2026 Kia Telluride spied for first time AUTOJUNCTION

• Redesigned Kia Telluride expected to debut in 2025 as a 2026 model
• New Telluride expected to offer hybrid powertrain for the first time
• Redesigned version of related Hyundai Palisade has also been spotted

Engineers from Kia have been spotted testing a camouflaged prototype for a redesigned Telluride for the first time.

It is being developed together with a redesigned version of the related Hyundai Palisade, with both three-row SUVs expected to debut next year as 2026 models for the U.S. market.

Spy shots of prototypes for the new Palisade show a relatively radical redesign is planned, the new Telluride looks to be taking on an evolutionary look, judging by the prototype seen in the video from YouTube channel KindelAuto.

The design of the lights look similar to what's found on the current model, and the grille also appears to have a similar shape, but with a new design for the mesh pattern. The biggest departure from the current model, at least that's visible on the prototype, are the sharper lines, especially where the A-pillar meets up with the roof. The rear also looks to drop some of the more curved lines of the current model in favor of a boxier design.

There's no clear shot of the interior but expect the dash to sport a single display panel for both the digital gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen, similar to what the current Telluride introduced with its 2023 update.

The Telluride is currently offered exclusively with a 3.8-liter V-6 rated at 291 hp, which comes mated to a front-wheel-drive system as standard but is available with all-wheel drive. Expect the new generation to offer an electrified powertrain, at least as an option. In an interview with Green Car Reports published in February, Russell Wager, Kia America's vice president of marketing, said Kia is open to offering a hybrid powertrain in the Telluride.

He said the powertrain would either be a regular hybrid or plug-in hybrid, but there won't be both on offer, like Kia has previously offered on some models.

The Telluride is one of Kia's bestselling vehicles in the U.S. The SUV's sales have averaged almost 90,000 units annually since launch, and 2023's sales total of 110,765 units was the best on record. The redesign should keep the momentum going as the Telluride faces some newer competition, including some EV entries like Kia's own EV9.