The Kia Telluride has fast become the go-to for those looking for chic SUV style without spending the chic SUV price, and for 2027, this all-new Kia is looking so at home at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. With the second iteration of its flagship SUV, Kia turned an affordable suburban runabout into a runway model. Its broad shoulders, chiseled lines, and dazzling lights make the new Telluride a stunner worthy of your attention. Few Kias have been able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with luxury giants, in front of the flowing fountain of the Ritz Carlton Bacara in the opulent paradise that is Santa Barbara. But this Telluride most certainly can. It doesn’t look lost. It belongs.

There’s a sophisticated aggression with the new Telluride. It’s bigger, sharper, and more elegant than the previous model, but it still retains a hint of utility in its design. Its vertical fender notches look as if they’re holding the wheel arches to the body, the short overhangs hint at impressive ground clearance, and the robustness of its blocky grilles adds purpose to its otherwise seductive design. Like James Bond in a tactical turtle neck, the Telluride dresses to impress, but you know it’s hiding real skill underneath. Which is exactly what Kia wanted.

Whether you get the standard model, the Hybrid, or the off-road-ready X-Pro, you’re getting an SUV that won’t just look at home on a dirt road; it will be at home. The Telluride can handle terrain that would make a Land Rover put down its martini and focus. But as soon as you’re done, the Kia will look every bit at home in front of the lobby of a seaside resort.

Don’t mistake the new Telluride for being a utilitarian workhorse, though. Kia built that utility into give owners peace of mind. They’ll know that from behind the wheel, they’re ready to tackle almost anything that gets in their way. Performance on the road isn’t an afterthought, either. With the Telluride’s 2.0-liter turbocharged hybrid power train, you’re not only treated to 329 horsepower, but you also get 637 miles of range. And since the Telluride Hybrid isn’t a plug-in, you’ll never have to worry about keeping its battery charged, as the engine does that for you. And is there anything more luxurious than simply having less to worry about?

Good thing it has such long legs on the open road, as once you sit inside, you won’t want to stop and get out. Lounge-like, animal-free Syntex seats will make you feel like you’re in first-class, as will the stunning ambient lighting and endless storage. You’re also never left wanting for anything. With available heated, cooled, and massaging front seats and a 14-speaker Meridian surround-sound system, the Telluride will keep even the most spoiled customers happy. But it never feels garish or over the top. It’s subtle, refined, and elegant. Its technology isn’t confusing, its cabin is easy to use and understand. This Telluride is welcoming. Friendly, even.