Following closely on the heels of the all-new Hyundai Palisade, anticipation is building for the 2026 Kia Telluride. Spy shots suggest a significant redesign for this popular SUV, hinting at a closer relationship with its Hyundai cousin than ever before. Automotive enthusiasts are eager to see how Kia will evolve the Telluride while maintaining its distinct appeal.
Early observations indicate that the next-generation Telluride might share more than just underpinnings with the Palisade. Notably, the side windows appear strikingly similar in recent spy photographs. This design mirroring suggests a strategic move towards shared components, a common practice in the automotive industry to manage costs, especially in the development of new internal combustion engine (ICE) models. While sharing components isn’t new between Kia and Hyundai, the visual similarities in core design elements like the greenhouse could signify a new level of platform and parts commonality.
Just as the current generation Kia Telluride debuted shortly after the present Palisade, industry watchers predict a swift unveiling of the 2026 model. With the second-generation Palisade already introduced, the official reveal of the redesigned Telluride could be imminent. This close timing reinforces the expectation that these two SUVs will continue to share fundamental aspects, focusing differentiation on styling and brand-specific features.
Under the hood, significant changes are expected. The new Palisade has adopted an updated platform and, for the Korean market, replaced the V6 engine with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, accompanied by a hybrid powertrain option. It is highly probable that the 2026 Kia Telluride will follow suit, offering similar powertrain choices. Rumors suggest the hybrid Telluride variant will also utilize a 2.5-liter engine, targeting around 300 horsepower and aiming for a fuel economy between 25 to 30 MPG.
However, the shift from a V6 to a turbocharged four-cylinder, even with hybrid assistance, raises questions for some enthusiasts. While improved MPG is a goal, the real-world gain over the current V6’s 22 MPG average might not be substantial enough to justify the change, especially if the hybrid comes at a premium price. Furthermore, the characteristic smoothness of a V6 engine could be missed by drivers who appreciate refined power delivery. Some argue that brands like Honda, with their continued use of V6 engines in models like the Pilot and Passport, offer a distinct advantage in engine refinement in a market increasingly dominated by four-cylinder turbos.
As we approach the anticipated launch of the 2026 Kia Telluride, the automotive world eagerly awaits confirmation on its design, powertrain options, and how it will differentiate itself from the closely related Hyundai Palisade. The coming months promise to reveal more about this highly anticipated SUV and its place in the competitive family vehicle market.
