Kia's 2027 Telluride has earned recognition as one of Newsweek's "Best New SUVs" in the publication's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, determined by consumer voting over a four-week period.
The award reflects sustained consumer confidence in Kia's flagship three-row SUV, now in its second generation. The updated model features revised exterior styling, an expanded interior layout, enhanced driver assistance systems and a new turbocharged hybrid engine option alongside existing powertrains.
Russell Wager, Kia America's vice president of marketing, said the recognition validates the company's design and engineering decisions.
"The first-gen Telluride set a new benchmark in the three-row SUV segment, and our goal with the 2027 model was to raise that benchmark once again," Wager said in a statement. "Being named Best New SUV by Newsweek readers is meaningful validation that we've delivered a vehicle customers are genuinely excited about."
Newsweek's awards program polls readers across multiple vehicle and product categories, with winners selected exclusively through consumer choice. Ryan Kinney, senior vice president of research strategy and revenue at Newsweek, noted that the awards recognize brands earning consumer trust during a period of significant industry transformation.
"Today's automotive industry is being reshaped by connected technology, advanced safety, and the evolving ways people move through their lives," Kinney said.
The Telluride is assembled at U.S. facilities using both domestic and internationally sourced components. Kia was recognized among TIME's World's Most Sustainable Companies for 2026 and maintains partnerships with professional sports organizations including the NBA and WNBA.
Kia operates through approximately 800 U.S. dealers and offers a range of powertrains including gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric options across its lineup.
