2027 Kia Telluride Earns IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+
If you’re shopping for a three-row SUV that puts safety, space, technology, and capability at the top of the list, the all-new 2027 Kia Telluride deserves a close look.
The 2027 Kia Telluride has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest safety award: the 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation. For families and SUV shoppers, that recognition provides another reason to put the redesigned Telluride on your test-drive list.
But what exactly does a TOP SAFETY PICK+ award mean? What did the 2027 Telluride have to accomplish to earn it? And what else does the new Telluride bring to the table?
Let’s take a closer look at the 2027 Kia Telluride safety features, technology, performance, interior, available hybrid powertrain, towing capability, and more.
What Is the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ Award?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent organization that conducts vehicle crashworthiness and crash-avoidance testing.
Each year, IIHS establishes testing requirements for vehicles to qualify for its TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards. The requirements have become increasingly demanding as vehicle safety technology and crash-testing procedures have evolved.
For 2026, IIHS strengthened its criteria, with greater emphasis on rear-seat occupant protection and crash avoidance technology.
The 2027 Kia Telluride earned the highest designation, TOP SAFETY PICK+, with the award applying to Telluride models built after June 2026.
What Does a Vehicle Have to Do to Earn TOP SAFETY PICK+?
To qualify for the 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, a vehicle must meet demanding requirements in several areas.
The 2027 Kia Telluride earned:
- Good rating in the small overlap front crash test
- Good rating in the updated moderate overlap front crash test
- Good rating in the updated side crash test
- Good rating for standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention
- Good rating for standard pedestrian front crash prevention
- Acceptable- or good-rated headlights across all applicable trims
IIHS also evaluates seat belt reminders and other occupant-protection characteristics.
The “Plus” in TOP SAFETY PICK+ is important. Under the 2026 criteria, vehicles must go beyond the basic TOP SAFETY PICK requirements by achieving a Good pedestrian front crash prevention rating and an Acceptable or Good rating in the updated vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention evaluation. These qualifying crash-prevention systems must be standard equipment.
What Does the 2027 Kia Telluride TOP SAFETY PICK+ Award Mean for You?
A safety award doesn’t guarantee that a vehicle will prevent every crash or protect occupants in every situation, but it does provide is an important piece of independent information when you’re comparing SUVs.
The 2027 Kia Telluride performed well in IIHS evaluations covering both crashworthiness and crash avoidance. That means the Telluride was evaluated not only on how its structure and restraint systems performed in several crash scenarios, but also on the performance of its standard crash-prevention technology.
For families considering a three-row SUV, those distinctions matter.
The redesigned Telluride also incorporates a more rigid body structure and 10 standard airbags, including a front-row center airbag designed to provide additional protection between the driver and front passenger.
In other words, the Telluride’s safety isn’t based on a single feature. It comes from a combination of vehicle structure, airbags, restraints, crash-prevention technology, lighting, and other safety systems.
27 Features to Know on the 2027 Kia Telluride
Safety may be one of the biggest reasons to consider the new Telluride, but it’s far from the only one.
The second-generation Telluride has been redesigned with a larger footprint, more interior and cargo space, improved third-row access, and a broad selection of available comfort and technology features.
Here are 27 2027 Kia Telluride features worth knowing about:
- IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating for qualifying models
- 10 standard airbags
- Front-row center airbag
- Standard pedestrian front crash prevention
- Standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention
- Hands on Detection (HoD)
- Lane Following Assist 2
- In-Cabin Camera
- Parking Distance Warning – Forward
- Parking Distance Warning – Reverse
- Available Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Available 360-degree Surround View Monitor
- Available Digital Rearview Mirror
- Available 12-inch Head-Up Display
- Available Digital Key 2.0
- Available Meridian premium audio system
- Dual 12.3-inch displays
- Available heated and ventilated front seats
- Available heated and ventilated second-row outboard seats
- Available second-row captain’s chairs
- Available dual sunroofs
- Available power liftgate
- Available all-wheel drive with Terrain Mode
- Available X-Line and X-Pro models
- Available 21-inch wheels
- Available turbo-hybrid powertrain
- Available towing capability of up to 5,000 pounds on the gas Telluride
Feature availability varies by trim and configuration, but the new Telluride offers a wide range of equipment designed around family comfort, convenience, safety, and capability.
2027 Kia Telluride Safety Features
If safety is a priority in your next SUV, the 2027 Telluride offers several technologies designed to assist the driver.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The new Telluride expands its available and standard driver-assistance technology, including systems such as:
- Forward collision and pedestrian crash prevention technology
- Vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention
- Lane Following Assist 2
- Hands on Detection
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- 360-degree Surround View Monitor
- Parking Distance Warning
- In-Cabin Camera
- Enhanced lighting and visibility technology
The exact availability of individual features depends on the Telluride trim and equipment configuration.
A More Capable 2027 Kia Telluride
Safety isn’t the only area where the 2027 Telluride has been redesigned.
