The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid Is the Ultimate Midsize SUV

TL;DR

The fully redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid delivers 330 horsepower and 31 MPG combined, making it a class-leading luxury family SUV at a competitive price.

Key Points

• 1.Completely redesigned exterior with upscale Range Rover-inspired styling. The new Telluride is 2.5 inches longer than its predecessor, now comparable in size to the Honda Pilot and shorter than the Toyota Grand Highlander.
• 2.Top-trim SX Prestige Hybrid starts around $57,000, with this tester optioned to just over $60,000. Base non-hybrid Telluride starts just over $40,000, undercutting most rivals.
• 3.Brand-new hybrid powertrain produces 330 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged four-cylinder. Combined fuel economy is 31 MPG with AWD, compared to the Grand Highlander Hybrid's 245-hp/34-MPG or 360-hp/27-MPG options.
• 4.Driving range approaches 600 miles on a tank in optimal conditions thanks to a large fuel tank, making it an exceptional road-trip vehicle despite weighing ~500 lbs more than the outgoing model.
• 5.Interior features a unique steering-column-mounted twist gear selector, freeing up the center console for dual wireless charging pads, multiple storage compartments, and three USB-C ports.
• 6.Executive package adds fully reclining front and rear seats with leg rests, complemented by a 'Stay Mode' that runs climate control and audio off the hybrid battery without running the engine.
• 7.Third-row passengers get heated seats and USB-C ports—rare in any vehicle—though materials step down from perforated leather to smooth leather and lose the aluminum speaker trim of the first two rows.
• 8.Throttle response feels sluggish despite the 330-hp figure, with noticeable hesitation even in Sport mode; reviewer scores it 52/100, tying the Hyundai Palisade at the top of the segment ahead of rivals like the Explorer and Grand Highlander.