Camouflaged 2026 Kia Telluride Spied in Transit Near C/D HQ

The new Telluride, expected to launch for 2026, looks remarkably like the artist’s rendering we published earlier in the year. A hybrid powertrain may be optional.By Drew DorianPublished: Apr 10, 2025Save Article

Drew Dorian|Car and Driver

• We caught a camouflaged version of the next-generation Kia Telluride demurely parked atop a car-carrying trailer in a parking lot near Car and Driver HQ.
• The new Telluride, which is expected to launch as a 2026 model, features more squared-off features than the current SUV.
• It is expected to ride on the same platform as the 2026 Hyundai Palisade, which is itself all new for 2026 and is rumored to be adding a hybrid powertrain to its spec sheet.

When the original Kia Telluride launched for the 2020 model year, it was an immediate smash hit with buyers and it has remained a popular choice among mid-size three-row SUVs since. Just six model years later, a brand-new Telluride is about to debut and we’ve caught a sneak peek of its boxy look.

Drew Dorian|Car and Driver

We spied a new Telluride near our editorial offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and although it wore heavy camouflage we can see more angular lines, a flatter roof, and a more upright front end. It appears some of the 2026 Telluride’s styling has been inspired by the electric Kia EV9, and we suspect an upward-angled rear three-quarter window is hiding behind that black tarping.

We had recently guessed on the Telluride’s new styling in our Cars Worth Waiting For feature, and we have to say our rendering artist must be some sort of psychic because it looks spot on.

Illustration by Avarvarii|Car and Driver

Given its large wheels and bright trim, the model we see here is likely a higher-end trim, but we expect to see a wide range of Tellurides, including a value-leader LX and an off-road-ready X-Pro.

Drew Dorian|Car and Driver

Hyundai’s Palisade SUV, which is the Telluride’s corporate twin, has already been shown without camo, and the U.S.-spec version is set to make its debut next week at the New York International Auto Show. Whatever powertrains the Hyundai will offer, you can bet they will make their way to the Kia. Rumor has it that a hybrid powertrain will be part of the plan for the second generation of these SUVs.

Hyundai

2026 Hyundai Palisade

We likely won’t have to wait much longer to get a glimpse of the 2026 Telluride, as it looks nearly ready for prime time in these photos. Expect a debut sometime this year, possibly as early as this summer.