The new Telluride offers a choice between a turbocharged gas engine and Kia’s first-ever Telluride turbo-hybrid powertrain.
2027 Telluride Gas Engine
The gas-powered Telluride uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque.
Depending on configuration, the gas Telluride can tow up to 5,000 pounds, giving drivers additional capability for trailers, recreational equipment, and other gear.
2027 Telluride Hybrid
For drivers looking for a combination of power and efficiency, the new 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid introduces a turbo-hybrid powertrain.
The 2.5-liter turbo-hybrid system produces:
- 329 horsepower
- 339 lb.-ft. of torque
- Up to an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined on the EX FWD
- Up to a 637-mile total driving range under Kia’s stated configuration
- Available all-wheel drive and Terrain Mode
- Up to 4,500 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped
The 35 MPG combined figure applies specifically to the EX FWD configuration; fuel economy varies by trim and drivetrain.
For SUV shoppers who want three-row practicality without giving up efficiency, the hybrid is one of the most interesting additions to the 2027 Telluride lineup.
2027 Kia Telluride Interior: More Room for Passengers and Cargo
The Telluride has built a reputation as a family-friendly three-row SUV, and the redesigned 2027 model expands on that formula.
Kia says the new Telluride has a larger footprint, providing additional interior room and cargo space while also improving access to the third row.
Depending on trim, Telluride shoppers can also find features such as:
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated and ventilated second-row outboard seats
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- Available dual sunroofs
- Power liftgate
- Premium audio
- Digital displays
- Head-up display
- Digital Key technology
That combination makes the Telluride worth considering whether you’re looking for a family SUV for school, commuting, road trips, sports, or everyday errands.
2027 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro
The redesigned Telluride also gives shoppers more ways to customize the SUV’s capability and appearance.
The X-Line offers available all-wheel drive and Terrain Mode, while the more rugged X-Pro builds on the Telluride’s capability with features such as all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance.
Kia lists the X-Pro with 9.1 inches of ground clearance, making it an option for drivers who want a more adventure-oriented three-row SUV.
Why the 2027 Kia Telluride Is Worth a Test Drive
The 2027 Kia Telluride checks several boxes for today’s SUV shopper.
You get a three-row SUV with:
- An IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating
- Three-row passenger capacity
- Expanded interior and cargo space
- New driver-assistance technology
- Available all-wheel drive
- Available X-Line and X-Pro capability
- A turbocharged gas powertrain
- A new turbo-hybrid option
- Up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity in the gas model
- Available premium comfort and technology features
And perhaps most importantly, the Telluride gives shoppers the ability to prioritize different things without necessarily having to choose between them.
Want efficiency? Consider the Telluride Hybrid.
Need towing capability? The gas Telluride offers up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Want additional capability? Look at available AWD, Terrain Mode, X-Line, or X-Pro models.
Looking for a family SUV with a strong safety resume? The 2027 Telluride’s IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation is an important credential.
See the 2027 Kia Telluride at Diehl Kia of Massillon, OH
The best way to understand what makes the new Telluride different is to experience it in person.
If you’re searching for a 2027 Kia Telluride near Massillon, our team can help you explore available trims, features, drivetrain options, pricing, and availability.
Whether you’re interested in the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid, an AWD Telluride, the X-Line or X-Pro, or want to compare the different trims, we’re here to help you find the configuration that fits your needs.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact us today to ask about the 2027 Kia Telluride, check current availability, or schedule a test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 Kia Telluride
Is the 2027 Kia Telluride a safe SUV?
Yes. The 2027 Kia Telluride earned the 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation for vehicles built after June 2026. IIHS gave the Telluride Good ratings in the small overlap front, updated moderate overlap front, and updated side crash tests, along with Good ratings for its standard vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian front crash prevention systems.
What is the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award?
TOP SAFETY PICK+ is IIHS’s highest award designation. For 2026, qualifying vehicles must perform well in multiple crash tests and meet requirements for headlights and standard crash-prevention systems. The “+” designation requires stronger performance in pedestrian and vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
Does the 2027 Kia Telluride have a hybrid?
Yes. The 2027 Telluride is available with a new 2.5-liter turbo-hybrid powertrain producing 329 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque. The EX FWD version is EPA-estimated at 35 MPG combined.
How much can the 2027 Kia Telluride tow?
The gas-powered 2027 Telluride can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Telluride Hybrid can tow up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped.
How many people can the 2027 Kia Telluride seat?
The 2027 Telluride is a three-row SUV designed to accommodate up to eight passengers depending on configuration. Available second-row captain’s chairs provide an alternative configuration for shoppers who prefer second-row individual seating.
Where can I buy a 2027 Kia Telluride near Massillon?
If you’re shopping for a 2027 Kia Telluride near Massillon, Canton, Perry Heights, Dalton, or Summit County, contact Diehl Kia of Massillon to learn about current inventory, incoming vehicles, available trims, pricing, financing options, and test drives.
