Across much of the country, conditions seem to be slipping from developed-world standards, yet paved roads have not vanished into dirt paths and debris. Still, a growing number of family SUV buyers opt for tougher off-road editions. It appears the daily commute now resembles a jungle expedition, and a store run feels like crossing remote terrain. For those eyeing the Kia Telluride, the X-Pro stands out as the version built with the most off-road intent.

Updated for 2027, the latest Telluride replaces a frequent award winner and serves as a three-row SUV that earns strong praise, recently topping an eight-vehicle comparison. The winning model in that test was not the X-Pro but instead a Telluride Hybrid in SX Prestige form.

The X-Pro arrives in SX and higher SX Prestige editions. Both include 18-inch wheels fitted with all-terrain tires, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, and a tuned suspension that raises ground clearance to 9.1 inches from the standard 7.4 inches. Exterior details gain extra black trim, while front and rear sections feature recovery hooks. The surround-view camera system adds a ground-view mode for obstacles beneath the vehicle, active at speeds up to 6 mph.

Spending an extra $3100 on the Prestige trim brings a digital rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, phone-as-key access, remote parking assist, SynTex and suede upholstery, an Ergo Motion driver seat with thigh extension, heated second-row seats, acoustic glass in the rear doors, a power-adjustable steering column, head-up display, and a 115-volt power inverter.

This equipment will not match the off-road capability of a Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Bronco, or Toyota Land Cruiser, which offer locking center differentials, disconnecting anti-roll bars, two-speed transfer cases, and crawl control. Even so, the X-Pro kit should provide an advantage over standard Tellurides on snow-covered driveways, sandy beaches, or muddy trails. The key question is how much the X-Pro gives up during everyday pavement driving that most owners will encounter.

Notably, the X-Pro skips the hybrid powertrain and uses only the standard turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a smooth eight-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive comes standard.

With 55 fewer horsepower and 28 fewer pound-feet than the hybrid setup, the X-Pro accelerates more slowly. The hybrid reaches 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, while the X-Pro needs 7.5 seconds. The difference widens during passing maneuvers, where the X-Pro takes 8.6 seconds from 5 to 60 mph compared with 6.8 seconds for the hybrid. It also trails a non-hybrid X-Line model slightly in acceleration tests. On public roads the X-Pro does not feel overly sluggish, though a short turbo lag appears that the hybrid motor masks. Despite lower output, base-engine Tellurides including the X-Pro tow up to 5000 pounds versus 4500 for hybrids, and the X-Pro includes a hitch as standard equipment.

Fuel economy suffers a modest penalty. The X-Pro is rated at 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, below other all-wheel-drive non-hybrid Tellurides at 18/24 mpg. The hybrid achieves far higher figures of 30 city and 32 highway.

HIGHS: Smooth controlled ride quality, spacious cabin, strong towing ability.

More than other Tellurides on larger wheels, the X-Pro on 18-inch wheels and taller tires delivers a plush ride that shields occupants from rough pavement. Damping remains firm enough to limit body motion during turns, acceleration, or stops. The all-terrain tires reduce grip on the skidpad to 0.76 g versus 0.81 g in the hybrid SX Prestige. Stopping distance from 70 mph stretches to 182 feet, six feet longer than the hybrid.

Extra ground clearance does not make entry difficult. The Telluride cabin earns frequent praise, yet the X-Pro trim limits color options to black or black-and-gray only. Materials mix quality levels, with comfortable mesh headrests and microsuede accents in the Prestige but harder door panels and carbon-look trim that feels less premium. The hybrid SX Prestige tested earlier included an optional package with power leg rests, adjustable second-row seats, and third-row heaters, none of which are offered on the X-Pro or other non-hybrid models.

LOWS: Slowest acceleration among Tellurides, highest fuel use, limited off-road hardware.

Controls are generally logical, though the engine start button sits at the base of the gear stalk and can be hidden by the wheel. A volume knob would be preferable to the roller, and a tuning knob is also missed. The 12.3-inch touchscreen offers extensive features and merges with the digital cluster, yet the climate display can be partly blocked by the steering wheel. Satellite radio reception proved weak and dropped signal often.

The cabin feels roomy with abundant storage. USB-C ports appear throughout all rows, and wireless chargers sit up front. The X-Pro comes only with second-row captain chairs, matching most other Telluride trims. The second row offers good space, and sliding those seats forward provides acceptable legroom for adults in the third row, though the cushion sits low. Cargo space behind the third row measures a generous 22 cubic feet.

VERDICT: The tougher Telluride adds capability without major drawbacks.

This family hauler stays practical, and the cost to step up to X-Pro remains reasonable. The X-Pro SX adds $1900 over the X-Line SX, while the X-Pro SX Prestige starts at $58,335 and costs $3100 more than the standard SX Prestige, making it the priciest non-hybrid version. Many buyers might prefer directing that money toward the hybrid instead, though opinions could shift if road conditions worsen.

Specifications

2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $58,335/$59,580
Options: Terrain Brown matte paint, $995; carpeted floor mats, $250

ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 152 in³, 2497 cm³
Power: 274 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 311 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.6-in vented disc/12.8-in vented disc
Tires: Continental CrossContact ATR
255/60R-18 108W M+S

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 116.9 in
Length: 199.2 in
Width: 78.3 in
Height: 71.5 in
Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 59/59/38 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 89/49/22 ft³
Curb Weight: 4852 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.5 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.7 sec @ 89 mph
100 mph: 20.0 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5-60 mph: 8.6 sec
Top Gear, 30-50 mph: 4.0 sec
Top Gear, 50-70 mph: 5.3 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 130 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 182 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.76 g

Interior Sound
Idle: 36 dBA/2 sone
Full Throttle: 72 dBA
70-mph Cruising: 67 dBA/21 sone

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 19 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 19/17/22 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED