David&Goliath Introduces Kia's First-Ever Telluride Hybrid in Heartwarming Spot
On air now is the second installment of the creative campaign for the all-new 2027 Kia Telluride SUV. As the first hybrid vehicle to be assembled in the state of Georgia, the second-generation Telluride combines confident performance and acceleration with outstanding efficiency and segment up comfort and convenience.
“Sea Lion,” produced by longtime creative agency David&Goliath, follows a family’s journey to make a child’s dream come true. Cuddling his favorite stuffie in the Telluride Turbo-Hybrid’s spacious second row, they begin a long road trip that spans across a valley, over mountains, and ends on a rocky coastline. The family exits their Telluride and walks to where young sea lions lounge in the sun. Overcome with joy, the young boy sets his plushie down next to its real-life likeness and takes a step back. The curious sea lion slides up to the stuffed animal and cuddles with it, warming the hearts of our family.
“With turbo-hybrid power and up to 637 miles of total driving range on the EX FWD trim, not to mention more room and bold new styling, we are thrilled to bring the first ever Telluride Turbo-Hybrid to our customers,” said Russell Wager, vice president, marketing, Kia America. “The Telluride Turbo-Hybrid offers all the things people love about Telluride – the boxy profile; the class above interior; and three row capability – and this creative campaign illustrates how the Telluride Turbo-Hybrid will seamlessly fit into their lives and allow them to do more each and every day.”
“With Sea Lion, we wanted to extend the Built for the Greater Telluride Platform and show how innovation can feel deeply human,” said Ben Purcell, Chief Creative Officer, David&Goliath. “The introduction of the Telluride Turbo-Hybrid marks a meaningful evolution for the vehicle in efficiency and range. But rather than lead with specs, we chose to tell a story about possibility. A story about greater emotional journeys that only happen when you’re able to go further, stay longer, and experience more together. It’s a reminder that progress isn’t just about performance. It’s about creating space for the memories that matter most.”
With greater overall length, more cargo space and interior roominess than the previous generation, along with a sanctuary-like cabin outfitted with features and materials typically found in luxury SUVs, the second-generation Telluride arrived standard with a turbocharged powertrain and is now available with a turbocharged hybrid powertrain with up to 329 horsepower and has a rating of an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined for the EX FWD. Thoughtful features abound. Available full LED Ground Lighting and a new Ground View Monitor (X-Pro trim exclusive), standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across every trim level, along with a host of new convenience and technology features, set a new benchmark.
The 360-degree campaign, which began with the spot “Horse Herder” consists of TV, CTV, paid social, paid digital lifestyle, out-of-home and owner channel components. Broadcast elements include :30s & :60s broadcast spots and :15s & :06s cut downs that highlight specific elements of Telluride including the X-Pro design and Hybrid powertrain; the available improved 9.1" ground clearance; and available front recovery hooks.
Offered in LX, S, EX, SX and SX-Prestige trims, as well as stylish X-Line and capable X-Pro trims, the 2027 Telluride is now available in showrooms, with the Telluride Turbo Hybrid expected to arrive in showrooms over the next few weeks.
CREDITS
Agency: David&Goliath, LA
Founder & Creative Chairman: David Angelo
Chief Creative Officer: Ben Purcell
Executive Creative Director: Avi Pinchevsky
Head of Automotive Art, GCD: John O’Hea
CD / Art Director: Ben Sweitzer
CD / Copywriter: Sammy Glicker
Art Director: Carter Waldron
Copywriter: Ashtyn Livingston
Content Creator: Rach LaMantia
Managing Director, Broadcast Production: Paul Albanese
Group Executive Producer: Christopher Coleman
Senior Producer: Tom Meloth
Producer: Ashley Bencomo
Managing Director, Integrated Production & Technology: Peter Bassett
Senior Art Producer: Jill Epstein
Digital Producer: Julia Lam
Integrated Producer: Casey Edelman
Chief Strategy Officer: Brendan Robertson
Group Strategy Director: Ahra Cho
Strategy Director: Kelly Slater
Strategist: Chase Culver
Group Communications Strategy Director: Jeff Cannata
Senior Comms Strategist: Amy Wu
Executive Director, Strategic Communications: Luke Hughes
Managing Director: Allison Draskovich
Account Director: Courtney Landrum
Account Supervisor: Amanda Reymer
Assistant Account Executive: Sophie Shrock
Senior Product Specialist: Travis Ray
Director of Business Affairs Manager: Quynh-An Phan
Senior Business Affairs Manager: Kristina Van
Business Affairs Manager: Mariel Clark
Traffic Director: Jermelia Holling
Chief Integration Officer: Amy Chiang
Associate Director of Project Management: Jon Cindric
Project Manager: Hanna Kosinski
