329 combined horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, it is the most powerful Telluride ever built. More importantly, it achieves up to an estimated 35 MPG combined, stretching your fuel budget further than the 2025 model ever could.

Powertrain Comparison: 2027 vs. 2025 Telluride

Feature	2025 Telluride (V6)	2027 Telluride (Turbo)	2027 Telluride (Hybrid)
Horsepower	291 hp	274 hp	329 hp
Torque	262 lb-ft	311 lb-ft	339 lb-ft
Max Towing	Up to 5,500 lbs	5,000 lbs	4,500 lbs

Bigger, Bolder, and Built for Comfort

If you park a 2027 Telluride next to a 2025 model at the local grocery store, the size difference is immediately apparent. Kia extended the wheelbase by 2.7 inches and the overall length by 2.3 inches.

What does that mean for your family? A lot.

• More Cargo Space: Maximum cargo capacity (with all seats folded) increases from 87.0 cubic feet in the 2025 model to a cavernous 89.3 cubic feet for 2027.
• Enhanced Rear Comfort: The increased length translates directly to more legroom for your second and third-row passengers.
• Next-Level Luxury: The 2027 model introduces available high-end features previously reserved for luxury brands, including power leg rests and an Ergo Motion massaging driver's seat to melt away the stress of your daily commute down Western Avenue.

The Digital Upgrade You Will Actually Use

The 2025 Telluride was well-equipped, but the 2027 cabin feels like a different era. A stunning panoramic digital dashboard has replaced the analog elements.

If you are tired of fighting with USB cords, you will love the 2027 updates:

• Wireless Standard: Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are now fully wireless across every single trim level.
• Digital Key 2.0: You can now leave your key fob at home. The 2027 Telluride allows you to use your smartphone (or smartwatch) to unlock and start the vehicle. You can even securely text a digital key to a family member if they need to borrow the car.
• Enhanced Safety: The Drive Wise safety suite is smarter, now featuring standard Hand Grip Warning and a new front-row center airbag.

Make the Upgrade at Evergreen Kia

The 2025 Kia Telluride is a fantastic vehicle. But the 2027 model is a revelation. With a massive boost in torque, a highly efficient hybrid powertrain, and a larger, more luxurious cabin, the second-generation Telluride is an upgrade you will feel every time you get behind the wheel.

Ready to see the difference for yourself? Evergreen Kia is your premier South Side destination. Located right on the Beverly border at 9205 S Western Ave, we are proud to offer top-dollar trade-in values for your current vehicle. Visit our showroom today or browse our 2027 Telluride inventory online to schedule a test drive!