Kia Telluride: No Australian Arrival Planned for Second Generation

The anticipation around the Kia Telluride continues to build as its second-generation model is set to launch in 2025. However, despite this flagship SUV’s popularity in North America, Australian buyers are unlikely to see it on local dealership floors. According to Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith, the Telluride’s next generation is still firmly destined for left-hand-drive markets only, keeping it out of reach for Australian buyers.

Hopes Dim for Right-Hand-Drive Telluride

The Telluride’s exclusivity to left-hand-drive markets has been a persistent issue for Australian fans of Kia’s SUV lineup. With the model manufactured in Georgia, USA, for regions like the US, Canada, and select Middle Eastern markets, adapting the SUV for right-hand drive remains a significant challenge. Meredith told Drive, “Well, if someone in the United States can get the wheel from there [left] to there [right], it would be [a chance for Australia], but it doesn't look like that will happen.” His statement hints that any right-hand drive transition would require a major overhaul—one that isn’t likely to happen soon.

While its platform-sharing counterpart, the Hyundai Palisade, has found a market in Australia by being manufactured for both left- and right-hand-drive countries in South Korea, the Telluride’s US-based production line remains solely focused on left-hand-drive exports.

Concerns About Competing With the Kia Carnival

Another factor dampening the chances of an Australian Telluride release is its potential impact on Kia’s existing lineup. Meredith expressed concern that the Telluride could cannibalize sales of the popular Kia Carnival, Australia’s best-selling people mover. “We've been incredibly strong at Carnival, and whether or not Telluride would have [added] incremental business or taken business [away] from Carnival, we probably think the latter,” Meredith noted.

What We Know About the Upcoming Telluride

The current Telluride model has been a strong performer in the US, with over 438,000 units sold since its debut in 2019. A facelift in 2022 brought a refreshed grille, bumper, and upgraded tech features, keeping it competitive in the large SUV market. With a new generation planned for the 2026 model year, spy shots have already surfaced, showing a camouflaged Telluride out on test runs. It’s expected to bring updates in design and technology, staying true to its spacious, family-friendly appeal as either a seven- or eight-seater.

For now, though, the Telluride’s arrival in Australia remains a distant hope. While Kia Australia holds out for a potential future right-hand-drive version, the focus remains firmly on the Carnival, leaving SUV enthusiasts to wonder what could have been.