2027 Kia Telluride Earns Newsweek's "Best New SUV" Award

The 2027 Kia Telluride has received recognition as one of Newsweek’s “Best New SUVs” in the publication's 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. This honor for the three-row SUV was determined through a public voting process, reflecting consumer sentiment regarding the vehicle's quality, performance, and overall ownership experience. The award highlights the updated Telluride's appeal in the competitive SUV market.

Newsweek Readers' Choice Recognition

The "Best New SUV" award from Newsweek's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards is the result of a four-week public voting period. During this time, Newsweek readers evaluated new vehicles based on their standout attributes in quality, performance, and the overall experience of owning them. This consumer-driven selection process emphasizes the direct feedback from those who interact with these vehicles daily.

According to Russell Wager, vice president of Marketing for Kia America, the initial generation of the Telluride established a high standard in the three-row SUV category. The objective for the 2027 model was to further elevate this benchmark. Wager noted that the "Best New SUV" designation by Newsweek readers serves as meaningful confirmation that Kia has successfully delivered a vehicle that genuinely excites customers.

Ryan Kinney, Senior Vice President of Research Strategy & Revenue at Newsweek, commented on the evolving automotive industry, shaped by connected technology, advanced safety features, and changing consumer lifestyles. Kinney stated that the Readers' Choice Awards acknowledge brands that earn the trust and preference of readers who experience these changes firsthand, including those who research, purchase, drive, and rely on these vehicles daily.

Updates to the 2027 Kia Telluride

The 2027 Kia Telluride builds upon the foundation of Kia's flagship three-row SUV, introducing several enhancements. These updates include a refreshed exterior design, aiming for a bolder appearance. The interior has also been redesigned to be more spacious and refined, improving the comfort and user experience for occupants.

Technological advancements are a key focus for the new Telluride. The model incorporates advanced driver assistance systems and connected technologies, designed to enhance both safety and convenience. A significant addition is the availability of a new turbo-hybrid powertrain option, expanding the vehicle's performance and efficiency choices.

The second-generation 2027 Kia Telluride is engineered to address the evolving requirements of contemporary families and individuals seeking adventure. It aims to provide increased capability, versatility, and confidence for driving conditions both on paved roads and off-road environments.

Kia's Market Position and Manufacturing

Kia America, headquartered in Irvine, California, consistently ranks highly in automotive quality surveys. The company was also recognized as one of TIME's World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2026. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" for both the NBA and WNBA, reinforcing its brand presence.

The manufacturer offers a diverse lineup of vehicles in the U.S., encompassing gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric models. These vehicles are sold through a network of nearly 800 dealerships across the country. Several of Kia's SUVs, including the 2026 and 2027 all-electric EV6 and EV9, the Sportage (excluding the PHEV model), the Sorento (excluding HEV and PHEV models), and the Telluride, are assembled in the United States using both U.S. and globally sourced components.

The recognition of the 2027 Kia Telluride as a "Best New SUV" by Newsweek readers underscores its continued relevance and appeal in the competitive three-row SUV segment. For prospective buyers, this award, coupled with the vehicle's updated features and available turbo-hybrid powertrain, positions the 2027 Kia Telluride as a notable option in the market.