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2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro Flexes Off-Road Muscles in New Teaser Ahead of Los Angeles Auto Show Debut

Kia has released a striking new teaser for the all-new 2027 Telluride, confirming that the second-generation crossover will be the most off-road capable version yet, with the return of the X-Pro trim. The SUV is wrapped in an intricate, custom camouflage—dubbed a “thought-provoking” piece of art inspired by design sketches—while the accompanying video shows the Telluride undergoing torture testing in the rugged Alabama Hills of California, conquering sand dunes and blasting through water crossings. The full debut is scheduled for November 20 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Artistic Camouflage Hides a Boxier, Bolder Design

Kia’s unique camouflage strategy for the 2027 Telluride is designed to conceal the final design while celebrating the creative process behind it.

Custom Wrap: The pre-production Telluride is covered in a newly designed wrap, inspired by design sketches from the Kia Design Center America (KDCA). The pattern uses overlapping sketches and a warm-to-cool color gradient (orange at the front, purple at the rear) to obscure the final profile.
Design Clues: Despite the camo, the vehicle shows boxier proportions and appears larger than the outgoing model. The front end hints at the butch Kia Tasman pickup sold elsewhere, with a tall, broad hood and vertically oriented amber daytime running lights.
Easter Egg: Subtle map coordinates printed along the lower doors point to Telluride, Colorado, the SUV’s namesake town.

X-Pro Returns with Off-Road Intent

The teaser video confirms that Kia is serious about enhancing the Telluride’s off-road capabilities, going head-to-head with rivals like the Honda Pilot TrailSport.

X-Pro Confirmation: The torture test video was titled with the X-Pro name, officially confirming the return of the most off-road-capable trim line.
Capability Showcased: The testing in Alabama Hills, California, demonstrates the SUV tackling sand dunes and water crossings, suggesting it is the toughest Telluride yet.
Expected Upgrades: The current X-Pro adds features like AWD Lock, Snow driving modes, and superior ground clearance.
Potential Shared Tech (with Palisade): Given that the Telluride and Hyundai Palisade often share components, the new Telluride could gain the Palisade XRT Pro’s hardware, including an electronic limited-slip rear differential (eLSD), new Mud driving mode, and Downhill Brake Control. The eLSD is a key off-road hardware advantage over competitors.

Powertrain Speculation and Debut

While the new model looks larger, powertrain details are still speculative.

Debut Date: The all-new Kia Telluride will debut on November 20 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Engine Speculation: The SUV currently uses a 3.8-liter V6 (291 hp). Based on the redesigned Hyundai Palisade, the new Telluride may feature a 3.5-liter V-6 (287 hp) or a 2.5-liter turbocharged hybrid (329 hp).
Market Position: The X-Pro will compete with similarly rugged three-row rivals like the Honda Pilot TrailSport.

Final Thoughts

The 2027 Kia Telluride teaser is a masterful display of marketing, successfully concealing the SUV’s final look while building immense anticipation around its heightened off-road capability. By confirming the X-Pro’s return and showcasing its endurance in grueling environments, Kia is signalling that its flagship SUV is determined to remain a top contender that can handle far more than just “carpooling and grocery runs.” The full reveal at the Los Angeles Auto Show will confirm if the new styling and speculated eLSD hardware deliver on the promise of the toughest Telluride yet.

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