2027 Kia Telluride Scores Big With Newsweek 'Best New SUV' Win
The fan-favorite three-row SUV avoids the sophomore slump, securing a massive fan-voted victory in the 2026 Readers' Choice™ Awards.
The automotive charts have a clear number-one hit. Kia America is officially celebrating a major victory as the all-new 2027 Kia Telluride has been named one of Newsweek’s “Best New SUVs” in the 2026 Readers’ Choice™ Awards.
Much like a fan-voted stadium anthem, this honor wasn’t handed out by a panel of isolated judges, it was determined by a rigorous four-week public voting period. Newsweek readers personally selected the vehicles that delivered the highest performance, quality, and overall ownership experience, proving the Telluride still holds massive drawing power.
When the first-generation Telluride debuted, it was an instant critical and commercial smash, reshaping the entire three-row SUV segment. For the second-generation 2027 model, Kia didn’t just want to release a safe remix—they wanted to elevate the entire tracklist.
“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,” says Russell Wager, Vice President of Marketing at Kia America. “Being named Best New SUV by Newsweek readers is meaningful validation that we’ve delivered a vehicle customers are genuinely excited about.”
The Newsweek Readers’ Choice™ Awards highlight products earning serious consumer trust in an evolving market. The 2027 Telluride secured its rotation at the top of the charts by blending premium comfort with heavy-hitting utility.
Key upgrades keeping this model on the A-list include:
Bold New Visuals: A complete styling overhaul that commands attention on the road.
A Refined Interior: More spacious premium seating designed for families and adventure-seekers alike.
Next-Gen Tech: Advanced driver assistance and deeply integrated connected technologies.
The Power Remix: The highly anticipated introduction of an available turbo-hybrid powertrain.
As the automotive landscape undergoes massive shifts toward connected tech and smarter safety features, winning a consumer-driven award serves as a powerful industry co-sign.
“Today’s automotive industry is being reshaped by connected technology, advanced safety, and the evolving ways people move through their lives,” notes Ryan Kinney, Senior Vice President, Research Strategy & Revenue at Newsweek. “Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice™ Awards recognize the brands earning the trust and favor of readers experiencing these changes firsthand. We congratulate this year’s winners on receiving a powerful endorsement.”
Based out of Irvine, California, Kia America is enjoying an absolute heater of a year. On top of dropping the 2027 Telluride, the brand was recognized as one of TIME’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2026.
When they aren’t topping quality surveys, Kia serves as the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and WNBA, backing up a diverse, heavy-hitting lineup of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and EVs—including the electric EV6 and EV9, which are proudly assembled in the United States from U.S. and global parts.