Here's the One thing You Need to Know About the 2027 Kia Telluride So You Don't Look Foolish Like I Did

I’m lucky that I get to drive a lot of different vehicles and of course there is always a learning curve when it comes to some of the new models. Every year, as a member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press, I get to participate in the Rocky Mountain Driving Experience and test drive nearly two dozen vehicles in one day. I have driven a number of Kia Tellurides over the years at automotive events and as rentals. I must admit that I felt foolish when I hopped into the 2027 Kia Telluride and couldn’t figure out how to start it. I felt even more foolish when several friends recognized the problem right away.

How You Start the 2027 Kia Telluride

Kia has now moved the start/stop button from the dashboard to a wand that projects from the right side of the column. The wand is located in about the same position as the old shifter in a manual vehicle, however, it is stationary. Kia will tell you that it moved the button to streamline the dashboard and give it a more symmetrical look. Also, if you look at my photo, the gear shifter is on the end of the same wand. You turn the tip of the wand to change gears. The windshield wipers are on the movable wand just above the stationary wand. 

Kia also says moving the start/stop switch to the center column creates a hub for driving operations. Kia believes it makes it more intuitive to have all of the controls in the same area. I believe it will take a little getting used to. Kia has already switched a number of its other vehicles to the same type of controls. The Telluride is just making the switch on its 2027 model. 

It’s funny. I was relaying my story to friends about my embarrassment, and another person told a similar story. He had just rented a car while out of town and couldn’t find the start button. He had to have one of the rental company employees come over and help him. At least I don’t feel quite as silly now.

The 2027 Kia Telluride

The vehicle I drove is beautiful. Even though it starts around $39,000, it feels like a much more expensive ride. The interior has luxury-style finishes. It has plenty of head and legroom. It has a 3-row layout with class-leading 2nd-row legroom. It can easily seat seven or eight passengers. 

The model I drove is the X-Pro. It has a 2.5L turbocharged gas engine with 274 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque. We did not do any towing, but it has up to 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity. Kia says the Telluride can handle a range of trailers, boats, and gear with ease. A nice little easter egg is that the coordinates stamped on the tow hitch pay tribute to its namesake, Telluride, Colorado.

The Telluride is well outfitted for off-roading. Its available All-Wheel Drive w/ Terrain Mode and Electronic Limited Slip Differential can distribute power where it’s needed most and all-terrain tires give you great traction and control in diverse terrain and weather conditions. However, if you do get into trouble, the X-Pro comes equipped with standard front and rear recovery hooks. 

Ground View Monitor & Off-Road Display

The Telluride has added new technology specifically for off-roading. Exclusive on the newly upgraded Telluride X-Pro, the available Ground View Monitor displays the terrain around your vehicle at speeds under 6 mph and the off-road vehicle status screen provides certain key off-road terrain data and driving information to help you navigate challenging roads and problem areas.

The 2027 Kia Telluride was very impressive, especially at such an affordable starting price. It is easy to see why the company’s sales have been robust. It will take me some time to get used to the start button on the column but at least I have warned you, so you don’t make my mistake.

Images by Mary Conway

About the Author

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin. Follow Mary at @MaryConwayMedia on X  and on Facebook, and send her car news tips for future stories. Mary Conway is an esteemed automotive and business reporter who was inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame in 2019. Mary is a member of the Automotive Press Association, Rocky Mountain Automotive Press, Society of Professional Journalists, and NATAS.