We saw a group of the newest Kia Tellurides while they were trying towing. Without a lot of cover, the 2026 Telluride is straighter and more pointed than the current model. The spy pictures show two different trims. One of them resembles the new X-Pro model. While looks weren’t the main reason the Kia Telluride made our 10 Best list for the sixth consecutive year, they did help bolster the three-row mid-size SUV’s case. As the seventh model year of the Telluride approaches, it’s time for a facelift. A fleet of test cars has just given us the best look at the SUV’s new design to date. The new Telluride looks sharper and straighter than the old one, even when it’s covered up. It is the Rolls-Royce Cullinan from the side, with a shorter hood and a less dramatic curve for the rear glass. Two trims were observed during testing, one of which resembles the soon-to-be-released Telluride X-Pro. It had bigger tires and higher roof rails. The front bumpers of the stronger model have thicker lattice designs that are also unique. The grille on the other model has simple straight strakes. The off-road version features rocking recovery hooks that set it apart, while both trim levels have a more squared-off appearance. Additionally, the gas-powered SUV adopted the electric EV9 SUV’s flat door handles. This gave us our first glimpse of some of the more advanced features of the next-generation Telluride. Additionally, the headlights and taillights have been redesigned to more closely resemble the EV9 and feature a more modern appearance. The new SUV’s tall shape is emphasized by the addition of vertical LED elements to the headlights and taillights. If the Telluride stays on its platform with its platform-mate, the new Hyundai Palisade, it will have a longer length and larger dimensions on the outside. The test models are nearly complete, so we shouldn’t have to wait too long for the big reveal.
